Best Plant Grants in New Jersey

Students conducting plant science or botanical conservation research that includes at least one species from New Jersey or the broader northeastern and mid-Atlantic region can apply for the Bayard Long Award, with typical awards of US $2,000. Grants from Philadelphia Botanical Club support field, herbarium, and lab work, including travel, living expenses, supplies, and minor equipment.

Researchers and research institutions studying plant science, zoology, or biodiversity in the Mid-Atlantic, including New Jersey, can apply for Washington Biologists' Field Club’s competitive awards, up to US $6,000, to support field-based natural history research. Projects on systematics, ecology, conservation, or poorly known taxa, especially in the Potomac River drainage, may be prioritized.

Researchers and advanced students conducting botanical field, herbarium, library, or archival studies on plants of northeastern North America, including New Jersey, can apply for the Les Mehrhoff Botanical Research Award, offering up to US $2,000. Grants from New England Botanical Society favor innovative projects that lack traditional academic or institutional funding.

New Jersey botanical conservation and forestry nonprofits can access funding through the Oak Hill Fund to restore diminished native tree species. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations across the continental U.S. may propose scientific research, seed orchard development, or forest land preservation projects; project-specific requests are preferred and related overhead costs are allowed.

Undergraduate and graduate students conducting botany, plant ecology, or plant-focused research within the Northern California Botanists geographic range can receive US $1,500 research scholarships, even if enrolled at New Jersey institutions. Northern California Botanists supports independent study, thesis, or dissertation projects that advance plant science and botanical conservation.

Students pursuing natural resource-related fields such as botany or environmental stewardship can receive scholarship support for higher education; applicants must reside in specific northeastern Illinois counties. With a mission to support conservation-focused education, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois provides students interested in botanical conservation and related studies with funding that may benefit those seeking plant-focused careers.

Undergraduate juniors, seniors, and graduate students in plant sciences, conservation, environmental sciences, or landscape architecture can receive scholarship support from the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region. Focused on higher education access, this award may benefit New Jersey students pursuing botanical conservation or related environmental studies who meet the funder’s academic and financial-need criteria.

PhD students at U.S. graduate institutions conducting plant-focused scientific research can receive US $6,000 for research and outreach expenses through this fellowship, usable at sites in New Jersey or abroad. Grants from Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens help advance botanical conservation, sustainable agriculture, and public-facing science communication training and activities.

Graduating high school seniors planning to study landscape architecture, environmental science, environmental engineering, horticulture, botany, forestry, or agriculture can access funding that supports plant-related higher education fields. Focused on these disciplines, Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains invites eligible students, particularly those aligned with botanical and environmental studies, to apply for tuition assistance toward college or post-secondary degree programs.

Graduating high school seniors in New Jersey planning to study natural resources conservation, fish and wildlife management, forest management, or similar fields at a 2- or 4-year college can apply for the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation’s Cattaraugus County Trappers Memorial Scholarship. Applicants should demonstrate financial need, outdoor sports involvement, and a clear conservation-focused career path.

Undergraduate students in plant science or botanical conservation from the U.S. and Puerto Rico can receive full support to attend the 2025 Botany conference, including travel, lodging, and registration. Focused on immersive mentoring and career exploration, the Botanical Society of America program may benefit New Jersey students pursuing botanical research pathways.

The Bureau of Land Management's Plant Conservation and Restoration Program (PCRP) aims to enhance the native seed supply chain, crucial for restoring resilient public lands. By collaborating with various partners, PCRP seeks to improve rangeland health, restore wildlife habitats, and create job opportunities. In 2026, the focus will be on local seed collections, supporting farmers entering the native seed market, and developing innovative technologies to ensure effective restoration outcomes and ecological resilience.

Individuals in New Jersey and across North America studying or conserving native orchids can receive US $500 awards for their work through the Philip Keenan Award from the American Orchid Society. Students, amateurs, and professionals focused on botanical conservation may apply on their own behalf or nominate another deserving individual.

Graduate students in biology, horticulture, or related fields conducting conservation horticulture research can receive up to US $4,500 for work at a U.S. botanical garden. Grants from Garden Club of America help New Jersey and other U.S.-based students study and conserve rare and endangered plants, with preference for projects on flora of the Carolinas or Southeast.

Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund)

TREE Fund is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to support scientific discovery and dissemination of new knowledge and best practices in the fields of arboriculture and urban forestry.

TREE Fund’s research and education programs shape industry best practices, improve workforce safety and contribute to the long-term sustainability of our communities in the following crucial ways:

• Improving the quality of nursery grown trees and overall tree survival through the development of hardier, drought- and disease-resistant species.
• Stopping diseases and pests while reducing pesticide use with the evolution of integrated pest management programs.
• Enhancing public and workforce safety with advanced tree risk assessment techniques and greater knowledge about why and how trees fail.
• Quantifying the benefits of trees which makes it easier for governments and businesses to project their return on tree care investment.
• Revolutionizing global best practices for growing strong, healthy landscape trees.
• Connecting youth with nature to promote environmental stewardship in the next generation and inspire them to consider careers in green industries.

Lucas Tree Experts Integrated Vegetation Management Endowed Research Fund

Since 1926, John Lucas Tree Expert Co. has worked with investor-owned utilities, electric cooperatives, municipalities, railroads, and pipeline customers throughout the United States and Canada. Innovation has always been a core value, and Lucas remains committed to innovation that makes the industry safer, greener, and more efficient. The Lucas Tree Experts Integrated Vegetation Management Endowed Research Fund is a new endowment fund of Tree Research and Education Endowment (TREE) Fund created to support research in Integrated Vegetation Management in the United States and Canada.

This fund program was created in 2026 to help celebrate Lucas Tree’s 100th anniversary. Lucas Tree’s anniversary marks a century of innovation, safety, and stewardship in utility vegetation management.

Projects are expected to be completed within one to three years. No project may receive more than one award from this program.

Application Requirements can be found here.

About The American Chestnut Foundation:

Our mission is to return the iconic American chestnut to its native range.

Our vision is a robust eastern forest returned to its splendor.

Small Grants Program

Are you looking for funding to support your American chestnut research? External small grants offer recipients a variety of benefits such as professional development and an expanded network. Grant activities contribute to the continuous renewal and development of faculty and staff, to the education and motivation of students, and achievement of our mutual interest — restoration of the American chestnut. This is a small grants program. TACF does not ordinarily fund projects in excess of $10,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering nutrition education, food access, or culinary arts training programs can seek support from the Ann B Zekauskas Family Foundation, including those serving New Jersey communities. Focused on nutrition and healthy eating, the foundation invites schools and community groups to request funding to educate children and families about growing, preparing, and eating healthy foods.

Nonprofits, mission-oriented for-profits, and eligible housing entities with scalable affordable housing innovations can seek US $2,000,000 grants to expand their impact, including in New Jersey. Enterprise Community Partners and Wells Fargo support solutions in design and construction, finance, and service delivery that increase housing choice and access for lower-income residents.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups working on food system transformation can apply for Stray Dog Institute’s US $2,500 - US $10,000 grants, including those in New Jersey. Funding supports work such as sustainable agriculture, environmental and health policy, animal welfare, and food justice, which may benefit plant-focused and botanical conservation initiatives.

AFL Community Grants aim to empower education, youth, and life advancement through targeted community support. The program is designed for non-profit organizations, focusing on STEM education, youth development, and the LEAP initiative for adult self-sufficiency. With grant applications opening in 2025, AFL Global seeks to make a lasting impact in communities by addressing their greatest needs and fostering growth through education and development initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) ministries seeking funding for evangelism, leadership development, holistic outreach, media, stewardship, or children and youth programs, including those serving New Jersey, may be eligible for project support. Festus and Helen Stacy Foundation funds specific ministry projects in South Florida, nationally, and internationally, with applications accepted year-round and a preference for emerging nations and national-impact work.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) organizations working on climate and clean energy policy or climate change education can access funding through Mayer and Morris Kaplan Foundation for general operating or program-specific support. U.S.-based groups focused on reducing fossil fuel demand, influencing oil and gas infrastructure, or educating young adults on climate impacts may be eligible.

Nonprofit organizations and public institutions working on biodiversity and habitat conservation in New Jersey can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000 to support private land conservation, ecosystem restoration, restorative economies, and conservation policy. Grants from Biophilia Foundation help U.S. environmental and botanical conservation efforts, with particular interest in projects connected to broader regional landscapes.

SITKA Ecosystem Grants support projects that enhance ecosystems and promote conservation efforts. These grants encourage both grassroots initiatives and larger organizational projects, aiming to improve habitat restoration, biodiversity, and the hunting experience. With funding ranging from $3,000 to $20,000, applicants must be 18 years or older and have relevant experience. The review process is ongoing, and projects should emphasize collaboration and measurable impacts on environmental goals, benefiting both society and ecosystems.

The Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Corridor Community Grants, provided by Keep America Beautiful, aim to empower communities to revitalize and beautify MLK corridors across the U.S. These grants support various projects, including murals, community gardens, and cleanup efforts, contributing to the initiative's goal of beautifying 25,000 communities by 2026. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, local governments, and community organizations, with a focus on sustainable impacts and local engagement.

HCLTech Grant Edition II focuses on impactful climate action by investing $5 million over five years to support NGOs in the Americas. This initiative aims to enhance sustainable projects that align with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With a history of significant contributions in India, HCLTech is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040 and fostering innovative solutions to address pressing climate challenges. The grant encourages collaboration and aims to transform communities through effective climate action.

The Ash Grove Charitable Foundation Grant supports public charities with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on capital projects that enhance community life in states where Ash Grove operates. With a commitment to environmental sustainability, education, and human services, the Foundation prioritizes funding for renovation and construction projects. Grants typically reach up to $25,000, aiming to foster better living standards and support local initiatives that are vital for community growth and resilience.