New Jersey Arts Grants

This grant provides financial support to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations and schools for community events that promote cultural enrichment, connection, and civic engagement.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in New York City and northern New Jersey that focus on enhancing community well-being through initiatives in arts, education, health, public policy, and youth and families.

This grant provides financial support to New Jersey-based nonprofit organizations focused on charitable, educational, and public safety initiatives, particularly those assisting low-income individuals and preventing cruelty to children or animals.

This grant provides financial support to charitable organizations in New Jersey that focus on services for the visually impaired, homeless, unemployed, or substance-dependent individuals, as well as religious programs affiliated with the Protestant Episcopal Church.

This grant provides funding to U.S.-based non-profit organizations to support projects that promote Japanese arts and culture, particularly in areas with limited access to such events.

The Juneau Community Foundation’s Douglas-Dornan Foundation Fund offers grants to organizations dedicated to improving the health, education, and welfare of individuals in Southeast Alaska. This aligns with the Foundation's broader mission to support and enhance the quality of life within the community. The grant specifically targets non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations, charitable foundations, childcare institutions, foster parent programs, and early childhood education initiatives within this region, ensuring that support is directed where it can have a direct and meaningful impact on vulnerable populations and community development. The fund's strategic priorities and theory of change are centered on fostering a healthier, more educated, and supportive environment for Southeast Alaska residents. This is achieved through various avenues of support. For instance, the fund can defray costs for tuition, transportation, or lodging for employees of eligible organizations attending professional conferences, training, or educational programs. This investment in professional development aims to enhance the capabilities and knowledge of individuals working directly with beneficiaries, thereby strengthening the organizations themselves and improving service delivery. Furthermore, the fund prioritizes supporting events and special services that enrich the overall quality of life in the community. This includes sponsorships for amateur sports organizations, children’s music, and theater activities, which encourage broad participation and access for all individuals. By funding these types of programs, the Foundation seeks to create vibrant communities, promote well-being, and provide enriching opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable, contributing to a holistic approach to community welfare. Applications for the Douglas-Dornan Foundation Fund are meticulously evaluated to ensure alignment with the fund's objectives and to maximize impact. Key assessment criteria include the quality and relevance of the program or event being supported, the reasonableness and accuracy of the proposed budget, the background and experience of the applicant organization, and the extent of support from other sources. These measures are designed to ensure that grants are awarded to well-conceived initiatives with a high probability of success and demonstrable positive outcomes for the individuals and communities in Southeast Alaska.

The Monmouth County Municipal Park Improvement Grant Program is designed to assist municipalities by providing additional funding for park improvements in municipal parks and open spaces. This program aligns with the broader mission of enhancing community well-being and access to recreational opportunities. Previously, the Municipal Open Space Grant Program was limited to $2 million annually and up to $250,000 per project. The new and expanded grant program is now funded at $6 million a year, with up to $500,000 available per project, significantly increasing its reach and potential impact. The program's scope has also expanded to include dredging projects for parks and recreation purposes, and the application process has been simplified and streamlined to encourage broader participation. The target beneficiaries of this program are Monmouth County municipalities, which are the only eligible applicants. While municipalities are the direct recipients, the ultimate beneficiaries are the residents and communities who will gain access to improved park facilities and recreational areas. The impact goals are centered around improving land for parks and recreation purposes. This includes the development of new recreational facilities, the expansion or enhancement of existing recreational opportunities, the preservation of historic resources within parks, and the implementation of new or innovative approaches to provide local access to open spaces and recreational activities. The program prioritizes projects that focus on these key areas. Additional priority is given to State-designated Urban Aid Communities and Overburdened Communities, ensuring that resources are directed to areas with the greatest need. The program’s strategic approach includes setting limits on the number of applications and the dollars awarded to ensure that funding can support a larger number of municipalities rather than a few large projects. This also encourages a cooperative project model, with a required local contribution and local funding of ineligible expenses serving as a tangible demonstration of local commitment. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in the number and quality of recreational facilities, expanded access to open spaces, and better preservation of historic resources within parks. The allowance for dredging projects directly contributes to improving and expanding access to recreational bodies of water. All projects must be for park, recreation, open space, and historic preservation purposes, with a deed of open space easement or other covenant restricting the use of the project site to these purposes required as a condition of the award. This ensures the long-term dedication of these sites to public benefit, reflecting a theory of change that by investing in local park infrastructure, communities will see improved quality of life, increased public health through active recreation, and enhanced environmental and cultural stewardship.

The Essex County Division of Cultural and Historical Affairs, in partnership with the New Jersey Historical Commission and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, offers grant funding to local Essex County organizations. This program aims to support cultural and historical initiatives within the county, aligning with the broader mission of preserving and promoting arts and history. The grants are designed to enable organizations to expand their programs, exhibits, performances, and other public engagement opportunities, ultimately enriching the cultural landscape of Essex County. The program targets non-profit organizations incorporated in New Jersey as a non-profit corporation or a unit of government, and tax-exempt under IRC 501(c)3 or (c)4. These organizations must be located in Essex County and primarily serve its constituency. The grants are intended to support entities exclusively devoted to either history or arts, and previous grantees must be in good standing. This focus ensures that the funding directly benefits the local community and strengthens organizations dedicated to cultural and historical preservation. The grant program offers two main types of support: General Operating Support (GOS) Grants for the overall operations of eligible non-profit organizations, and Special Project Support (SPS) Grants for specific history-related or art-related projects. The funding ranges from $500 to $10,000, with funds applied for in 2024 to be used between January and December 2025. This structure allows for both sustained operational support and targeted funding for new initiatives, providing flexibility to grantees. Expected outcomes include an increase in accessible cultural and historical programs, exhibits, and performances for Essex County residents. Measurable results would involve the number of programs offered, audience reach, and the successful completion of funded projects. The division's strategic priority is to empower local organizations to bring their offerings to a wider audience, thereby fostering a more vibrant and engaged community. Through quarterly networking, informational meetings, and professional development opportunities, the program also aims to build the capacity of these organizations, contributing to their long-term sustainability and impact.

The Mercer County Cultural and Heritage Commission, in partnership with the New Jersey Historical Commission's County History Partnership Program (CHPP), offers grants through its annual History Regrant program. This initiative aims to support historical organizations and history programming within Mercer County. The program's mission aligns with fostering an appreciation for local, county, and New Jersey state history by providing financial assistance to organizations dedicated to preserving and presenting this heritage. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include Mercer County-based non-profit organizations, particularly historic sites and historical organizations, as well as libraries, schools, and local government entities. These organizations must operate historic sites and/or offer historical programming and events. The program specifically emphasizes those with a focus on Mercer County and its communities, aiming to reach a broad public audience. The ultimate impact goal is to strengthen the historical infrastructure and engagement within the county. The program prioritizes both General Operating Support (GOS) and Special Projects (SP) grants. GOS grants are available exclusively to non-profit historical sites and groups with a primary mission of presenting New Jersey and/or Mercer County-related history. SP grants are open to a wider range of non-profit community organizations, local government entities, schools, higher education institutions, and libraries that offer programming and events related to local, county, or New Jersey state history. This dual focus ensures support for both established historical entities and diverse project-based initiatives. Expected outcomes include enhanced historical programming, improved preservation of historic sites, and increased public engagement with local and state history. The program seeks to support projects and organizations that demonstrate clear public benefit, responsible management, proven quality of work, and historical merit. Grants are awarded competitively by the County based on evaluation by an independent review panel, ensuring that funding goes to initiatives with the highest potential for positive and measurable results in historical education and preservation.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to New Jersey counties for initiatives that improve communication and language access services for residents who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind, ultimately aiming to reduce health disparities and enhance accessibility in public services.

The RSI Foundation Grant Program, administered through the Community Foundation of New Jersey, is designed to carry forward a long-standing tradition of community investment established by RSI Bank prior to its 2022 merger with Columbia Bank. This grantmaking initiative reflects a deep commitment to the communities historically served by RSI Bank and operates in close coordination with Columbia Bank Foundation and other philanthropic partners. Together, these aligned entities ensure that funding is directed toward initiatives that produce measurable, meaningful, and localized impact. The program’s philanthropic mission emphasizes community resilience, equity, and the strengthening of neighborhood well-being. The Foundation’s strategic priorities are concentrated in two central focus areas. First, it seeks to partner with and uplift marginalized populations—those who face barriers to meeting their basic needs due to economic, physical, mental, or social constraints. Second, it aims to improve neighborhood quality of life by supporting initiatives that foster health, happiness, and holistic well-being for community members. This dual focus reflects the Foundation’s theory of change: when communities address the unmet needs of their most vulnerable populations while simultaneously enhancing the shared community environment, they cultivate stronger, more equitable, and more resilient neighborhoods. The program’s target beneficiaries include both organizations working directly with individuals experiencing various forms of marginalization and initiatives that aim to strengthen community infrastructure and quality of life. The Foundation is particularly focused on funding work that delivers measurable benefits in Rahway, New Jersey, and surrounding communities within Union and Middlesex Counties. Projects supported through this grant must demonstrate direct relevance to these geographic and thematic priorities, ensuring that every dollar invested contributes to tangible improvements in local well-being and community vitality. To achieve its intended impact, the RSI Foundation employs clear and rigorous evaluation criteria for applicants. Organizations must identify and address a specific community need, present achievable and well-structured programs with defined goals, timelines, and budgets, and demonstrate a capacity to produce measurable outcomes. Grant amounts typically range from $2,500 to $25,000, with the total annual program budget between $10,000 and $100,000. This funding structure allows the Foundation to support both smaller grassroots initiatives and larger community-serving projects, maximizing the breadth of its local impact. Expected outcomes from funded initiatives include increased access to essential resources for marginalized populations, improved community health and wellness indicators, and strengthened neighborhood infrastructure and cohesion. By emphasizing measurable results and sustainable change, the RSI Foundation seeks to ensure that its grant investments translate into lasting benefits for the communities it serves. These outcomes align with the Foundation’s overarching goal of fostering neighborhoods that are not only more equitable but also more capable of thriving in the long term. Ultimately, the RSI Foundation Grant Program exemplifies place-based philanthropy rooted in community trust and strategic collaboration. By focusing on marginalized populations and community well-being, and by holding grantees accountable for clear and measurable outcomes, the Foundation positions itself as a catalyst for sustainable, locally driven change. This approach ensures that the legacy of RSI Bank continues as a living, evolving force for good—enriching communities, empowering organizations, and building more resilient futures for the residents of Rahway and its neighboring areas.

The Fund for Women and Girls (FWG), a field-of-interest fund of the Princeton Area Community Foundation, is dedicated to improving the lives of economically vulnerable women and children in greater Mercer County. This grant program aligns directly with the Community Foundation’s broader mission to enhance the quality of life for the most vulnerable in its regional footprint. It achieves this by investing in the community, providing educational opportunities, and fostering collaborative efforts with organizations that actively embrace diversity and inclusion. The FWG's commitment to diversity is comprehensive, encompassing age, race, gender identity, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, and disability, ensuring a wide-reaching and equitable approach to its philanthropic efforts. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are economically vulnerable women and children residing in Mercer County, New Jersey. The impact goals are centered on creating tangible improvements in their lives through support for various vital services and programs. These include early childhood education, childcare, and critical physical and mental health services for women and children, including prenatal care. The program also aims to foster leadership and mentoring opportunities, particularly for middle and high school girls, and support workforce development initiatives for women to enhance their economic stability and self-sufficiency. The FWG prioritizes projects and programs, as well as operating expenses, that fall within specific eligible categories. These categories reflect the foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change, which posits that investing in these areas will lead to significant positive outcomes for women and children. Key focus areas include combating domestic violence and providing prevention services, alongside offering comprehensive parenting and family support services. The emphasis on these areas indicates a holistic approach to addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by vulnerable populations, aiming to build stronger, healthier families and communities. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the types of programs supported, the expected outcomes revolve around improved access to essential services, enhanced educational attainment, better health outcomes, increased economic independence for women, and a reduction in domestic violence. The grant typically provides one-year awards, mostly up to $25,000, which suggests an emphasis on supporting impactful, short-term to medium-term projects that can demonstrate clear progress within a year. The requirement for applicants to be tax-exempt 501(c)3 organizations, publicly supported charities, and registered with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs ensures accountability and good standing, reinforcing the foundation's commitment to effective and responsible community investment.

This grant provides financial support to New Jersey nonprofits that assist domestic violence survivors and their pets, helping them stay together during difficult times.

The Local Arts Program (LAP) Grant, administered by the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission (SCC&HC), aims to support local arts development within Somerset County, New Jersey. This program is an initiative of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts (NJSCA) and is designed to channel funds to officially designated county arts agencies, with the SCC&HC serving as that agency for Somerset County. The grant's mission aligns with fostering public participation in the arts and increasing accessibility to artistic programs and services for Somerset County residents. The target beneficiaries are Somerset County-based non-profit organizations incorporated in New Jersey and designated tax-exempt (501(c)3 or (c)4), as well as Somerset County-based governmental agencies or commissions under a municipality or township. The primary impact goal is to enhance the local arts landscape by enabling organizations to offer programs that benefit residents and to improve the management of local arts organizations. The program prioritizes organizations that provide programs or services that increase access to the Arts, expand upon creative placemaking initiatives, or seek to improve the management of local arts organizations. Eligibility also requires that the proposed arts program or project takes place within Somerset County and directly benefits its residents. Programs within educational or religious institutions are generally ineligible unless they are after-school programs that are broadly advertised, open, and welcoming to the general public. Expected outcomes include a more vibrant and accessible arts community in Somerset County, increased public participation in various artistic endeavors, and strengthened local arts organizations through improved management and program delivery. Grant applications are evaluated by an independent peer panel, ensuring a competitive and merit-based selection process. Recommendations for funding are then submitted to the SCC&HC for final approval, with grants authorized by resolution with the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners, reinforcing accountability and local oversight.

The William Penn Foundation is offering grants between $500,000 to $1 million for 1-3 year projects that provide out-of-school arts education opportunities for young people in the greater Philadelphia and Camden region, with a focus on programs driven by the youths' own creativity and interests.

The IPromise Jeffrey M. Glabicki Memorial Giving Fund, supported by Volpe Koenig, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the Greater Philadelphia area. This mission aligns with the foundation's goal of supporting programs that positively impact the community. The fund specifically targets organizations involved in Arts, Culture and Humanities; Community Development; Education and Research; Environment and Animals; Health, Human Services & Youth Development; and Veteran Services. By focusing on these broad categories, the fund aims to address a diverse range of community needs and contribute to a healthier, more vibrant Philadelphia Metro area. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations that are at least two years old, have an annual operating budget of less than $10 million, and are headquartered in and serve the population of the Philadelphia Metro area. This includes specific counties in Pennsylvania (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia) and New Jersey (Burlington, Camden, Gloucester). The impact goals are to support and empower these qualifying organizations to continue their vital work in the specified focus areas, ultimately leading to improved quality of life for the residents of the Greater Philadelphia region. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly outlined by the eligible categories for application. These include areas that promote cultural enrichment, strengthen local communities, advance knowledge and learning, protect the environment and animals, improve health and well-being for individuals and youth, and provide support for veterans. The foundation's strategic priorities are to make a significant impact by awarding a single $40,000 grant to a deserving organization, thereby concentrating resources to achieve meaningful outcomes within one of these critical sectors. The expected outcomes of this grant are to enable the selected organization to expand its reach, enhance its programs, or develop innovative solutions within its focus area. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the implicit theory of change is that by investing in established, impactful non-profits within these key sectors, the fund can foster positive social change and contribute to a thriving community. The eligibility criteria, such as the requirement for a 501(c)(3) status and a two-year operational history, suggest a focus on supporting organizations with a proven track record and capacity for effective program delivery. Ineligible organizations include those promoting religious or political activities, programs accessible only to paying members, scholarship or tuition assistance programs, endowments, government agencies, individuals, grant-making organizations, and past recipients within the last five years. These exclusions further refine the fund's strategic approach, ensuring that grants are directed towards direct charitable operations that serve the broader public and avoid duplication of previous efforts. This focused approach allows the fund to maximize its impact by supporting direct service providers in alignment with its mission.

This program provides financial assistance to developers in distressed New Jersey municipalities to help cover costs for various real estate projects impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This funding opportunity provides $10,000 per year for two years to organizations in New Jersey that create free arts-based learning experiences for older adults aged 55 and over, promoting creativity and engagement in the community.

This grant provides financial support to New Jersey companies for hiring Ph.D. candidates and graduates to conduct technological research and foster innovation in the state.

The New Jersey State Council on the Arts (Arts Council), in conjunction with the Cultural Trust, is offering Institutional and Financial Stabilization Grants for Fiscal Year 2025. This grant program aims to enhance the financial and operational stability of cultural organizations, thereby improving their service to the public. The Cultural Trust Act mandates the Arts Council, the New Jersey Historical Commission, and the New Jersey Historic Trust to design and administer programs that recommend projects for such grants. This initiative directly aligns with the Cultural Trust's mission to support capital projects and institutional and financial stabilization projects at qualified organizations, ultimately strengthening the cultural sector in New Jersey. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are New Jersey-based nonprofit arts organizations that have been qualified by the New Jersey Cultural Trust. These organizations must not be schools, units of government, or religious organizations, and must have a primary arts-focused mission. The program's impact goal is to foster greater financial and operational stability within these cultural entities, enabling them to deliver more effective and sustained public services. This focus on stability is crucial for the long-term health and vibrancy of the arts community across the state. Key priorities for this grant round include supporting organizations that are registered as charities in New Jersey, have a Charities Registration number, and do not currently hold another active Institutional and Financial Stabilization grant from the Cultural Trust. However, organizations with an active State Arts Council grant, LAP re-grant, or Cultural Trust Capital Historic Preservation grant are still eligible to apply, indicating a strategic effort to broaden support while managing potential overlaps. The grant explicitly supports institutional and financial stabilization projects, with funding available for up to $40,000 for successful applicants. The expected outcomes of this grant program are improved financial health and operational efficiency for recipient organizations. Measurable results would include organizations demonstrating enhanced capacity to manage their resources, sustain their programs, and effectively serve their communities. The grant period is set from February 10, 2025, to February 28, 2026, allowing for a defined timeframe to achieve these stabilization goals. The Cultural Trust's strategic priority is to build a resilient cultural landscape in New Jersey, and this grant program embodies a theory of change where targeted financial and operational support leads directly to stronger, more sustainable arts organizations that are better equipped to fulfill their missions and positively impact the public.