Best Grants for Nonprofits Serving Disabled in New Jersey

Nonprofit organizations serving people with disabilities in New Jersey can seek project-specific funding for education, health, housing, and community programs through The Summit Foundation. With a mission to strengthen community wellbeing, The Summit Foundation provides tax-exempt organizations in the Summit area with competitive grants supporting children and adults with disabilities and related services.

New Jersey nonprofits serving people with disabilities and related needs can access funding through Dermody Properties Foundation for programs in arts, education, family support, and social services. 501(c)(3) organizations located within 30 miles of a Dermody project may receive US $500 - US $3,000 to support children, adults, and families with disabilities and other vulnerabilities.

Nonprofit and public agencies providing disability care and services in New Jersey can receive funding to support Special Child Health Services case management units. The State of New Jersey Department of Health backs programs that ensure children and youth with special health care needs have access to care coordination, a medical home, and parent support statewide.

Children’s 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing medical, therapeutic, or other services to children with disabilities in New Jersey and the mid-Atlantic region can seek program support through Dover Grants. Grants from Speedway Children's Charities help organizations addressing critical, medical, and educational needs, with priority for homeless, foster, orphaned children and victims of sex trafficking.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children and teens with physical, mental, educational, adaptive, or legal needs may be eligible for this funding, as well as individual children and families. The Dombal-Vogel Foundation supports programs that assist, counsel, educate, and comfort at-risk youth, including those with disabilities and related developmental or health challenges.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations serving individuals with disabilities in New Jersey can apply for matching gifts that double donations made by eligible Regions employees. Funded organizations must fall within Regions’ priorities, including support for individuals with disabilities, veterans, education, financial wellness, arts and culture, and community and economic development, within the Regions Bank footprint.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations focused on disability services and related community programs in New Jersey can receive matching gift funding to boost recent retiree donations. Regions Bank provides up to US $1,000 per year per eligible retiree for organizations within its footprint, including those serving individuals with disabilities, veterans, housing, education, and financial wellness.

Researchers and research institutions conducting brain injury and disability-focused studies in New Jersey can seek funding to advance interventions and potential cures for traumatic brain injury. The State of New Jersey Department of Health’s NJ Commission on Brain Injury Research Fellowship Research Grant offers up to US $6,000,000 to support projects improving outcomes for people with brain injuries.

New Jersey Department of Community Affairs

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is a State agency created to provide administrative guidance, financial support and technical assistance to local governments, community development organizations, businesses and individuals to improve the quality of life in New Jersey.

DCA offers a wide range of programs and services, including local government management and finance, affordable housing production, fire safety, building safety, community planning and development, historic preservation, disaster recovery and mitigation, and information privacy.

Athletics for Persons with Disabilities Grant

Purpose of Grant

The purpose of this grant program is to provide funds to statewide, nonprofit athletic organizations serving athletes with disabilities to provide sports training and athletic competition.

Applicants must be able to provide athletic competition and sports training, throughout the state for athletes with disabilities. Applicants must be knowledgeable about and demonstrate the ability to work with athletes with disabilities. 

New Jersey academic institutions, research organizations, and qualified public or private agencies conducting brain injury research can receive up to US $6,000,000 in New Jersey. The State of New Jersey Department of Health’s NJ Commission on Brain Injury Research Pilot Project Research Grant supports projects advancing treatments and interventions that benefit people with brain injuries and related disabilities.

New Jersey nonprofits and schools serving people with disabilities can access funding for mobility-related programs, including therapeutic or adaptive services, comprehensive care, and assistive technology. Through the Mobility Pillar Award, Honda USA Foundation offers US $25,000 - US $100,000 for programmatic support benefiting communities in states where Honda has major operations, including New Jersey.

Nonprofit and community-based providers delivering early intervention services for developmentally delayed or disabled children in New Jersey can apply for the New Jersey Early Intervention System, which offers up to US $37,479,130 to support a statewide service network. Administered by the State of New Jersey Department of Health, this funding can strengthen disability care and early childhood development programs for children birth to age three and their families.

Nonprofit organizations in New Jersey with budgets between $250,000 and $5 million that address social concerns and serve disabled or other community members can seek US $50,000 to build AI readiness and organizational capacity. With a mission to support community-focused nonprofits, Citizens Charitable Foundation provides funding plus publicity and volunteer engagement through its Champions in Action program.

Nonprofit organizations providing disability services and related advocacy in New Jersey can seek funding for research, education, or direct service projects that support systematically disadvantaged people. Focused on disability rights, access to legal and STEM education, and disability services, the James B. Boskey Memorial Foundation offers up to US $50,000 for one-year, charitable initiatives; co-funding is possible.

Community rehabilitation providers in New Jersey serving people with disabilities and focused on employment and workforce readiness can apply for approximately US $260,005 to expand competitive integrated employment services. The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development funds Phase II projects that refine and scale outcome-driven models improving career pathways, credentials, retention, wages, and long-term employment stability.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving people with disabilities, children, or healthcare needs can access funding through West Pharmaceutical Services to support community programs. Organizations focused on disability care, children with disabilities, hospital or healthcare services, or STEM education in communities where West employees live and work may be eligible for grants or sponsorships.

New Jersey nonprofits that support education, mentoring, or employment for people with disabilities can access funding through Johnson Scholarship Foundation. Grants support scholarships and transition-to-work programs for students with disabilities and learning differences in the U.S. and Canada. Organizations should be prepared to leverage grants with matching funds and cannot use them for individuals or capital projects.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in New Jersey serving children and adults who are physically, mentally, or economically disadvantaged can receive US $1,000 - US $15,000 for innovative, problem-solving programs and projects. Robert & Joan Dircks Foundation provides New Jersey disability care and services organizations with one-year grants that exclude operating budgets, capital campaigns, and environmental or cultural projects.

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship

Advancing the science and practice of supporting children to thrive

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship is a global initiative supporting researchers working to deepen our understanding of how children thrive. Spanning disciplines from education and psychology to public health, data science, and humanitarian studies, the fellowship brings together early- and mid-career scholars whose work has the potential to generate evidence that matters for children’s lives.

Fellows receive three years of flexible support to pursue rigorous, practically relevant research, and join a cohort of peers working across the fellowship’s themes. In addition to funding research, the program fosters a community of scholars engaged in meaningful exchange with one another and with research, policy, and practice audiences.

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship is developed in partnership with the LEGO Foundation, and administered by SSRC as part of its commitment to supporting scholars whose work bridges research and real-world impact.

Research themes

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship welcomes research proposals that advance understanding of children’s thriving through one of the following three themes: the youngest children in crisis and conflict settings; inclusion and wellbeing of neurodivergent children; and children’s learning and development in an AI-enabled world. Applicants may explore the role of play where it is relevant to the research question. The consideration of play is optional and not a condition of eligibility.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting people with disabilities in New Jersey can apply for grants of US $500 - US $10,000 to fund research and support services, with priority for mobility-related disabilities. Grants from Numotion Foundation help disability care and services programs, including those serving children with disabilities, across the U.S.

U.S. charitable organizations serving children and young adults with disabilities or serious health and mental health challenges can apply for program, housing, education, or research support that shows immediate impact. With a mission to enhance quality of life, the Andrea-Mennen Family Foundation provides funding that may benefit New Jersey nonprofits focused on disability care and services.

The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF) National Grant funds innovative projects that empower youth with disabilities, enhancing their leadership and employment skills. Grants typically range from $10K to $100K per year for one to two years. MEAF seeks proposals that break down employment barriers, support U.S. youth with disabilities, and promote inclusive practices. Projects should demonstrate a plan for national dissemination and measurable outcomes, particularly benefiting young veterans transitioning to civilian life.

The McInnes Charitable Trust, founded by Sally and John McInnes, aims to support organizations in Colorado focused on animal welfare, children's health, education, and empowerment. The Trust prioritizes funding for exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) with a proven track record. It typically does not fund capital improvements or multi-year commitments. By fostering a spirit of generosity, the Trust honors the McInnes family's legacy and commitment to various charitable causes.

The Von Voigtlander Family Foundation Grant, though currently closed, aims to support 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, primarily in Michigan. The foundation emphasizes animal welfare, parks preservation, veteran support, and youth empowerment. Their mission is to enhance lives through community-focused initiatives that foster resilience, education, and well-being. They prioritize charities that promote responsible pet ownership, outdoor recreation, and provide resources for veterans and youth, ensuring a positive impact across multiple sectors.

Brooks Brothers, founded in 1818, is committed to social responsibility through its donation program. The company partners with local and national non-profits focused on health issues and education. They seek to enhance community well-being while maintaining a commitment to inclusivity. Notably, they do not support organizations that discriminate based on protected categories. Their donations are aimed at fostering positive change in society, reflecting their belief in the importance of community engagement.

The Van London Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 1953 by Communities Foundation of Texas, offers a one-year scholarship up to $15,000 for students who are blind. This scholarship supports tuition, fees, books, and on-campus housing for those pursuing college or trade school certifications, ensuring that education is accessible to all. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents and in good standing as students.

The Gilbert W. Mead III Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, supports students from Southeastern Connecticut who show talent in the Arts and have financial need. Offering an award of $500, the scholarship aims to assist these students in pursuing their educational goals. Priority is given to those with physical limitations or disabilities, reinforcing the foundation's commitment to inclusive education since 1983.