Best Grants for Environmental Justice in New Jersey

New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can seek program funding that may complement environmental justice work in impacted communities. Focused on youth, education, and human services, Costco Foundation invites monetary-only requests, reviewed within 4–6 weeks, from organizations demonstrating clear community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and diversified financial support.

With a mission to protect public health and the environment, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection provides New Jersey certified local health agencies with annual support for environmental health services under the County Environmental Health Act. Agencies engaged in environmental justice and environmental health enforcement may be eligible, with a 100% local match required except for pilot or elective programs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem–solving programs, including those addressing environmental issues in New Jersey, may be eligible for this opportunity. Grants from Creag Foundation help creative, impact-focused groups test or expand new approaches, especially smaller or evolving organizations seeking to tackle unmet or existing social challenges in fresh ways.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth health, education, development, or welfare can seek up to US $15,000 for programs such as child advocacy, homelessness, poverty relief, or environmental education, including clean air and water initiatives. The DanPaul Foundation supports projects in New Jersey and worldwide that may advance environmental justice for children and families.

With a mission to support early-stage social impact organizations, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides New Jersey environmental justice and advocacy initiatives with up to US $300,000 over three years in unrestricted funding or investment capital plus intensive capacity-building support. Eligible applicants include young, scalable nonprofits or impact-first for-profits serving underserved communities in priority regions including the U.S.

New Jersey public water systems serving small or disadvantaged communities can access funding to address emerging drinking water contaminants, including PFAS. Local utilities and eligible entities may use these grants for testing, technical assistance, contractor training, and other response activities, which can support environmental justice efforts in communities facing water-quality challenges.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in New Jersey offering arts or science programming for broad U.S. audiences can seek more than US $100,000 to support programs, capital projects, or limited general support. William Randolph Hearst Foundation prioritizes arts education, artist development, and STEAM initiatives that measurably engage youth and underserved communities and demonstrate long-term impact and sustainability.

Nonprofits and public entities in New Jersey seeking to implement climate resilience and natural carbon sequestration projects can apply for $250,000 - $5,000,000 to create or restore natural carbon sinks. Grants from State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection support blue carbon coastal projects and green carbon forest and urban canopy initiatives that may advance environmental justice goals.

Focused on programs for children and youth, Pincus Family Foundation invites New Jersey 501(c)(3) organizations to seek funding for creative arts, education, health, and play initiatives. Nonprofits serving marginalized communities with environmental justice themes integrated into arts, health, or outdoor recreation programming may be especially competitive. Start with the required online eligibility quiz.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations advancing early childhood education or community economic development in New Jersey communities where PNC operates may be eligible for this funding. With a mission to strengthen and enrich local communities, PNC Foundation provides grants for education, affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, arts and culture, and services benefiting low- and moderate-income residents, which may include environmental justice efforts.

New Jersey accredited charities running community, environmental, or humanitarian projects can access funding through Roche for initiatives in sustainable development, science and education, community resilience, or contemporary arts and culture. Organizations working on environmental justice within these areas may be eligible when partnering with local Roche affiliates in their country of operation.

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.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in charitable, scientific, medical, educational, or related environmental justice areas can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust for programs serving people in the U.S. Grants support well-managed organizations with broad, measurable impact and all awarded funds must be used within the country.

Environmental and wildlife conservation nonprofits in New Jersey can use this storytelling grant to share the impact of their work through compelling media and narratives. The Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation supports 501(c)(3) and aligned for-profit organizations across preservation, education, and wellness pillars, with awards of more than US $50,000 for impact-focused storytelling projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental conservation, wildlife, disaster relief, or poverty relief can apply for funding supporting communities in the Southern region of the U.S. Grants from Robinson Foundation help groups with at least three years of activity deliver tangible, meaningful impact, which may benefit New Jersey partners collaborating with Southern-based environmental justice efforts.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and local government entities supporting education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, or the environment in New Jersey communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities may be eligible for this funding. Georgia-Pacific Foundation prioritizes projects that align with its mission and create long-term, sustainable benefits for local residents, which can include environmental justice and advocacy efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations within 15 miles of a TJX location can apply for TJX Foundation grants supporting basic needs, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and safety from domestic violence. New Jersey groups working on environmental justice that also serve vulnerable families and children in these areas may be eligible after completing the required eligibility questionnaire and LOI process.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Environmental and community-focused nonprofits in New Jersey can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support environmental conservation, wildlife protection, and related community programs. Grants from Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation help U.S. organizations, including those advancing environmental justice, museums, education, and services for youth, seniors, and people with disabilities, where modest funding can have a big impact.

Focused on basic needs and community vitality, this program invites U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits to apply for funding for hunger relief, shelter, adult self-sufficiency, community development, and cultural enrichment. New Jersey organizations working on environmental justice alongside these priorities may be eligible, especially where Ameriprise volunteers are actively engaged.

Nonprofit organizations improving economic stability, health, literacy, workforce readiness, or disaster relief in New Jersey communities can seek project, operating, or capital support. With a mission to strengthen quality of life for underserved people, O'Reilly Automotive Foundation provides funding to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) charities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates, which may include groups advancing environmental justice alongside these priorities.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored groups in New Jersey working on environmental and climate justice, mass transit, and green jobs may be eligible for this program. Grants from Scherman Foundation help New Jersey environmental justice advocates advance BIPOC-led organizing, policy, and movement-building connected to climate resilience and equitable energy systems.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering environmental sustainability, environmental justice, or related economic empowerment programs can access funding through the PSEG Foundation’s Neighborhood Partners Program. Grants of US $500 - US $15,000 support program work (including capacity building) within PSEG’s listed NJ service counties, with a focus this year on sustainability, affordability, food security, and workforce development.

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.