Best Salem County Grants for Nonprofits in New Jersey

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

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.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

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 Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The Presser Foundation, established in 1939, offers grants between $2,500 and $50,000 to support music organizations across diverse genres. Focused on fostering music education and philanthropy, the Foundation seeks to empower non-profit, 501(c)(3) organizations within a 75-mile radius of Philadelphia. However, it does not fund theater or dance productions. Proposals are evaluated based on organizational accomplishments, community value, stability, and overall contributions to the music community.

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. Online applications have specific instructions and forms, depending on the type of grant request.

Grant proposals and applications are first reviewed by Foundation staff, and then sent to the Foundation’s Grantmaking Committee and then finally the full Board for discussion, leading to approval or a denial of the request. Though the Foundation does its best to provide timely responses to requests, all proposals must go through the full review process, which can take up to two months.

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. Grant requests cannot exceed $3,000.

South Jersey Resiliency Fund

Strengthening & Sustaining South Jersey’s Nonprofit Sector

South Jersey nonprofits are vital in fostering equitable and thriving communities for all, yet they are facing unprecedented challenges.

These organizations feed, heal, shelter, educate, inspire, enlighten, and nurture residents across diverse demographics. As demand for their services continues to grow, funding has become more uncertain, impacting their ability to meet community needs fully.

South Jersey nonprofits urgently need support at a time when their role is more crucial than ever.

CFSJ and its partners have established the South Jersey Resiliency Fund to enable individuals and organizations to pool resources to support nonprofits facing increased demands and reduced resources.

Apply to the South Jersey Resiliency Fund – Round Two

Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations (or those operating with a fiscal sponsor), with an annual operating budget of $1,000,000 or less, that provide services tied directly to the well-being of South Jersey neighbors in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean and/or Salem counties are eligible to apply for support in this second round. 

The grant application has been designed to request only the necessary information required to award a grant. In addition to basic organizational contact information, applicants will provide a brief overview of the services their organization offers, insight into the cause of the increased demand for them, and an explanation of the intended impact on the South Jersey community they serve.

For this second round, grant awards will be $10,000 and are expected to be expended within 12 months. We anticipate awarding a total of 25 to 30 grants in this round, and all grant recipients must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or partner with one to acquire funding.

For this second funding opportunity, the South Jersey Resiliency Fund’s priority is to provide one-time general operating and program support grants to eligible organizations to support their missions during this time of increased uncertainty and rising demand for services from the communities they serve. Grant funds will be unrestricted and flexible. Grant recipients may use funding to address wide-ranging organizational needs, including, but not limited to, program continuation, organizational capacity building, technology and system upgrades, scenario planning, and other emergent needs.

Due to the anticipated scale of need, these grants are intended to complement the efforts of trusted community partners, grassroots, and community-based organizations. They are not intended to be at a scale to support public institutions strained by increased demand for services and/or decreased government funding.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

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 Philadelphia Student Mediamaker Fund, supported by the People's Media Fund, empowers students in the Philadelphia area to create digital media projects. Focused on inclusivity, the fund awards grants to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as young media makers aged 16-30, covering costs from pre-production to post-production. This initiative fosters creative expression while amplifying diverse voices and narratives, aiming to reshape the media landscape and enhance community storytelling.

The Mary Eleanor Morris Scholarship, established by the estate of Mary Eleanor Leonard Morris, supports educational opportunities for graduating seniors from Logan County, Ohio. This scholarship reflects Morris's enduring commitment to community service, benefiting students from various local high schools. Eligible candidates must not hold significant national scholarships and must plan to attend an accredited educational institution in the U.S. This initiative aims to empower local youth and foster their educational aspirations.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

About Us

Who We Are

The Wayne County Community Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) community organization that works to strengthen the community we all share by helping donors make a lasting difference with their philanthropic endeavors – connecting their dreams and passions with causes that matter.

Established in 1978 with a single gift of $1,000, WCCF has become the steward of over 620 separate funds created from bequests and gifts, each with their own philanthropic purpose to support the future of our community now – and for many years to come.

The mission of Wayne County Community Foundation is to provide philanthropic leadership to our community.

Don and Teara Buren Scholarship

Eligibility:

This scholarship was established in memory of Sara Cottrel and is available to graduating or graduated high school students attending Congress Community Church located at 10691 Franchester Rd., West Salem, Ohio.

Applicant should demonstrate a balance among:

academic achievement of at least a 3.75 GPA if attending high school or at least a 3.50 cumulative GPA if attending an accredited college, university or technical school;

participation in extra-curricular activities; and

participation in community service and/or part-time employment.

Preference will be given to those with the greatest financial need.

If no eligible students from Congress Community Church qualify, then the scholarship will be available to any Northwestern High School graduating senior, based on the criteria listed above.

Past recipients may reapply, up to a maximum of four years. These applications will be included in the pool of candidates for the current year's selection process.

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.

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 Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.