Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in New Jersey

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations providing education, human services, conservation, health, or cultural programs can apply for McGraw Foundation support, with typical awards of US $2,000 - US $10,000. Although grants generally favor the greater Chicago area, New Jersey nonprofits with similar missions may be eligible for project or general operating support.

Graduate students conducting research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 in scholarship funding from the American Water Works Association. Focused on advancing solutions to current water industry challenges, this academic support may benefit students connected to New Jersey-based nonprofit or public-interest projects.

New Jersey agricultural and forest producers seeking support to enhance conservation practices on working lands can access funding through USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. This program provides technical and financial assistance for soil health, water quality, wildlife habitat, and climate-resilient practices across entire operations, which may help nonprofits or land trusts that directly manage eligible lands in New Jersey.

With a mission to support environmental sustainability, American Honda Motor provides New Jersey nonprofits and schools with US $25,000 - US $100,000 for decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource use programs. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and public or private schools must serve communities near Honda operations, including New Jersey, through education, awareness, or infrastructure projects.

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

Nonprofits supporting women and children with self-sufficiency, humanitarian aid, or child welfare programs in New Jersey can access funding through The Father's Table Foundation. This U.S.-wide grant supports projects such as homelessness services, education, employment assistance, food security, microfinance, health care, and anti-human trafficking, with awards up to US $750,000 for scalable, sustainable initiatives.

New Jersey nonprofits and educational institutions working in areas like social equity, education, climate and food security, or mental health can access funding and in-kind support through Caesars Foundation. Atlantic County organizations, and others serving U.S. communities near Caesars properties, may be eligible for program, services, or awareness-raising support.

Nonprofit organizations in New Jersey pursuing sustainability projects such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, or resource conservation can apply for Green Mountain Energy’s Sun Club Sustainability Grant, with awards from US $50,000 - US $400,000. Grants from Green Mountain Energy help eligible U.S.-based nonprofits launch or expand impactful environmental initiatives that benefit local communities.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions conducting biomedical research in fields like public health, neuroscience, genetics, or nursing can seek small-scale research funding, including in New Jersey. US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health offers up to US $375,000 to expand research opportunities for undergraduates at institutions with limited prior NIH support.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on economic mobility, workforce readiness, or affordable housing can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s Neighborhood Builders Program. Selected organizations receive a two-year leadership development experience plus capacity-building support, if they are based in an eligible market, financially sound, and able to engage their CEO and an emerging leader.

New Jersey students pursuing conservation-related fields such as environmental science, forestry, geology, or agricultural education 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 supports academic advancement for future natural resource and land management professionals.

New Jersey accredited charities running humanitarian, education, community, environmental, or arts and culture projects may be eligible for philanthropic support that can help launch or grow new initiatives. La Roche prioritizes innovative, sustainable programs that engage its local affiliates and employees, offering support through its global Corporate Donations and Philanthropy framework in many countries, including the U.S.

Early-career research scientists at academic or research institutions in eligible low- and middle-income countries can seek NIH support for mentored global health research careers. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help New Jersey-based nonprofits partnering with LMIC investigators, or supporting related clinical research, access approximately US $140,000 for three to five years of protected research time.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in education, health, human services, environment, cultural enrichment, or community development can receive US $2,500 - US $10,000 in seed funding through the Best Life Community Awards. Focused on community impact, Altra Foundation invites organizations serving Mercer County to participate when nominated by an Altra Federal Credit Union member.

Nonprofit and community-based organizations in New Jersey and New York can receive US $2,000 - US $4,000 to host in-person community engagement sessions on estuary issues and priorities. With a mission to protect and restore the NY/NJ Harbor & Estuary, Hudson River Foundation supports sessions that elevate local voices, especially in disadvantaged or overburdened communities.

Early-career research scientists in eligible low- or middle-income countries with junior faculty posts can apply for the NIH Fogarty Emerging Global Leader Award, offering approximately US $140,000 for mentored health research career development. New Jersey-based nonprofits hosting or partnering with such LMIC investigators may be able to support seed-stage global health projects through this funding.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Central New Jersey communities can apply for grants up to Up to US $12,000 to support education, arts, history, and health and wellbeing programs. The Astle-Alpaugh Family Foundation prioritizes initiatives for vulnerable residents, including at-risk youth, seniors, and individuals facing illness, poverty, abuse, hunger, or chemical dependency.

Focused on education and youth programs, New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits can seek seed and early-stage support from the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $20,000. Funding may back new or enhanced educational, arts, community, youth, environmental, disability access, or historic preservation initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations in New Jersey focused on visual arts, animal welfare, or environmental initiatives can seek seed funding for general operating or project support. Focused on arts, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability, Joseph Robert Foundation invites 501(c)(3) charities and fiscally sponsored emerging nonprofits to apply for awards up to US $10,000, prioritizing smaller organizations.

Organizations planning medical or scientific congresses, events, or related initiatives in New Jersey can receive sponsorship funding in exchange for tangible benefits like exhibit space or marketing visibility. Biogen Foundation considers a wide range of disease areas, including neurological and immune system conditions, and evaluates requests based on alignment with its interests, event details, and 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 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. 

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.

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.