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 program provides funding to nonprofit organizations and individual artists in Union County, New Jersey, to support cultural, historical, and educational initiatives that enhance community life.

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 funding opportunity supports small organizations in Philadelphia and surrounding areas to create inclusive and accessible arts and culture programs that engage diverse communities and enhance public access to the arts.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in the Philadelphia region to improve their arts and culture spaces, focusing on safety, accessibility, and inclusivity for diverse communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for community-based arts education programs in Greater Philadelphia, aimed at engaging youth aged 5 to 18, particularly those from low-income households, through hands-on artistic experiences outside of regular school hours.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in New Jersey that focus on improving housing, economic development, financial literacy, health services, food security, environmental sustainability, and the arts for low- and moderate-income communities.

This grant provides funding to 501(c)(3) organizations in the Northeast and East Coast regions of the U.S. for projects focused on environmental sustainability, education, and cultural initiatives that enhance community well-being, particularly those related to bird habitats and open space preservation.

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 Carolyn Jane Scott Charitable Trust makes grants to organizations supporting charitable, literary, scientific and educational purposes. Donor Name: Carolyn Jane Scott Charitable Trust State: New Jersey County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  06/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Grantmaking Priorities Preference may be given to requests for the following: Secondary education Program Areas Arts, culture, and humanities Education Environment, animals Health Human services International/foreign affairs Public/society benefit Religion Funding Information Average total giving per year: $200,000 Average grant size: $15,000 to $25,000 Geographic Limitations There are no geographic limitations; however, the Trust has a practice of primarily supporting organizations located in New Jersey. Requirements To be eligible, organizations must qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. For more information, visit Wells Fargo.

The Monmouth County Municipal Park Improvement Grant Program assists municipalities by providing additional funding needed to make park improvements in municipal parks and open space. Donor Name: County of Monmouth State: New Jersey County: Monmouth County (NJ) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/11/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Municipal Open Space Grant Program was previously limited to $2 million a year and up to $250,000 per project. The new grant program is funded at $6 million a year and up to $500,000 per project. The Municipal Park Improvement Grant Program has expanded to include dredging projects for parks and recreation purposes and the grant application process has been simplified and streamlined. Program Goals The goal of the program is to improve land for parks and recreation purposes. Park improvements should focus on new recreational facilities, expansion, or improvement of existing recreational opportunities, preservation of historic resources in parks, and new or innovative approaches to providing local access to open spaces or recreational activities. Additional priority will be given to State-designated Urban Aid Communities and Overburdened Communities. Program limits on the number of applications and the dollars awarded have been established to enable program funding to support a larger number of municipalities. The requirement of a local contribution and local funding of program ineligible expenses provides a tangible demonstration of local commitment to what is intended to be a cooperative project. Eligible Projects  Eligible Park Improvement, Development and Redevelopment Projects All projects must be for park, recreation, open space, and historic preservation purposes. A deed of open space easement or other covenant restricting the use of the project site to these purposes will be required as a condition of award. Building new facilities and improving existing facilities through demolition, renovation, and/or stabilization will be considered as eligible. Dredging of bodies of water that help to improve and expand access to recreational areas is allowable. All project sites must be owned by the applicant municipality, or the municipality must hold a long-term lease for a term of at least 25 years beyond the grant award, or other instruments extending for substantially 25 years beyond the grant award where a thirdparty governmental entity is also a party. In all cases the site must be under the control of the applicant municipality. When project sites are not owned in fee simple by the Municipality, additional agreements or covenants may be required. Fees for use of funded facilities are permissible. Projects for the preservation of historic resources must be located within a park and must comply with the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Eligibility Criteria  Monmouth County municipalities are the only eligible applicants. Municipalities are encouraged, however, to form partnerships with other public or non-profit organizations to strengthen and enhance project proposals. The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners will enter into grant agreements with municipalities only. For more information, visit County of Monmouth.

The Division of Cultural and Historical Affairs of the Essex County is honored to partner with the New Jersey Historical Commission and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts to provide support to local Essex County organizations in the form of grant funding. Donor Name: Essex County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs State: New Jersey County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The goal of this program is to support local organizations so that they can bring their programs, exhibits, performances, and other public engagement opportunities to as many possible. The program includes this grant funding program, quarterly networking and informational meetings, and professional development opportunities throughout the year. Grant Types  General Operating Support (GOS) Grants are available to support the overall operations of non-profit organizations whose missions are exclusively devoted to either history or arts. Special Project Support (SPS) Grants are available to support the cost of a history-related or art-related special project of the applicant. Funding Information Awards are between $500 and $10,000. Funding applied for in 2024 must be used between January and December, 2025. Eligibility Criteria All applicants must Be located in Essex County and primarily serve the constituency of Essex County. Be incorporated in New Jersey as a non-profit corporation or a unit of government. Be tax exempt by the Internal Revenue Service as an IRC 501(c)3 or (c)4 entity. If History: May not be receiving funding from the New Jersey Historical Commission or from another county historical affairs agency. If Arts: May not be receiving funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts or from another county arts agency. If a previous grantee: Must be in good standing through the completion of interim and final reports for past projects by the deadline. Be in compliance with all pertinent State and Federal regulations including, but not limited to: Civil Rights Act of 1964 which bars discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex and disability. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which requires all providers of public programs and services to ensure that those programs and services can be enjoyed by all citizens, including those with disabilities. For more information, visit Essex County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs.

Mercer County’s Cultural and Heritage Commission offers grants through its annual History Regrant program, a partnership between the New Jersey Historical Commission’s County History Partnership Program (CHPP) and the Commission. Donor Name: Mercer County Cultural & Heritage Commission State: New Jersey County: Mercer County (NJ) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: General Operating (GOS) and Special Projects (SP) grants are available to county-based organizations to support historical organizations and history programming. GOS grants are available only to non-profit historical sites and groups. SP grants are available to nonprofit community organizations, local government entities, schools, higher education institutions and libraries offering programming and events related to local, county or New Jersey state history. Mercer County History Regrant funds are available to assist Mercer County-based non-profit organizations (particularly historic sites, historical organizations,) libraries, schools, and local government entities that operate historic sites and/or offer historical programming and events (especially those with a focus on Mercer County and its communities) to a broad public audience. County-based non-profits with a primary mission of presenting New Jersey and/or Mercer County-related history are eligible to apply for General Operating Support grants. Other non-profit groups presenting special New Jersey/Mercer County (including local) history programs or events may apply for Special Project grants. Only one History Regrant application a year may be submitted per organization. Grants are evaluated by an independent review panel and are awarded competitively by the County to organizations and projects that demonstrate clear public benefit, responsible management, proven quality of work, and historical merit. Grant Period January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025. Eligible Applicants  Eligible applicants must be: Mercer County-based, non-for-profit history organizations, societies, and sites (eligible to apply for GOS or SP grants); OR Other Mercer County non-profit organizations offering special programs, services, activities, or materials that relate to the history of the State, County or any of the County’s 12 municipalities; OR Mercer County- based community and educational entities, including libraries Non-profit applicants must: be based in Mercer County be incorporated in the State of New Jersey have been in existence for at least two (2) years prior to submitting a grant application; and must demonstrate an ability to provide history or related services/programs to the general public be approved as a non-profit organization under the Internal Revenue Service’s Section 501(c)(3) or Section 501(c)(4) – or have approval pending at the time of application. For more information, visit Mercer County Cultural & Heritage Commission.

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 Community Foundation of New Jersey is seeking applications for its RSI Foundation Grant Program. Donor Name: Community Foundation of New Jersey State: New Jersey County: Middlesex County (NJ), Union County (NJ) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/22/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Created from the merger between Columbia Bank and RSI Bank in 2022, the RSI Foundation’s purpose is to continue the tradition of community giving that was critical to RSI Bank. RSI Foundation works together with Columbia Bank, Columbia Bank Foundation, community organizations and other charitable foundations to make a difference in the communities formerly served by RSI Bank. Focus Areas The philanthropic work is based in two areas of focus: Partnering with marginalized populations They partner with groups helping those who may be unable to meet their basic needs due to physical, mental, economic, or social circumstances or constraints. Improving neighborhood quality of life They support organizations, projects and initiatives that contribute to the health, happiness and well-being of people who live within the community. Funding Information Grant awards typically range between $2,500 – $25,000. Eligibility Criteria Organizations and programs or projects must meet all of the criteria below: Applicant organization is a tax-exempt charitable organization under section 501c3 of the Internal Revenue Code, government agency, or religious institution Applicant organization is in good standing with the IRS Applicant organization has been in operation for at least one year Applicant organization demonstrates a need for private financial support Program or project demonstrates impact in the Foundation’s geographic area of focus (Rahway, NJ and/or the surrounding communities in Union and Middlesex Counties) Program or project has direct relevance to the Foundation’s areas of focus (see Our Focus Areas) Evaluation Criteria Applications will be reviewed based on, but not limited to, the following criteria: Specific Community Need The program/project addresses a specific need in the community and falls within the Foundation’s areas of focus. Measurable Impact The program/project offers a clear, measurable impact or benefit to the community as a whole or a special segment of the population. Achievability The program or project is achievable with the resources (staff/volunteer, financial, history of programs) of the organization Realistic Expectations The program or project has outlined a realistic goal, timeline, and reasonable budget. For more information, visit CFNJ.

The Fund for Women and Girls works to improve the lives of economically vulnerable women and children in greater Mercer County through community investment, education, and collaboration. Donor Name: Princeton Area Community Foundation State: New Jersey County: Mercer County (NJ) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Fund for Women and Girls (FWG) is a field-of-interest fund of the Princeton Area Community Foundation. The Fund for Women and Girls supports the Community Foundation’s commitment to improve the quality of life of the most vulnerable in the regional footprint and collaborate with community organizations that embrace diversity as a value and practice. Achieving diversity requires an enduring commitment to inclusion, fully expressed in the organizational culture, values, norms and behaviors. They will support a commitment to diversity in all its forms, encompassing but not limited to age, race, gender identity, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, and disability. Funding Information Most awards are one-year grants of up to $25,000. Eligible Categories  Projects / programs and operating expenses that support women and children in the following categories: Early childhood education Childcare Women and children’s physical and mental health including prenatal care Leadership and mentoring Educational/enrichment programs for middle and high school girls (children) Workforce development for women Domestic violence and prevention Parenting and family support services. Eligibility Criteria  An applicant must have tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Service Code, be a publicly supported charity under Section 509, and be registered with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs as a charity in good standing. For more information, visit PACF.

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 County of Somerset Cultural & Heritage Commission is soliciting applications for its Local Arts Program. Donor Name: County of Somerset Cultural & Heritage Commission State: New Jersey County: Somerset County (NJ) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/13/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Local Arts Program (LAP) Grant enables the New Jersey State Council on the Arts (NJSCA) to support local arts development within each of New Jersey’s 21 counties through a competitive grant application process by awarding funds to officially designated county arts agencies (CAAs). The Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission (SCC&HC) is the agency officially designated in Somerset County to apply for, receive and administer this annual Local Arts Program Grant. The Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission (SCC&HC) is the agency officially designated in Somerset County to apply for, receive and administer this annual Local Arts Program Grant. An independent peer panel evaluates all submitted applications, and provides recommendations for funding, which are submitted to the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission for approval. Upon the SCC&HC’s approval, grants are authorized through resolution with the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners. Organizations must be Somerset County based and provide programs or services that increase access to the Arts, expand upon creative placemaking, or seek to improve management of a local arts organization. Eligibility Criteria Organization must be Somerset County based and provide an Arts program/project within Somerset County that benefits Somerset County residents. At the time of application, an organization must be incorporated as a non-profit in the State of New Jersey and designated tax-exempt by determination of the Internal Revenue Service (in accordance with Section 501(c)3 or (c)4). A copy of this documentation must be submitted with application. Somerset County based governmental agencies or commissions under a municipality or township are also eligible to apply. The organization must provide a program or service that encourages public participation in the Arts and that increases public accessibility to the Arts. Organizations must provide proof of stability and fiscal responsibility. Programs in educational or religious institutions that do not actively seek a wide general publicaudience are ineligible. However, after-school programs utilizing school or faith-based facilities,broadly advertised as open to and welcoming the general public, are eligible for funding. For more information, visit County of Somerset Cultural.

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 supports programs that enhance quality of life in the Greater Philadelphia area. Donor Name: Volpe Koenig State: New Jersey, Pennsylvania County: Bucks County (PA), Burlington County (NJ), Camden County (NJ), Chester County (PA), Delaware County (PA), Gloucester County (NJ), Montgomery County (PA), Philadelphia County (PA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/16/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Focus Areas  All organizations in the following categories are eligible to apply: Arts, Culture and Humanities Community Development Education and Research Environment and Animals Health, Human Services & Youth Development Veteran Services. Funding Information The fund now awards one $40,000 grant to a single qualifying organization. Eligibility Criteria  Organization must be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization under U.S. Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). Organization must be at least two years old at time of application.  Organization must submit proof of 501(c)(3) status with application. Organization has an annual operating budget of less than $10 million. Organization must be headquartered in, and serve the population of, any Philadelphia Metro area defined as:  Bucks County, PA Chester County, PA Delaware County, PA Montgomery County, PA Philadelphia County, PA Burlington County, NJ Camden County, NJ Gloucester County, NJ The following organizations are not eligible for an IPromise Grant: Organizations promoting religious affiliations or political activities Programs accessible only to paying membership Scholarships, fellowships or tuition assistance programs Endowments Government agencies Individuals Organizations that have as their primary activity the making of grants to other charitable organizations and to individuals, rather than the direct operation of charitable programs Recipients of IPromise grants within the past five years (since January 2018). For more information, visit Volpe Koenig.