Best Water Grants in New Jersey

Certified local health agencies in New Jersey can receive funding to provide environmental health services under the County Environmental Health Act. With a mission to protect public health and the environment, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection supports countywide assessment and improvement plans that may include water and broader environmental health activities.

New Jersey public water systems serving small or disadvantaged communities can apply for funding to address emerging contaminants in drinking water, including PFAS. New Jersey water organizations can access funding through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for testing programs, technical assistance, local contractor training, and other activities needed to tackle contaminant problems in vulnerable systems.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

Nonprofits and community-based organizations in New Jersey and New York can receive $2,000 - $4,000 to host in-person community engagement sessions on estuary health and water issues. Focused on water quality, habitat, and public access, the Hudson River Foundation prioritizes sessions involving multiple partners and disadvantaged or overburdened communities within the NY/NJ Harbor Estuary area.

Organizations acquiring land to protect water and natural resources in New Jersey’s Highlands Region can access matching funds through the Highlands Open Space Partnership Funding Program. Grants from New Jersey Highlands Coalition support property acquisition in eligible Highlands counties, covering up to 50% of purchase costs to safeguard critical water and forest resources.

Organizations implementing natural climate solutions in New Jersey can apply for State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection grants, awarding US $250,000 - US $5,000,000 for on-the-ground projects that create, restore, or enhance natural carbon sinks. Grants may benefit water-focused efforts involving salt marshes, tidal wetlands, seagrass beds, and related coastal or urban ecosystems.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3), (4), (6), or (19) nonprofits with strong financial history can seek US $50,000 - US $400,000 for sustainability projects benefiting communities in New Jersey and other eligible states. Green Mountain Energy supports initiatives like freshwater conservation, water resource management, renewable energy, and broader environmental stewardship with measurable environmental, social, and financial impact.

Wildlife conservation 501(c)(3) nonprofits in New Jersey seeking to share their impact stories can apply for the J.W. Couch Foundation Storytelling Grant, with awards of more than US $50,000. Grants support storytelling projects that highlight work in areas like wildlife conservation, environmental preservation, and related community-focused initiatives.

State and local governments, private nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes in rural New Jersey can apply for USDA: Rural Development’s Water & Waste Disposal funding to build or upgrade drinking water, sewer, solid waste, and stormwater systems. Eligible projects may also cover related legal, engineering, land, equipment, and start-up costs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, New Jersey can access funding through Penn National Gaming for community development, education, human services, health, cultural, and veteran support programs. Grants from Penn National Gaming help New Jersey groups address local residents’ needs in areas where the company has a business interest.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities working on disaster preparedness and recovery in New Jersey can seek funding to support water-related emergency preparation and resilience projects. WD-40 Company’s Memory Making Fund backs organizations with a strong track record in community preparedness, aligned with UN SDG 11.5, offering up to US $200,000 for eligible initiatives.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on water resource management, environmental conservation, or related education can apply for Joseph Robert Foundation grants up to US $10,000 for general operating or project support. Smaller organizations under $300,000 in budget are prioritized, and funding typically covers one-year initiatives in the mid-Atlantic region.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

Environmental and human services 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and libraries in New Jersey can seek unrestricted program or operating support for environmental and community initiatives. Focused on environment and related causes, the Lawrence Foundation typically awards US $5,000 - US $10,000, and water or freshwater conservation projects may be eligible if they fit its priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and schools running environmental programs in New Jersey can access funding through American Honda Motor for decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient use of natural resources. Grants from American Honda Motor help support projects like energy efficiency upgrades, onsite solar or wind, recycling, composting, and other sustainability initiatives; awards range from US $25,000 - US $100,000.

Nonprofit organizations in New Jersey working on community-based programs, including environmental or wildlife protection that may touch freshwater conservation or water resource management, can apply for grants of US $1,000 - US $20,000. Grants from Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation help U.S. nonprofits where relatively small awards can make a large difference.

Agricultural and livestock producers in New Jersey can receive funding to improve water management and related conservation practices through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Focused on risk reduction and resource conservation, this program supports irrigation improvements, water management structures, and practices that benefit water resource management and sustainable agriculture.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with water resource management or environmental education programs, including work in New Jersey, can seek US $5,000 - US $20,000 from the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust. Funding prioritizes educational initiatives, especially for youth and economically or otherwise disadvantaged people, and may also support related community and youth programs connected to water and environmental issues.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Federally Recognized Tribal Nations, and agencies in New Jersey can apply for The Nature Conservancy’s Resilient and Connected Appalachians grants, awarding up to US $100,000 for fee and easement land acquisition. Funding covers capital, project development, stewardship, community engagement, and related operational and legal costs that protect resilient, connected lands and water resources.

American Water Charitable Foundation provides New Jersey 501(c)(3) public charities and K-12 schools, colleges, and universities with funding for watershed protection, water conservation, and equitable access to water-based recreation. Eligible projects must be community-based, completed within 12 months, and located within and benefiting American Water’s New Jersey service areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving community quality of life in New Jersey can seek project, general operating, or capital support that advances economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief. With a mission to strengthen underserved communities, O'Reilly Automotive Foundation provides funding to local, non-discriminatory charities in areas where O’Reilly Auto Parts has a business presence.

Organizations in New Jersey and nearby New York counties planning free, waterfront community events for City of Water Day can receive US $1,000 - US $4,000 to cover event costs. Hudson River Foundation supports programs that creatively highlight climate change, resilience, and equitable waterfront access through activities like boating, workshops, and educational outreach.

Nonprofit organizations working on equitable, sustainable food systems in New Jersey, New York, or Connecticut can apply for North Star Fund’s Community Food Funders Champions Award; awards US $10,000 to support their work. Smaller or newer groups with strong racial justice leadership and regional food system impact may particularly benefit.

New Jersey grassroots organizations with annual budgets under $200,000 can access funding for water, natural resource, and cultural resource projects in the Highlands region. New Jersey water-focused groups may be eligible for up to US $5,000 to support conservation, advocacy, planning, education, or capacity-building efforts that protect Highlands freshwater and related landscapes.

Grassroots, non-governmental organizations with annual budgets under $200,000 working in the New Jersey Highlands can apply for New Jersey Highlands Coalition emergency small grants, with awards up to US $5,000 for advocacy, conservation, education, or capacity-building projects. Grants from New Jersey Highlands Coalition help New Jersey groups protect Highlands water, forests, cultural resources, and related freshwater ecosystems.

Local and state government entities in New Jersey can receive funding to purchase electric vehicles and charging equipment, supporting cleaner municipal and state fleets. With a mission to ensure safe, adequate, and proper utility services, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities provides incentives that may benefit agencies managing transportation and related infrastructure.