Best Volunteer Grants in New Jersey

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The FirstEnergy Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations within FirstEnergy's service areas, aiming to enhance community quality of life, workforce development, and safety initiatives. Grants are directed towards local economic development and volunteer efforts aligned with corporate interests. However, the Foundation does not fund individuals, political activities, or certain organizations, ensuring support is focused on broad community benefits. Interested applicants should consult local FirstEnergy management before applying.

Community Foundation of New Jersey

Over our 46-year history, the Community Foundation of New Jersey has collaborated with individuals, families, organizations, and businesses to design charitable funds and implement the philanthropic solutions they want to see in their communities. We leverage $1.17 billion in assets and 1,200 funds to help our partners think boldly and creatively about ways to give.

Scholarship Fund Overview

Beyond a shared commitment to educational opportunity, families establish scholarship funds with a variety of goals and purposes in mind. They may offer traditional scholarships or customize fund awards for alternative scholarships.

Currently, CFNJ administers more than 135 scholarship funds. Our scholarship opportunities run the gamut, from those exclusive to a local high school or geographic region to those supporting specific majors or career pursuits. Last year, we awarded over $2 million in scholarship assistance to 271 scholars.

Applicants may be evaluated on academic performance; extracurricular activities; community involvement; paid or unpaid work; and a statement of their personal aspirations, educational goals, and demonstrated unmet financial need in our scholarship review process.

Hardyston Township First Aid Squad Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a college-bound, graduating high school senior who is a resident of Sussex County; has demonstrated a significant first response commitment to serving their community; and has shown a willingness to help others in whatever way they can. Service before self — whether as an EMS, fire, or other volunteer emergency first responder — is important. Students must have achieved a cumulative 3.0 GPA or better.

Honda’s Community Event Sponsorship aims to support local, regional, and national events that enhance community engagement and celebrate diverse cultures. Organizations must be U.S.-based and tax-exempt, focusing on projects that serve communities where Honda associates are active. Eligible events include parades, festivals, and educational initiatives. Honda evaluates requests based on community needs and available funding, reinforcing its commitment to social responsibility and community enhancement.

Salem Health and Wellness Foundation

The Salem Health and Wellness Foundation was founded in 2002 for the purpose of promoting the health and wellness of Salem County, New Jersey residents. The Foundation has made over $59 million in grants, contributions and scholarships to more than 60 organizations, all with the specific requirement that the funds address health problems in our county.

Grantmaking Overview

The Salem Health and Wellness Foundation is committed to supporting projects that enhance, improve, and transform the health, safety and well-being of the County’s residents. This is done primarily through the Foundation’s grantmaking process that is simultaneously attentive to community strengths and challenges. All grant opportunities are available through public notice through our website and/or announcements by the Foundation’s Executive Director.

The Foundation’s work is guided by its Mission and Values, as well as the Social Determinants of Health and Five Protective Factors. We believe that the “determinants” should be reframed as “drivers” of health, highlighting the Foundation’s desire to build on the strengths and strong traditions of community support from Salem County’s citizen volunteers, non-profit organizations, government offices, faith and business communities and health care providers. Our grantmaking is based on our belief in possibilities.

Salem Health and Wellness Foundation’s grantmaking is also driven by available data and community narratives. This information supports our priority setting and funding decisions. We strongly encourage all grant applicants to use the valuable combination of data, and the accompanying narratives, in shaping their proposals.

Mini-Grant Program

The mini-grant program is for small-scale programming or short-term projects (6 months or less), that align with the interests and the goals of the Foundation and promotes the overall health and wellness of Salem County residents.

Requests are accepted on a rolling basis through the Foundation’s grant portal. Allow up to 60 days for review and determination by the Foundation. The Foundation may contact you during the review process. Requests may not exceed $3,000. Awards are limited to one per organization per calendar year. An organization may receive funding for more than one year, but a new application must be submitted each year. Approval of one year of funding carries with it no assurance of continued funding in subsequent years. A final report will be submitted online. This report will be due 30 days after the project is complete to maintain eligibility for future funding.

Salem Health and Wellness Foundation

The Salem Health and Wellness Foundation was founded in 2002 for the purpose of promoting the health and wellness of Salem County, New Jersey residents. The Foundation has made over $59 million in grants, contributions and scholarships to more than 60 organizations, all with the specific requirement that the funds address health problems in our county.

Grantmaking Overview

The Salem Health and Wellness Foundation is committed to supporting projects that enhance, improve, and transform the health, safety and well-being of the County’s residents. This is done primarily through the Foundation’s grantmaking process that is simultaneously attentive to community strengths and challenges. All grant opportunities are available through public notice through our website and/or announcements by the Foundation’s Executive Director.

The Foundation’s work is guided by its Mission and Values, as well as the Social Determinants of Health and Five Protective Factors. We believe that the “determinants” should be reframed as “drivers” of health, highlighting the Foundation’s desire to build on the strengths and strong traditions of community support from Salem County’s citizen volunteers, non-profit organizations, government offices, faith and business communities and health care providers. Our grantmaking is based on our belief in possibilities.

Salem Health and Wellness Foundation’s grantmaking is also driven by available data and community narratives. This information supports our priority setting and funding decisions. We strongly encourage all grant applicants to use the valuable combination of data, and the accompanying narratives, in shaping their proposals.

Sponsorship Opportunities

The Salem Health and Wellness Foundation offers event sponsorship to eligible nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations for events held in Salem County or impacting health and wellness issues related to Salem County. This includes galas, fundraising opportunities, community meetings, conferences, etc. Sponsorship requests must not exceed $1,000. Organizations are only eligible for one event per calendar year.

The Salem Health and Wellness Foundation logo must be present on marketing materials related to the event. 

The Greenspring Grant Program, established in 2012, focuses on supporting local non-profits dedicated to economic and workforce development. With $100,000 in grants ranging from $10,000 to $15,000, the program is entirely employee-run, allowing teams to select deserving organizations. Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) non-profits in Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, while special consideration is given to local initiatives aimed at recovery, youth, and underserved populations.

The Corporate Giving Program by the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations within specific states. They prioritize initiatives that enhance community welfare, especially in agriculture, education, health, and environmental sustainability. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status to apply, and preference is given to those involving Perdue associates. Ineligible requests include those from religious, political, or individual-focused groups. This program emphasizes broad community benefits over organizational affiliations.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

The Individual Artist Fellowship Awards, offered by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, support practicing artists in New Jersey to pursue their artistic goals. With two application deadlines on July 2 and July 16, 2025, these fellowships are awarded based on the artistic quality of submitted work, evaluated by independent panels. Eligible artistic categories range from Film and Digital to Painting and Interdisciplinary works, fostering creativity across diverse disciplines.

The NJDEP Recycling Awards recognize outstanding contributions to recycling in New Jersey. This annual event honors individuals, businesses, and institutions that have significantly advanced recycling efforts. Categories include Government, Business, Volunteer Citizen, and more, celebrating innovative programs and dedicated service that promote sustainability and resource management. By showcasing best practices, the awards aim to inspire others to enhance recycling initiatives across the state, contributing to a greener future for New Jersey.

The Wawa Foundation offers financial grants exceeding $2,500 to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations in its six-state market, focusing on health, hunger, and supporting everyday heroes. Applications are accepted in January, April, July, and October, with grant requests reviewed prior to the next submission window. Eligible organizations include those working to improve lives through health initiatives, hunger relief efforts, and support for community heroes. For more details, visit the Wawa Foundation's official site.

The Champions in Action Grant, offered by the Citizens Charitable Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York City, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Southern Florida. This funding, totaling $50,000, aims to empower nonprofits addressing social challenges through innovative solutions. With an application deadline extended to August 22, 2025, eligible organizations can gain not only financial support but also media coverage and volunteer assistance to enhance their community impact.

The Baltimore Life Community Grants Program, established by the Baltimore Life Foundation, awards grants of up to $500 to nonprofit organizations in various states, including Maryland and Virginia. This initiative aims to enhance community quality of life through projects that focus on family safety and community enhancement. Eligible applicants must be IRS-certified 501(c)(3) organizations, with priority given to those with volunteer support. This program reflects Baltimore Life's commitment to corporate citizenship and community involvement.

The New Jersey Arts and Culture Renewal Fund supports smaller nonprofit arts and culture organizations in New Jersey, providing unrestricted grants to enhance resilience and stability. Established in 2020, this fund aims to ensure equitable access to cultural experiences, particularly for historically marginalized communities. By prioritizing organizations focused on arts, education, and history, it fosters engagement and representation in the arts sector, addressing systemic inequities and promoting a vibrant cultural landscape across the state.

The Programmatic Support - Education Pillar Award by Honda aims to enhance workforce readiness in the manufacturing sector. It supports nonprofit organizations and schools focused on hands-on programs in design, software/data analytics, and AI/machine learning. Eligible applicants must be US-based and have 501(c)(3) status. The initiative prioritizes projects that train individuals for manufacturing roles, develop technical skills, and introduce automation to prepare for evolving industry demands, ultimately fostering economic prosperity in local communities.

The Environment Pillar Award by Honda supports nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S. focused on sustainability. Grants aim to reduce environmental impact through programs in decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource use. Eligible projects must align with Honda's mission and primarily benefit communities where Honda associates live and work. Organizations can apply for up to two grants, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria, including tax-exempt status under the IRS.

The Nissan Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations that promote cultural diversity and heritage. Established in 1992, the foundation focuses on enhancing community quality of life where Nissan operates. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status, be active for over three years, and serve specific communities. Ineligible programs include those not aligned with the foundation's mission, such as disease advocacy and political activities. The foundation does not provide multi-year grants, but organizations can reapply for funding in subsequent cycles.

The Scott Ralls Fund Grant, administered by the American Camping Association, NY and NJ, supports capital improvement projects for nonprofit accredited camps. Established in honor of Scott Ralls, a dedicated advocate for the camp industry, the fund has distributed over $372,000 to enhance the camp experience. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit accredited member camps, with a preference for projects that are standalone and can be completed within a year.

The Roothbert Fund Scholarship, established by Albert and Toni Roothbert, provides financial assistance to individuals pursuing education in the U.S., emphasizing candidates motivated by spiritual values. Since its inception in 1958, the fund has supported over 1,350 fellows, fostering a community with annual retreats and online connections. Open to all regardless of background, the scholarship prioritizes graduate students and those with a year of college completed, ensuring a lasting impact on the lives of young idealists.

The AABE National & Regional Scholarship, awarded by the American Association of Blacks in Energy, supports students pursuing careers in the energy sector. Annually, over $350,000 is distributed through multiple scholarships, including six regional awards of $3,000 and one national award of $5,000, renewable for up to four years. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate commitment to energy-related fields, promoting diversity and equity in education.

Salem Health and Wellness Foundation

The Salem Health and Wellness Foundation was founded in 2002 for the purpose of promoting the health and wellness of Salem County, New Jersey residents. The Foundation has made over $59 million in grants, contributions and scholarships to more than 60 organizations, all with the specific requirement that the funds address health problems in our county.

Grantmaking Overview

The Salem Health and Wellness Foundation is committed to supporting projects that enhance, improve, and transform the health, safety and well-being of the County’s residents. This is done primarily through the Foundation’s grantmaking process that is simultaneously attentive to community strengths and challenges. All grant opportunities are available through public notice through our website and/or announcements by the Foundation’s Executive Director.

The Foundation’s work is guided by its Mission and Values, as well as the Social Determinants of Health and Five Protective Factors. We believe that the “determinants” should be reframed as “drivers” of health, highlighting the Foundation’s desire to build on the strengths and strong traditions of community support from Salem County’s citizen volunteers, non-profit organizations, government offices, faith and business communities and health care providers. Our grantmaking is based on our belief in possibilities.

Salem Health and Wellness Foundation’s grantmaking is also driven by available data and community narratives. This information supports our priority setting and funding decisions. We strongly encourage all grant applicants to use the valuable combination of data, and the accompanying narratives, in shaping their proposals.

Public Health Grants

The Salem Health and Wellness Foundation supports system improvement and transformation projects under the category of Public Health grants. These grants are based on the Social Determinants of Health, taking into account the physical, psychological and social well-being and safety of Salem County residents. The projects tend to be larger in scope and nature and typically address the opportunities available to improve significantly the health, safety and well-being outcomes for the County. For the vast majority of grants, our team will approach an organization directly and invite them to submit a proposal. Infrequently, we may solicit applications for a targeted project through an open call for proposals. Public Health grant proposals must be approved by the foundation’s Board of Directors.

Categories for Public Health Grants include: Care Closet Grants; and Salem Public Health Fellowship

Salem Public Health Fellowship

Introduction

The Salem Health and Wellness Foundation (SHWF) is seeking proposals for an organizationbased, one-year Fellowship. The purpose of the Fellowship is to create systemic change and/or improvement in an area of public safety, health and well-being that impacts the lives of Salem County residents. More specifically, the desired goal of the Fellowship is to alter the trajectory and outcome measurements for a health or well-being issue that has, up to this point, remained stubbornly poor.

The Fellowship, in the amount of $50,000, will be awarded to an organization for a period of one year, with a possibility of a second-year renewal. The Foundation will also provide a 10% administrative cost for the host organization. The organization will be responsible for the recruitment, hiring, training, supervision, and support of the Fellow. In addition, the organization will take a lead role in managing the systems change/improvement project, while working in collaboration with other supportive partners.

The SHWF hopes to identify, and come alongside, a grantee who will plan, define, and implement a fresh, innovative strategy that builds on past practice, current data sources and community narratives and existing promising approaches from around the country. The strategy must have a plan for scaling and sustainability, as well as evaluation. Any health, safety or wellbeing issue will be considered for the Fellowship.

The Fellowship can address any public health, safety or wellness issue in Salem County. The applicants must have a presence in Salem County and must be providing services and/or supports to Salem County citizens. Additionally, the ideal candidate should have the organizational history and capacity to manage complex projects. The Foundation is seeking applicants who will propose a project that goes beyond an individual program and provides a path towards innovation and change for the purpose of improving outcomes in a way that can be sustained and brought to scale. The organization can add to or supplement the amount committed to the Fellowship. However, all the Foundation’s grant dollars must be spent on the Fellowship. There are also funds to support some of the organization’s administrative costs for the effort.

Carl Hill Memorial Scholarship

Awards:

• One time award of $500.

Salem Health and Wellness Foundation

The Salem Health and Wellness Foundation was founded in 2002 for the purpose of promoting the health and wellness of Salem County, New Jersey residents. The Foundation has made over $59 million in grants, contributions and scholarships to more than 60 organizations, all with the specific requirement that the funds address health problems in our county.

Grantmaking Overview

The Salem Health and Wellness Foundation is committed to supporting projects that enhance, improve, and transform the health, safety and well-being of the County’s residents. This is done primarily through the Foundation’s grantmaking process that is simultaneously attentive to community strengths and challenges. All grant opportunities are available through public notice through our website and/or announcements by the Foundation’s Executive Director.

The Foundation’s work is guided by its Mission and Values, as well as the Social Determinants of Health and Five Protective Factors. We believe that the “determinants” should be reframed as “drivers” of health, highlighting the Foundation’s desire to build on the strengths and strong traditions of community support from Salem County’s citizen volunteers, non-profit organizations, government offices, faith and business communities and health care providers. Our grantmaking is based on our belief in possibilities.

Salem Health and Wellness Foundation’s grantmaking is also driven by available data and community narratives. This information supports our priority setting and funding decisions. We strongly encourage all grant applicants to use the valuable combination of data, and the accompanying narratives, in shaping their proposals.

Matching Gift Program

The Matching Gift Program was initiated by the Foundation in 2010. The Matching Gift Awards have three primary purposes:

• Matching Grants can help organizations build their donor base and thus support the work related to their health and well-being mission and vision.
• Matching Grants can be used to support general operating expenses, as well as any priority projects of an organization.
• Matching Grants can be used as “match” for other grant awards from government or philanthropic sources.

Requests for Applications are typically released in the beginning of the calendar year through the Foundation’s grant portal. Awarded applicants will have a specified time period to raise new funds that are eligible for match from the Foundation. Awards are limited to one per organization per calendar year. An organization may receive funding for more than one year, but a new application must be submitted each year. Approval of one year of funding carries with it no assurance of continued funding in subsequent years. A final report will be submitted online. This report will be due 30 days after the program is complete to maintain eligibility for future funding.

The Henry A. Jordan, M.D., Preservation Excellence Fund supports innovative projects in the Mid-Atlantic region, offering up to $5,000 to organizations committed to protecting cultural and natural resources. Established in 1996, this fund promotes collaboration among various stakeholders, facilitates policy development, and enhances public engagement in preservation issues. Eligible activities include planning and education efforts, requiring applicants to match grant funds and adhere to specific conditions to ensure effective use of resources for community sustainability.

The New Jersey Highlands Coalition offers Small Grants up to $5,000 for grassroots organizations focusing on enhancing and protecting the natural and cultural resources of the New Jersey Highlands. These grants support projects that contribute to the Highlands Regional Master Plan, promote environmental protection, and raise public awareness. Organizations applying must have an operating budget under $200,000 and be current Coalition members. The aim is to foster sustainable resource management and community engagement in the Highlands.

The New Jersey Highlands Coalition offers emergency funding grants up to $5,000 for grassroots organizations working to protect the region's vital natural and cultural resources. These grants support projects that enhance the Highlands Regional Master Plan, advocate for environmental protection, and educate the public on conservation. Organizations with an operating budget under $200,000 and current Coalition membership are eligible to apply, ensuring support for impactful local initiatives.