Best Grants for Minorities in New Jersey

The Governor's Industry Vocations Scholarship (NJ-GIVS) supports women and minority students pursuing certificates or degrees in construction-related fields. Funded by the Schools Development Authority and administered by HESAA, this scholarship can cover up to $2,000 per year or the full cost of tuition, minus any other financial aid. It is renewable for one year, contingent on future funding availability, and awards are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The NJ Health and Wellness Programs aim to enhance the well-being of families in crisis through mental health services and family violence prevention. Managed by the New Jersey Center for Hispanic Policy, Research, and Development, these programs focus on strengthening resilience, providing essential support, and connecting families with community resources. Applicants can seek funding from multiple categories including health and wellness initiatives, aiming to address domestic violence and mental health challenges effectively.

The NJ Community Service Grant Programs, managed by the Center for Hispanic Policy, Research, and Development, aim to enhance the quality of life for New Jersey's Hispanic community. The program focuses on empowering organizations through funding in areas like community service, health, and workforce development. New applicants are advised to register early and can apply for multiple funding categories, promoting initiatives that address educational enrichment, health risks, and senior assistance.

The NJ Youth Workforce Investment Grant Program aims to provide essential workforce experience services to at-risk youth, including those in foster care, homeless youth, and English Language Learners. The program focuses on improving workplace behavior, developing personal attributes, and equipping participants with the skills necessary for employment and career advancement. By fostering public/private partnerships, the initiative seeks to enhance training and employment opportunities for the Hispanic community in New Jersey.

The NJ Hispanic Entrepreneurship Assistance Grant Program supports the growth of Hispanic businesses by providing culturally relevant education and mentorship. Managed by the Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development (CHPRD), this initiative aims to empower new entrepreneurs and enhance community development. Eligible applicants can seek funding for multiple programs, focusing on enhancing public-private partnerships and training opportunities. This grant is essential for fostering economic stability within the Hispanic community, promoting leadership, and ensuring long-term success.

The NJ Citizenship and Integration Program aims to enhance citizenship preparation services for lawful permanent residents. It focuses on improving English proficiency, U.S. history knowledge, and civic understanding while providing assistance for naturalization applications. With a funding limit of $80,000, the program supports initiatives that promote cultural integration, leadership development, and access to essential legal services, fostering inclusive communities throughout New Jersey.

The NJ Workforce Development Supportive Services Program aims to enhance employment opportunities for adults and dislocated workers, particularly within the Latino community. This initiative focuses on job readiness, placement, and support services to foster economic self-sufficiency. By partnering with community organizations, the program seeks to equip participants with vital skills and resources, ultimately promoting long-term employment success and community engagement.

The NJ Women and Minority Veterans in Construction Trades Grant Program aims to eliminate economic barriers for women and minority veterans by providing essential training and support for employment in construction trades. This initiative connects military members with quality career opportunities, ensuring they receive the skills necessary for success in registered apprenticeship programs and other industry occupations, ultimately enhancing New Jersey's workforce and economy.

The Coaching Enhancement Grant by the NCAA Division III aims to increase diversity in assistant coaching roles by providing financial support to member institutions. Over two years, selected schools receive $15,000 to cover salaries, requiring a matching contribution. This initiative encourages ethnic minority and gender representation, allowing up to 11 institutions to benefit annually, thus enhancing inclusivity in collegiate sports.

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant by the NCAA Division III aims to bolster ethnic minority and gender representation in senior athletics administration roles. With an annual budget of $1.6 million, it supports up to 46 schools and conferences over five years. Eligible institutions must be active NCAA Division III members and meet various requirements. This grant encourages diversity in leadership, fostering an inclusive environment for student-athletes.

The Coaching Enhancement Grant - Division II aims to enhance diversity in NCAA coaching by providing financial support for new assistant coaching positions. This grant specifically targets increased representation of ethnic minorities and women in athletics. Selected schools receive funding for three years to cover salaries and benefits, totaling $370,000 annually for up to 21 institutions. Eligible schools must be active NCAA Division II members committed to these diversity efforts.

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant - Division II offers financial support to enhance ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration roles across NCAA Division II institutions. With an annual budget of $860,000, the grant aims to fund up to 20 schools and conferences each year. Eligible applicants must be active Division II members and are encouraged to collaborate with their human resources departments during the proposal process, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.

The Ethnic Minorities and Women’s Internship Grant supports entry-level athletics administrative positions for one academic year, promoting diversity in NCAA Division II. It provides $30,000 for intern salaries and $3,000 for professional development, benefiting six schools annually from a total budget of $180,000. Eligible applicants must be active NCAA members, with a focus on enhancing ethnic minority and gender representation in athletics administration. This initiative encourages professional growth and compliance in diverse environments.

The E.B. Henderson Award, presented by SHAPE America, honors minority members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to scholarship, mentorship, and advocacy for ethnic minorities within health and physical education. Established in 1885, SHAPE America serves over 200,000 professionals, promoting high-quality education standards. The award recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to increasing the participation of underserved populations in the field. Limited to two awards annually, it highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in health education.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) offers financial support through undergraduate scholarships for up to 100 eligible college students each year. Applicants must be members of PC(USA) pursuing their first associates or bachelor's degree at an accredited institution in the U.S. during the 2025-2026 academic year. This initiative aims to assist students in overcoming financial barriers to education while fostering a commitment to service within their communities.

Each year, Innovia awards over $400,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $4,000.

Diversity in Advertising Scholarship

The scholarship is intended for students studying Marketing, Advertising or Design with a career focus of Digital Marketing, Advertising, Design and/or Computer Science at any accredited institution. Applicants must demonstrate academic achievement.

Special consideration will be given to those active in school activities, community service, and work experience. Previous recipients of this award are eligible to reapply. 

About Scholarships

Through the incredible generosity of our donors, the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound manages 26 scholarship funds that offer a wide range of scholarship awards and encourage students of all backgrounds and educational interests to apply. We also want to extend a sincere thank you to our many scholarship donors, advisors, and scholarship committee members for their investment in our student's bright futures this year and for many years to come!

Learning Seed Foundation Scholarship

The Learning Seed Foundation Scholarship Fund was established by the Learning Seed Foundation to assist graduating high school seniors in Thurston and Pierce counties in obtaining a higher education. This scholarship is designed to benefit primarily students of color who have overcome significant obstacles and demonstrate a commitment to others. The scholarship has the potential to be renewed for up to an additional 3 years of undergraduate education. Reapplication each year is required.

Our Story

Established over 50 years ago, our founders redefined local philanthropy, fostering connections around a shared sense of place and purpose. As Virginia's largest community foundation, we bring people together to pool resources, co-create solutions and align actions for impactful change in the Richmond region.

Scholarships are offered to students living in the Richmond region and other Virginia locations. Each scholarship was established by a generous individual, family, or organization with a desire to assist high school students, recent high school graduates, and adult learners to continue their education. 

John E. Thomasson Scholarship

The John E. Thomasson Scholarship Fund was established in 2001 to support postsecondary educational opportunities for youth of African American or other minority heritage in the Louisa County (Virginia) Public Schools or Fluvanna County (Virginia) Public Schools. Scholarships will be awarded on a competitive basis to students who have been admitted to an accredited two-year technical school, four-year Historically Black College or University or the school of their choice. Preference will be given to applicants planning to attend Virginia State University, Hampton University, Virginia Union University, or Norfolk State University.

Estimated Award Amount

• (2) $1,000 

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Loren and Norma Hill Scholarship Fund

To support students of color as defined by the Foundation, with a preference for residents of Hampden County.

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter

The Reboot Representation Tech Coalition aims to significantly increase the number of Black, Latina, and Native American women earning computing bachelor’s degrees. They invite qualified organizations to submit grant inquiries focused on recruiting and retaining these women in tech. Programs that leverage existing resources and operate across multiple regions will be prioritized, and the Coalition seeks initiatives backed by substantial research and community trust.

The PAE Diversity in Engineering Scholarship offers a renewable $5,000 award for undergraduate students from marginalized ethnic backgrounds or genders pursuing engineering at a U.S. university. Established in 2024 in partnership with PAE, the scholarship aims to enhance diversity in engineering fields, focusing on candidates committed to climate justice. Awardees benefit from mentorship and networking opportunities with industry professionals, fostering both academic success and community impact.

The AISES Indian Motorcycle Academic Scholarship offers $5,000 annually to support Native students pursuing degrees in STEM fields. Sponsored by the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, this scholarship aims to empower Indigenous students and enhance diversity in STEM. Eligible applicants must be current AISES members, full-time students, and enrolled citizens or descendants of recognized Native tribes. This scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also fosters community and innovation within the STEM landscape.

The Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Bridge to Doctorate Scholars Program, funded by the National Science Foundation, aims to recruit and retain minority graduate students in STEM fields. This program offers significant benefits, including a $32,000 annual stipend and $12,000 educational allowance for two years, fostering a supportive community through monthly dinners for Indigenous graduate students. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, identify as American Indian or Alaska Native, and have participated in an LSAMP program.

CRST Wicozani Wiwokiaye Oyate Scholarship for Nursing

To provide financial support to Native American students pursuing a registered nursing degree.

For a Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (CRST) member aiming to earn a nursing degree, if there are no eligible CRST candidates, the scholarship will be accessible to another tribal member. Proof of tribal enrollment is required for both applicants. This scholarship is available to students in their second through fifth years who have sustained a GPA of 2.0 or above. When applying for this scholarship, articulate how your nursing education will contribute to enhancing the health outcomes of Native American communities.

(Pronunciation is: Wee-Cho-Zan-Ee, Wee-Woke-Ee-Eye-Aye, Oh-Yah-Tay. Which is Lakota for "Health Helpers Society")

Growing Justice Fund Program

The Fund for Equitable Good Food Procurement is a multi-donor pooled fund driven by the wisdom and experience of funders, farmers and other workers in the food value chain with shared values and vision.

Awards Nearly $5M to 38 Community-Led Initiatives Supporting Values-Based Good Food Purchasing.

While community-serving institutions–such as schools, hospitals, and senior centers–spend billions annually on food purchasing, the benefits of these contracts have been largely bypassed by small- and mid-size producers, especially Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian, and immigrant producers. 

For the 2025 grant cycle, the Growing Justice Fund awarded a mix of Planning Grants and Implementation Grants, with grant amounts ranging from $10,000 to $250,000. These investments support projects that strengthen engagement with community-serving anchor institutions—including schools, hospitals, and elder care facilities—that hold significant purchasing power and can drive meaningful economic and social benefits for historically marginalized communities.

Priority Areas

Infrastructure:

Building and strengthening systems that enable equitable food purchasing, including support for historically disadvantaged producers, food hubs, and institutional partnerships.

Policy and Organizing:

Supporting grassroots organizing, educational policy advocacy, and capacity-building efforts that align institutional food purchasing practices with community-defined priorities.

Traditional Food Pathways:

Advancing food sovereignty within Tribal Nations by supporting traditional foodways, local food economies, and community-led approaches to Native food systems.

Unless noted otherwise in the scholarship description and criteria statement, applicants can attend accredited schools of their choice within the United States.

CFNJ scholarships awards vary. On average, awards range from $500 to $2,500. However, the award could be larger based on the number of qualified applicants and the parameters set by donors who have established the funds. 

ETV: Linda D. Murphy Village Strivers Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a Black/African-American graduating high school senior from Morristown or Morris Township who has demonstrated consistent academic improvement throughout high school. Applicants will be evaluated on their engagement through activities or programs that support the local community (community service, church engagement, or paid or unpaid work experience) and unmet financial need.

The Black Men Building Resources Scholarship, offered by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, supports African-American undergraduates from Kent County. This scholarship aims to empower students pursuing college or career training by removing barriers to academic success. With awards ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, the program prioritizes applicants with high financial need, ensuring that opportunities are accessible to those who strive for educational advancement in West Michigan.