Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in New Jersey

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations working in education, human services, conservation, health, or cultural programs can apply for McGraw Foundation grants of US $2,000 - US $10,000. Although grants are generally limited to the greater Chicago area, New Jersey nonprofits with similar profiles may review these guidelines for fit and future opportunities.

Graduate students conducting research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance actionable solutions for water industry challenges. Focused on water-related research, American Water Works Association invites students, including those connected with New Jersey nonprofits or institutions, to apply for the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship.

New Jersey agricultural and forest producers seeking support for conservation practices on working lands can access funding through USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. This program offers five-year contracts with annual payments to maintain and enhance stewardship, including soil health, water quality, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience improvements across entire operations.

With a mission to support environmental sustainability, American Honda Motor provides New Jersey nonprofits and schools with US $25,000 - US $100,000 for programs in decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient use of natural resources. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and schools must serve communities where Honda associates live and work within the state.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored groups advancing environmental and climate justice for BIPOC communities in New Jersey may be eligible for grassroots organizing and movement-building support. Scherman Foundation supports work on climate resilience, environmental justice, green jobs, and equitable mass transit, with a primary regional focus on New York and limited funding for New Jersey groups.

New Jersey nonprofit organizations serving women, children, and families through humanitarian aid, education, and self-sufficiency programs can apply for funding from The Father's Table Foundation. This highly selective grant supports projects such as homelessness services, employment assistance, food security, microfinance, health care, and anti-human trafficking that build resilience and long-term sustainability for vulnerable populations.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public charities, universities, and qualifying religious organizations providing community services can access funding and in-kind support through The Caesars Foundation for programs in eligible counties. Support may benefit education, workforce development, social and economic equity, climate and environmental sustainability, food security, mental health, and related human and social services initiatives connected to Caesars properties.

Nonprofit organizations in New Jersey planning sustainability projects such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, or resource conservation can apply for US $50,000 - US $400,000 to advance environmental impact. Grants from Green Mountain Energy help eligible 501(c)(3), (4), (6), or (19) nonprofits with strong financial histories implement measurable sustainability initiatives.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in New Jersey conducting biomedical or health-related research can apply for NIH Academic Research Enhancement Awards to support small-scale research projects and student research experiences. US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health provides up to US $375,000 to enhance research environments at baccalaureate-granting institutions with limited prior NIH funding.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits advancing income creation, workforce readiness, or affordable housing can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s Neighborhood Builders Program to build organizational capacity. Selected organizations join a two-year leadership development initiative for their CEO and an emerging leader, strengthening long-term impact on economic opportunity and housing stability.

New Jersey students pursuing conservation-related fields such as environmental conservation, forestry, or soil science can access funding through the William T. Schauer Conservation Scholarship, which awards US $2,500 to one recipient. Offered by the Freehold Soil Conservation District, this scholarship recognizes academic success and a demonstrated passion for natural resource stewardship.

Nonprofit organizations in New Jersey seeking support for humanitarian, social development, science and education, community and environment, or arts and culture projects may be eligible for this corporate philanthropy. Roche supports accredited charities with innovative, high-quality programs, with local affiliate offices funding organizations that are based and operate within the same country.

Early-career medical and health researchers at low- or middle-income country institutions conducting clinical trials can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, with approximately US $140,000 to support mentored career development. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help New Jersey-based nonprofits partnering with eligible LMIC investigators advance global health research across areas such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, mental health, and more.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations focused on education, health, human services, environment, cultural enrichment, or community development in Mercer County, New Jersey can compete for US $2,500 - US $10,000 through the Best Life Community Awards. Altra Foundation invites member-nominated nonprofits that advance its “Best life” mission to apply through a multi-stage selection process.

Nonprofit NGOs and community-based partners in New Jersey and New York can receive US $2,000 - US $4,000 to host in-person community engagement sessions on estuary issues. With a mission to protect and restore the Harbor Estuary, Hudson River Foundation supports sessions that gather local input on water quality, habitat, access, and community needs.

Early-career research scientists in low- or middle-income countries with junior faculty posts at LMIC academic or research institutions can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, with approximately US $140,000 for mentored health research and career development. This US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health opportunity may benefit New Jersey nonprofits partnering with or supporting such investigators abroad.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Central New Jersey can apply for Astle-Alpaugh Family Foundation grants up to Up to US $12,000 to support education, arts, history, and community health and wellbeing programs. Funding may benefit museums, community centers, historic preservation, and services for seniors, at-risk youth, and residents facing illness, hunger, poverty, or abuse.

Focused on education and related community programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits in New Jersey can seek US $5,000 - US $20,000 from the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust for scholarships, tutoring, literacy, youth initiatives, arts education, and community services. Preference goes to new or expanded programs, short-term bridge funding, matching grants, and final capital campaign dollars.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on visual arts, animal welfare, or environmental initiatives can seek up to US $10,000 for general operating or project support. Focused on arts, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability, Joseph Robert Foundation prioritizes smaller organizations in the mid-Atlantic region, including New Jersey, and welcomes both first-time and returning applicants.

New Jersey nonprofits, institutions, and similar organizations hosting health or science-related congresses, events, or initiatives can seek sponsorship funding to support their programs in exchange for marketing or recognition benefits. Biogen Foundation considers a wide range of neurological and related disease areas, reviewing requests based on event details, alignment with its interests, and geographic location.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Recent Retirees

Retirees of Regions and its affiliated companies are eligible for the Matching Gift Program for up to 5 years after retirement (the gift date must be within the first 5 years of retirement). Regions will match donations of $25 or more, up to a total of $1,000 per year per retiree.

The Regions Community Affairs team will contact the organization on your behalf to verify the gift and review eligibility.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Full-Time Associates

Regions supports organizations important to our associates through the Regions Matching Gifts Program. This program, which is open for use for all full-time Regions associates, affiliate associates and recent retirees, allows you to make an even greater difference to your favorite charities by doubling your tax-deductible contributions to these organizations. 

The Summit Foundation Grant aims to support various community needs in the Summit area, focusing on education, health, arts, and assistance for individuals with disabilities. The foundation encourages local nonprofits to apply for competitive grants to fund specific programs and initiatives that enhance community welfare. Eligibility requires organizations to be tax-exempt and serve Summit area residents. However, the foundation does not fund general operating support or religious programs. The goal is to create a positive impact on local communities.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.

The Provident Bank Foundation's Empowerment Grant focuses on uplifting marginalized communities by providing flexible funding for initiatives that promote economic self-sufficiency. With grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 over two years, the program supports organizations in education, human services, and workforce development. Eligible applicants must demonstrate meaningful community impact and align with the Foundation's funding priorities, which include promoting quality education, social safety nets, and career development opportunities.

The Columbia Bank Foundation Community Grant Program aims to support local communities by funding innovative programs that benefit low-and-moderate income individuals. Grants between $7,501 and $15,000 are available for community-based nonprofits, civic organizations, and charities. Key focus areas include economic development, financial literacy, health services, food security, environmental sustainability, and the arts. The foundation encourages applications from eligible organizations year-round, fostering impactful initiatives that uplift communities.

The MGM Resorts Foundation Community Grant Fund supports nonprofit agencies providing essential services in areas such as affordable housing, education, and health. Grants are awarded for a one-year period and focus on regions where MGM Resorts employees live and work. Eligible applicants must comply with diversity policies and serve individuals or families. The foundation does not fund governmental agencies or projects exclusively for medical research. This initiative aims to enhance community well-being through targeted support.