Best Union County Grants for Nonprofits in New Jersey

The Northeast SARE: Farmer Grant Program supports innovative sustainable agriculture projects by providing funding to farmers. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 enable farmers to conduct research, implement new ideas, and address issues affecting long-term sustainability. This program encourages proposals that explore diverse topics such as crop production, livestock raising, urban agriculture, and climate-smart practices. Successful projects promise significant benefits to farming communities while fostering collaboration and education within the agricultural sector.

Northeast SARE

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program offers competitive grants to farmers, educators, agricultural service providers, researchers, graduate students and others to address key issues affecting the sustainability of agriculture throughout our region. Northeast SARE is one of four regional SARE programs funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The program—including funding decisions—is driven by the Northeast SARE outcome statement:

Agriculture in the Northeast will be diversified and profitable, providing healthful products to customers. Farmers and the people they work with will steward resources to ensure sustainability and resilience, and foster conditions where farmers have high quality of life and communities can thrive.

Professional Development Grant

The Professional Development Grant program funds projects that help service providers improve the way they work with farmers through research-based education. These projects result in a change in practice or behavior by service providers that supports farmers in sustainable agriculture innovation.

Northeast SARE’s definition of a service provider is a professional who assists farmers as part of their work. Typical audiences include extension educators, consultants, agency personnel, and not-for-profit organization staff. Project audiences may include realtors, bankers, attorneys, or farmers who help other farmers.

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program provides grants for graduate students to research sustainable agriculture under faculty supervision. Proposals should address relevant issues for Northeast farmers and agricultural professionals. Projects should align with themes of stewardship, profitability, and quality of life. The aim is to support diversified and profitable agriculture in the Northeast, enhancing community and environmental well-being through effective resource management.

The NASGA Research Grants aim to enhance strawberry production sustainability in North America by addressing critical research priorities, including cultivar development, pest management, and production efficiency. Proposals that improve fruit quality, reduce environmental impacts, and align with growers' needs are prioritized. The program welcomes submissions from all researchers, with a focus on innovative solutions that promote economic viability and environmental stewardship in the strawberry industry.

The Higher Education Challenge Grant Program, administered by the USDA, aims to address critical educational needs at various levels. This program encourages innovative approaches that can be modeled by others, fostering collaboration between universities and the private sector. By enhancing relationships in the science and education community, it seeks to improve program quality and ensure lasting benefits beyond the project duration.

The GSA Graduate Student Research Grants provide essential funding for master's and doctoral research in geological sciences for students in North America and Central America. In 2024, approximately $800,000 was awarded to 316 students, averaging around $2,500 each. The program aims to enhance the geoscience workforce, promote career development, and support diversity within the field. Applications require an appraisal from a primary advisor, and participation from underrepresented communities is encouraged.

The Gerald M. Friedman Fund Grant, established in 2002, honors the contributions of Gerald M. Friedman to sedimentary geology. It supports graduate students in their research and travel for professional development. Eligible candidates must be in good academic standing and have completed at least one semester of graduate study. This fund, initiated by Friedman's former students, reflects his legacy in academia and the field of sedimentary geology.

The Agnes and Margaret Macmillan Scholarship, established by the Saint Andrew's Society in New York, offers five annual scholarships worth $45,000 each. Aimed at fostering academic exchange, it supports US students studying in Scotland and Scottish students in the US. Candidates must demonstrate Scottish descent and reside in specific Northeastern states. This scholarship honors the legacy of Margaret 'Peggy' Macmillan, who significantly contributed to the fund in memory of her sister Agnes.

The Schwarzman Scholars program offers a fully-funded, one-year master's degree at Tsinghua University in Beijing, fostering global leadership through academic excellence and cultural exchange. It seeks diverse candidates with strong leadership skills, integrity, and intellectual ability. Scholars receive comprehensive support, including tuition, accommodation, and travel expenses. This initiative aims to cultivate future leaders who can bridge cultural divides and understand the complexities of global affairs, enriching their fields and communities.

The Jean Theodore Lacordaire Prize, awarded by the Coleopterists Society, recognizes exceptional doctoral research in beetle biology and systematics. This annual prize is open to nominations for the best published paper derived from Ph.D. dissertations, focusing on Coleoptera. Eligible works must be published in widely available journals or books in any language using the Latin alphabet. Nominations are submitted by the scientific community, ensuring a prestigious selection process.

The Natural History Research Experiences (NHRE) is a prestigious 10-week summer internship program at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. It offers undergraduates the chance to engage in independent research across various disciplines including Earth Science and Anthropology. Participants receive a stipend of $8250, travel support, and free housing, while benefiting from mentorship by leading scientists. This program aims to cultivate future leaders in natural history research.

The NALMS Achievement Awards: Secchi Disk Award recognizes outstanding contributions to lake management by its members. NALMS aims to unite citizens, scientists, and professionals to ensure the protection and management of lakes and reservoirs. This prestigious award is open to NALMS members, with nominations encouraged from any individual or entity. However, current board and committee members are ineligible. The award celebrates those who significantly advance NALMS's goals and objectives in fostering lake ecosystem awareness and management.

The Jim Flynn Outstanding Corporation Award, presented annually by NALMS, honors the corporation that has made significant contributions to advancing lake management goals. This award emphasizes the importance of facilitating information exchange, promoting public awareness of lake ecosystems, and supporting management programs at all levels. Eligible nominations can come from any individual or entity, focusing on achievements in lake and reservoir management. Notably, current NALMS board members and awards committee members are excluded from eligibility.

The Richard I. Stessel Waste Management Award, presented annually by the Air & Waste Management Association, honors outstanding achievements in waste management. This prestigious award acknowledges individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to the science and practice of waste management, including technological advancements, waste regulation, and educational excellence. Named after Professor Richard I. Stessel, the award promotes innovative solutions for environmental sustainability, encouraging professionals to serve as role models in the field.

The Park Foundation Grants: Media support public interest media that raises awareness of critical environmental and social issues. They prioritize funding for investigative journalism, media policy, public broadcasting, and documentary films to promote a better-informed citizenry. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified, and funding is aimed at projects that ensure diverse perspectives and community engagement. The foundation is committed to fostering a robust democracy and independent media, reflecting its mission to advance a just and sustainable society.

The East and Inner Asia Council of the AAS offers small grants up to $2,000 for dissertation-level students and scholars focusing on China, Taiwan, or Inner Asia. Eligible projects include short research trips and conference organization. Preference is given to junior scholars and projects that enhance communication and curriculum development. Successful applications will clearly outline research questions and significance, and demonstrate the project's broader impact within the field. For further guidelines, visit the AAS FAQ page.

The Northeast Asia Council Japan Studies Grants support American citizens and permanent residents conducting scholarly research on Japan within the U.S. Offering up to $2,500, including daily expenses, these grants aim to enhance the quality of teaching and research in Japanese studies. Eligibility includes being an AAS member and not having received funding in the last three years. Applications are reviewed based on project merit and financial need, prioritizing those with limited access to institutional funding.

The Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Foundation Wetlands and Waterfowl Research Fellowship supports graduate students in North America conducting research on waterfowl or wetland biology. The fellowship, offering up to $9,500 annually, emphasizes applicant qualifications, research proposal soundness, originality, and potential contributions to conservation efforts. This competitive opportunity is renewable for up to two additional years for PhD students and once for Masters students, pending satisfactory progress reports.

The Dr. Bruce D. J. Batt Fellowship in Waterfowl Conservation honors the legacy of Dr. Bruce Batt, a leading figure in waterfowl research. This fellowship offers up to $5,000 annually to graduate students at North American universities conducting vital research on waterfowl and wetlands. Renewable for up to two additional years for PhD students, the fellowship promotes the integration of sound science in conservation efforts, supporting the next generation of waterfowl professionals.

The Bonnycastle Fellowship for Wetland and Waterfowl Research supports graduate students in advancing conservation efforts. Offered by Ducks Unlimited, this fellowship provides up to $17,000 annually for research and personal support. The fellowship emphasizes the importance of research originality, ecological contributions, and feasibility. It is open to all North American graduate students, with a preference for doctoral candidates. The award is renewable for PhD students up to two years, and once for Master's students, contingent on satisfactory progress.

The Gladys W. Cole Memorial Research Award, established by the Geological Society of America (GSA), supports research in geomorphology of semiarid and arid terrains in the U.S. and Mexico. Aimed at GSA Members or Fellows aged 30 to 65, it recognizes significant contributions to the field. Candidates can reapply if additional funding is needed. Notably, funds cannot be allocated for completed work. This award honors Dr. W. Storrs Cole's legacy and contributions to geosciences.

The Crop Science Graduate Student Scholarship, supported by the Gerald O. Mott family, offers financial assistance to outstanding graduate students pursuing M.S. or Ph.D. degrees in crop science. Candidates must demonstrate leadership potential and be enrolled in U.S. institutions, while also being members of CSSA or ASA. Self-nominations are allowed, but former recipients and members of the CSSA Awards Committee are ineligible. This scholarship aims to promote excellence in agronomic education.

The Roy J. Shlemon Scholarship Award, offered by the Geological Society of America, supports graduate students pursuing research in environmental and engineering geology. Award amounts vary annually, with at least one scholarship for Master's and one for Doctoral research. The program encourages applications from women, minorities, and persons with disabilities, and requires evaluations from two faculty members. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed, emphasizing the competitive nature of the funding.

The Eastern Bird Banding Association is offering the Memorial Fund Research Grants to support research utilizing avian marking techniques, such as banding. Applicants must submit a detailed project proposal, including significance and budget, alongside their background in ornithology. Grants are open to all, particularly encouraging student applications, with no lifetime award limit per individual. Projects must focus on species within EBBA territory, ensuring marking techniques are integral to the research.

The W. Storrs Cole Memorial Research Award, offered by the Geological Society of America (GSA), supports innovative research in invertebrate micropaleontology. This prestigious award honors the legacy of Dr. W. Storrs Cole, a pivotal figure in the society's history. Recipients may be previous awardees and must have published significant works in the field. The GSA aims to advance geoscience through such initiatives, fostering scientific discovery and professional growth among earth scientists globally.

The Harry Sudakoff Foundation Grant supports qualified charities in Sarasota, Florida, focusing on arts, community, education for youth, environment, human services, and science. Established by builder Harry Sudakoff, the foundation prioritizes organizations with a history of support. Grants are restricted to 501(c)(3) entities, excluding individuals and certain funding types like endowments and operating expenses. A commitment to impactful contributions is central to the foundation's mission.

The Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust Grant supports education and research in ornamental horticulture, funding projects that enhance public gardens, promote ornamental plants, and support related educational initiatives. Grants typically range up to $20,000, with a maximum of $25,000, focusing on project support rather than general operating expenses. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) public charities and similar entities worldwide, while the Trust does not fund individuals or capital campaigns.