Best Trenton Grants for Nonprofits in New Jersey

The ACTA Apprenticeship Program has been supporting California's cultural traditions for nearly 25 years by providing $5,000 contracts to mentor artists for intensive training of eligible apprentices. This program fosters the continuity of traditional arts through one-on-one mentorship, culminating in public presentations and documentation of the learning process. Eligible applicants must submit a collaborative application, demonstrating commitment and quality in their respective art forms. This initiative not only preserves cultural practices but also enhances community engagement.

The Igor Gorin Memorial Award, established in 1993 by the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, honors the legacy of Igor Gorin by supporting aspiring vocalists. With $382,000 awarded to 49 young talents, this fund provides unrestricted financial assistance for coaching, travel, and auditions. The 2026 award offers up to $12,000, aimed at those overcoming financial barriers to pursue operatic careers, ensuring that exceptional vocalists can thrive in their artistic journeys.

Community Collaboration Challenge

Applications for the 2026 Community Collaboration Challenge are now open! With support from the Leon Lowenstein Foundation, the Challenge provides $5,000 – $10,000 awards to communities and is designed to support collaboration that expands and pilots evidence-based K-12 student supports in the form of high-impact tutoring, mentoring, student success coaching, postsecondary transition coaching, and/or wraparound/integrated student supports.

The Smart Family Fund is a private foundation dedicated to supporting early-stage non-profits that demonstrate the potential for scalable, positive impact. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000, they aim to assist organizations in refining their models and preparing for larger investments. The foundation, guided by three brothers, focuses on mentoring and backing social entrepreneurs facing challenges in securing funding for innovative yet untested ideas, fostering a brighter future for communities.

The Rona Jaffe Foundation Fellowship supports emerging women writers with a fully funded 7-month residency at the Fine Arts Work Center. Established by the Rona Jaffe Foundation, it includes a $2,500 prize to assist with travel and living expenses. Eligible candidates must be U.S. residents, at least 18 years old, and not enrolled in a degree program during the fellowship year. This prestigious fellowship aims to nurture exceptional literary talent.

This funding opportunity invites renewal applications for existing NINDS-supported clinical trial cooperative agreements (U01) that require additional time and resources. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) expects applicants to request only what is necessary for trial completion, without introducing new aims. Discussions with NINDS prior to submission are encouraged. Eligible applications must be renewals of previously approved cooperative agreements under specified NIH funding announcements.

This funding opportunity invites applications for pilot projects focused on understudied proteins linked to rare diseases. The goal is to generate preliminary data and tools related to these proteins, which belong to druggable families with known rare disease associations. By supporting innovative research, this initiative aims to facilitate the characterization of these proteins, ultimately contributing to advancements in understanding and treating rare diseases.

The Etsy Uplift Fund, managed by Brooklyn Org, supports nonprofits that eliminate barriers to entrepreneurship for creators. By addressing challenges like lack of digital education, access to capital, and insufficient benefits, the Fund aims to foster equal opportunities in creative entrepreneurship. Customers can contribute by rounding up their purchases, with the collected funds directly supporting organizations that help creators build successful businesses. This initiative underscores Etsy's commitment to empowering diverse communities.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is offering grants to schools across the US for the implementation of the PLTW Gateway program in the 2025-2026 academic year. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools, especially those serving low-income and minority populations. The grant covers participation fees and training costs, with a total award of $9,100, distributed over three years. Schools are encouraged to apply for this opportunity to enhance their STEM education offerings.

The Roy and Gloria Dinsdale Foundation, established in 2022, is dedicated to enhancing lives in rural Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado through grants exceeding $10,000. It supports nonprofits and government entities focused on food, shelter, healthcare, education, and the arts. The foundation prioritizes local initiatives that enrich communities and improve access to essential services, while maintaining a commitment to assisting veterans, first responders, and individuals with disabilities.

The NeuroNEXT Small Business Innovation program invites small businesses to apply for exploratory clinical trials involving investigational agents, including drugs, biologics, and devices. These trials aim to gather critical data to support the design of future clinical studies, particularly focusing on diseases aligned with the NINDS strategic plan. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization, emphasizing the importance of timely submissions.

The NIDCR Dentist Scientist Career Transition Award (K22) supports dentists transitioning from NIH postdoctoral roles to tenure-track faculty positions. It provides two years of mentored research training in the NIH Intramural Research Program, followed by three years of independent research funding at an extramural institution. Key deadlines for grant applications include February 12, 2025, and subsequent dates in June and October 2025, with additional deadlines for renewal and AIDS-related applications.

Reproductive Health Security Grant Program (RHSGP)

The Reproductive Health Security Grant Program (RHSGP) provides funding to eligible reproductive health care facilities, licensed by the State of New Jersey and in good standing, that provide reproductive health care services and determined to be at a high risk of unlawful activity (acts of violence, property damage, vandalism, harassment, etc.) within the State of New Jersey. Reproductive health care services include all medical, surgical, counseling, or referral services relating to the human reproductive system, including, but not limited to, services involving pregnancy, contraception, or the termination of a pregnancy.

Project Funding

Eligible reproductive health care providers may request a maximum of $100,000.00. Investments may include any one or a combination of the following:

• Security guards
• Physical security equipment
• Training
• Emergency planning and/or cybersecurity
• Collectively not to exceed $100,000.00.

This is not a reimbursement grant. Funding will be advanced based upon proper submission of a purchase order and respective invoice. NJOHSP will ensure the expenditure is consistent with the approved application and forward the authorized amount to the subgrantee within 5 to 10 working days of receipt. Subgrantees will be required to submit a proof of payment document. 

The New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NJ NSGP) offers funding to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations at high risk of terrorist attacks. This grant is specifically allocated for hiring security personnel, including law enforcement officers and registered security officers. It cannot be used to replace existing security staff but may supplement security needs for events within New Jersey. Eligible organizations must demonstrate their risk status as assessed by the Director of NJOHSP.

The New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NJ NSGP) offers financial assistance to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that are at a heightened risk of terrorist attacks. This grant focuses on 'target hardening' activities, including the purchase and installation of security equipment. Organizations must ensure their Vulnerability Risk Assessments are current and include necessary documentation to qualify for funding. This program aims to enhance safety measures across New Jersey's nonprofit sector.

Project Lead The Way Inc is offering a grant of $14,000 to schools looking to implement the PLTW Computer Science program for the first time. Schools must commit to offering PLTW Computer Science courses over the next three years, ensuring that at least one course is available in the first year. This funding will support program implementation costs, with awards distributed directly to PLTW accounts for eligible schools.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools to implement the PLTW Engineering program. Grants of up to $16,000 are available, with $12,800 allocated for the first year and $3,200 for the second. Schools must commit to offering PLTW Engineering courses for three academic years. Eligible schools include public, private, and charter institutions located in the U.S., U.S. territories, or DC. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities in engineering.

The Tobacco, Alcohol, and Cannabis Policy Research for Health Equity (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) aims to fund projects that explore policies related to tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis in the U.S. The focus is on understanding how these policies affect usage and exposure among disadvantaged populations. Engaging community organizations is essential for promoting equity in cancer prevention. This initiative is crucial for advancing health equity and reducing disparities in substance use.

The Tobacco, Alcohol, and Cannabis Policy Research for Health Equity grant aims to support research on policies affecting tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis use in the U.S. This initiative focuses on how these policies impact populations facing health disparities. Key components include engaging community organizations to advance equity in cancer prevention. Important deadlines for applications range from February 2025 to October 2027, providing opportunities for both standard and renewal submissions.

The Coupling, Energetics, and Dynamics of Atmospheric Regions (CEDAR) program, funded by the National Science Foundation, aims to enhance our understanding of atmospheric behaviors from the middle atmosphere to the exosphere. It supports research into coupling, energetics, and dynamics, particularly how lower atmospheric perturbations and solar inputs affect the upper atmosphere. The program encourages innovative approaches, including AI and machine learning, to advance observational and theoretical studies in this critical area of atmospheric science.

The 2025 Vilcek Foundation Grants aim to support nonprofit organizations that celebrate immigrant contributions to the arts and sciences. The foundation invites applications from organizations operating under U.S. IRS Section 501(c)(3) that promote diversity and inclusivity. Grants will be prioritized for new partners and those in states without prior funding. This initiative underscores the foundation's commitment to fostering appreciation for immigrant communities and their impact on society.

The Technology Development Research for Establishing Feasibility and Proof of Concept (R21) grant supports innovative projects aimed at developing new technologies with high potential impact in biomedical research. Applicants are encouraged to submit Letters of Intent 30 days before application deadlines, which are set for February, June, and October from 2025 to 2027. This funding opportunity is administered by the NIH, focusing on high-risk, high-reward exploratory research.

The Focused Technology Research and Development (R01) grant supports innovative projects aimed at developing technologies to enhance biomedical research. This funding opportunity emphasizes the creation of laboratory instruments, algorithms, and biological systems that can significantly improve research capabilities. Key deadlines for applications are set for February, June, and October of 2025 through 2027, ensuring ample time for proposal submissions. The initiative is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), part of the US Department of Health and Human Services.

The Environmental Health Sciences Core Centers Program (P30) invites grant applications to support innovative research in environmental health. These centers serve as critical hubs for advancing the goals of the 2025-2029 NIEHS Strategic Plan, providing essential infrastructure and resources for collaborative research. By fostering community engagement and translational research, the program aims to enhance understanding of the connections between environmental factors, human biology, and disease, ultimately improving public health outcomes.

The Impact100 Global Veterans Awards empower women to make a significant difference by awarding grants up to $100,000 to nonprofits that serve veterans. Focus areas include art and culture, education, health and wellness, environment, and family initiatives, promoting the well-being and support of veterans across the United States. Eligible organizations must meet specific criteria, including tax-exempt status, and are encouraged to submit proposals that utilize funds effectively within two years.

Steve's Foundation Grant is a small private funding opportunity providing grants between $500 and $5,000, averaging $2,600. It supports organizations that empower disadvantaged individuals, focusing on cost-effective programs that yield significant impacts. The foundation prioritizes proposals from non-profits that directly assist those in need, especially children and marginalized communities. Applications are evaluated annually in May or June, but due to high demand, the foundation cannot respond to every inquiry.

The Puffin Foundation's Annual Artist Grant Program, focused on odd years, supports individual artists and non-profit organizations in the genres of video/film and theater. Grants, typically around $1,750, aim to uplift marginalized voices in the arts. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with an SSN. The program excludes proposals in other disciplines and projects involving AI. This initiative prioritizes diverse artistic expression and aims to maximize funding impact for those with limited financial resources.