Best Youth Sports Grants in New Jersey

The Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) Skills USA-Continuation-Year 4 grant program aims to provide statewide leadership for CTSOs, specifically SkillsUSA. This continuation grant, available exclusively to Somerset County Vocational School District, supports initiatives that enhance student competencies and career readiness. The grant period extends from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026, with a maximum award of $158,500, fostering leadership skills and realistic career choices among students.

The Norfolk Southern Corporate Giving: Safety First Grant Program aims to enhance community safety across its 22-state network. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $15,000, it supports organizations that provide safety services or promote safe behavior. This program reflects Norfolk Southern's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, empowering employees to engage locally. By investing in safety and workforce development, Norfolk Southern fosters thriving communities, demonstrating its dedication to social responsibility and community well-being.

The Affordable Housing Trust Fund Program aims to assist municipalities, developers, and non-profit organizations in creating affordable housing throughout New Jersey. This initiative not only addresses the need for quality housing but also promotes neighborhood revitalization and economic growth. By leveraging state and local investments, the program supports court-approved housing settlements and encourages innovative public-private partnerships. With funding up to $3 million per project, it is designed to facilitate smaller-scale developments that integrate seamlessly into local communities.

The FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) Capacity Building opportunity aims to enhance the capabilities of university researchers in eligible states. Managed by the DoD, this initiative focuses on increasing the number of researchers capable of conducting relevant science and engineering research. The program also seeks to strengthen institutions of higher education and improve their competitiveness for federal research funding, ultimately fostering long-term growth in financial assistance for scientific research.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Funding for Optimal Comprehensive Universal Screeners (FOCUS) grant, provided by the New Jersey Department of Education, supports Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in implementing high-quality universal literacy screeners for grades K-3. With a budget of $5.25 million, this initiative aims to enhance early literacy identification and instruction, ensuring compliance with state literacy standards. The grant fosters a data-driven approach to literacy education and promotes effective practices across New Jersey's educational landscape.

The FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) aims to enhance research capabilities in eligible states by increasing the number of university researchers and institutions conducting relevant science and engineering research. Sponsored by the Department of Defense, this program will fund multiyear awards to promote research aligned with national security needs. Applications require a multi-stage submission process, emphasizing early registration and timely proposal submissions.

The purpose of Digital Literacy Training is to create strategic partnerships with qualifying agencies to deliver digital skills training to the WorkFirst New Jersey population to overcome the digital divide and empower participants by improving skills with technology-based learning and resources.

The Scherman Foundation's Environmental & Climate Justice Program focuses on empowering Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities through grassroots organizing to address climate change and promote racial justice. With a regional emphasis on New York City and State, the program funds multi-issue, community-based organizations that advocate for equitable climate solutions. This initiative aims to dismantle systemic inequalities and foster a Just Transition towards sustainable, democratically controlled systems, ensuring that frontline communities lead the way in climate transformation.

The NJ Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) offers farmers financial and technical assistance to enhance conservation efforts on their lands. By enrolling in the program, producers can implement practices that improve water quality, soil health, and wildlife habitat. CSP is open to all agricultural operations and provides annual payments for ongoing conservation activities, as well as opportunities for contract renewal. This initiative supports sustainable farming while addressing critical environmental concerns throughout New Jersey.

The James M. Cox Foundation Grant offers support to nonprofit organizations focused on conservation, early childhood education, family empowerment, and health. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and located in areas where Cox Enterprises operates. Grant applications are accepted year-round, with deadlines before Trustee meetings. Preference is given to organizations with a history of local engagement. This foundation embodies the philanthropic spirit of its founder, James M. Cox, by giving back to the community.

The TD Charitable Foundation's Capacity Building Fund empowers nonprofit organizations by providing grants aimed at enhancing their operational capabilities. Established in 2002, this initiative focuses on funding projects that promote job training, arts, and housing assistance, particularly for historically underserved communities. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, the foundation seeks to support organizations that align with its TD Ready Commitment drivers, ensuring impactful and sustainable community development.

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.

The Dunkin’ Prom Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to bring joy to teenage patients unable to attend their own prom due to illness. By funding hospitals to host prom-like events, the program ensures these patients experience this significant milestone. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, supporting the creation of memorable events with themes, food, entertainment, and formal wear for the teens, making a positive impact in their lives.

The New Jersey Afterschool Program - Competitive aims to enhance out-of-school time (OST) programs across New Jersey by engaging youth in high-quality activities. This initiative seeks to improve college and career readiness and foster positive behavior among students aged 5-18. Eligible applicants include public and private 501(c)(3) organizations with proven afterschool programs, emphasizing academic support, career exploration, and community service, ensuring a focus on low-income families.

The Ernest Morgan Memorial Scholarship, managed by CommunityGiving, supports central Minnesota student athletes and leaders to pursue higher education outside their home states. This scholarship aims to expand students' horizons and experiences, with a total award of $5,000 available. Open to high school seniors from specific schools, applicants are encouraged to apply online and demonstrate their leadership or athletic skills. This initiative enhances educational opportunities and fosters personal growth among local youth.

The Dunkin' Joyful Spaces Grant supports children's hospitals and community health centers in creating joyful environments for pediatric patients. Launched in 2022, this initiative helps fund play areas, healing gardens, and other kid-friendly spaces, enhancing the hospital experience. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $65,000 annually, with a maximum of $150,000 over three years. This opportunity encourages creativity in designing spaces that provide comfort and joy to children and their families during hospital stays.

The Dogs for Joy Grant, funded by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, supports the integration of trained facility dogs in pediatric hospitals. These dogs provide emotional support, help children cope with medical procedures, and enhance overall well-being. The program aims to increase the presence of in-residence dogs, as research highlights their positive impact on reducing anxiety and improving patient outcomes. Grants typically cover multi-year funding, promoting innovative animal-assisted therapy approaches in healthcare settings.

Overview

The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH)- Community Health and Wellness Unit (CHWU) is an integral component of the Division of Health Promotion, with the primary goal of addressing leading causes of death and disabilities from chronic diseases and illness. The CHWU’s core mission includes the prevention of premature death and disability caused by chronic diseases, the identification and awareness of risk factors associated with chronic diseases, and to use leadership strategies that address evidence-based policies, systems, and environmental changes. To achieve this mission, the CHWU has cultivated a robust group of New Jersey based stakeholders that collaborate in the identification and reach to high burden populations and communities through funded work. The overarching outcome of all programs and services provided by the NJDOH-CHWU is to improve the quality of life and promote healthier living for all New Jersey residents.

Funding for the proposed activities is supported by the Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant (PHHSBG), issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to assist states in meeting public health priorities for residents. The PHHSBG was established by Congress in 1981 (Public Law 97-35) and operated within the United States, Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). It is a mandatory grant given to states as part of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, authorizing a series of health and social service initiatives. The PHHSBG allows 50 states, 2 American Indian tribes, 8 US territories, and the District of Columbia to address their own unique public health priorities, needs and challenges with innovative and community-driven methods using National Health Objectives selected from Healthy People 2030.

According to the CDC, 60% of all Americans have at least one chronic condition and 40% have two or more. This RFA builds upon existing statewide implementation of cross-cutting approaches to promote health and prevent and control chronic diseases and their risk factors. Recognizing the vital public health interest in reducing and more effectively treating chronic illnesses, the NJDOH will leverage partnerships with community-based organizations, healthcare systems, and educational sites to focus efforts on addressing chronic disease prevention and improving access to care through the development of community-clinical linkages as well as improvements to the built environment.

Scope of Work

The goal of the New Jersey Chronic Disease Prevention Program is to improve the overall health outcomes and quality of life of residents living with arthritis, adults in adult care facilities, as well as adults in tribal communities. residing in New Jersey.

The Illinois American Water Environmental Grant Program, established in 2005, supports innovative community-based environmental projects aimed at improving local watersheds and water supplies. Open to organizations within American Water service areas, it funds activities like watershed cleanup and biodiversity projects. Selection criteria emphasize project clarity, design innovation, community collaboration, sustainability, and engagement. This program reflects Illinois American Water's commitment to environmental stewardship and community support, ensuring clean and reliable water resources for all.

The EDA Philadelphia FY 2016–FY 2019 Planning Program and Local Technical Assistance Program aims to enhance regional economic development by providing grants for creating and implementing Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS). This initiative supports eligible organizations, including Indian Tribes and District Organizations, to develop plans that foster economic prosperity and job retention in distressed areas. Through various investments, the program strengthens local capacities for effective economic development and job creation.

What is a Community Foundation?

For more than 50 years, NCCF has been taking on tough problems to improve the quality-of-life in Northwest CT by supporting nonprofits that speak to the charitable passions of our generous donors. Through the generosity of fundholders and donors, NCCF has awarded more than half a million dollars in scholarships to assist students in Northwest Connecticut with the cost of higher education. This year, NCCF will administer more than 65 scholarship funds. 

About Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation

NCCF is a Community Foundation, a tax-exempt public charity that enables donors to establish funds that support the work of local nonprofits through grants and provide scholarships to local students.

NCCF's Board and Staff champion the causes you care about with smart grant-making designed specifically to adapt over time and provide highly attentive, knowledgeable, and compassionate service that brings donors and organizations together to address community issues.

Kenneth K. Mills Scholarship

Multi-year award averaging $500 per year for graduates of Shepaug Valley High School who will be/are attending Rutgers University.

Statement of Purpose

The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) is announcing the availability of funds for the Fluoride Varnish, Children’s Education and Screenings (FACES) grant. The overarching goal of the FACES program is to promote good oral health practices for school aged children through application of fluoride varnish as an oral health preventive measure via a voluntary school-based program. Additionally, this grant offers the opportunity to participate in the New Jersey Department of Health Basic Screening Survey for specified populations.

The infrastructure for this initiative will support new or existing programs in building preventive oral health services, including education programs and Fluoride varnish application for school aged children to promote the importance of oral health. The FACES program will coordinate and implement activities and strategies to address oral health issues affecting children from pre-K through grade 12. These efforts will be guided by a community needs assessment that identifies children at high risk for developing dental decay and other oral health problems.

Although the primary target population for this grant is school-aged children, other vulnerable groups at higher risk for dental decay—such as elderly individuals residing in assisted living or nursing homes, or pregnant women of lower socioeconomic status—will also be eligible to receive fluoride varnish as an evidence-based preventive measure. The decision to include additional at-risk populations should be made by the State Dental Director or the Program Management Officer, at the request of the applicant.

The program will utilize the Basic Screening Survey (BSS) to better understand the existing oral health status of specific populations. The BSS is a best practice recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors (ASTDD).

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 Gridiron Veterans Scholarship, provided by the Bob Woodruff Foundation, offers essential financial support for military veterans and first responders. This initiative focuses on wellness, rehabilitation, and recovery programs, ensuring participants can access mental health services, physical therapy, and holistic resources. The foundation prioritizes those facing emotional and physical challenges, empowering them to overcome barriers and improve their quality of life through customized, evidence-based support.

The CFF Champions Award celebrates organizations in the NY-NJ-CT region that drive food system change towards equity, sustainability, and economic viability. Each year, the award promotes exemplary work, offering a $10,000 grant to support transformative initiatives. Awardees present their efforts at the Annual Gathering, share updates with the CFF network, and contribute to future selection committees, fostering collaboration and community engagement in building a better food system.

The Water and Environment Grant Program by the American Water Charitable Foundation supports innovative community projects aimed at improving watersheds, conserving water, and enhancing access to recreation in underserved areas. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and educational institutions located within American Water's service areas. Projects must be completed within 12 months, and applicants should consider budget feasibility when requesting funds. Certain organizations and projects, such as those not classified as 501(c)(3), are ineligible.