New Jersey Local Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Jersey City that create STEAM and STEM programs focused on mental health awareness for youth aged 8 to 24, aiming to combat the effects of opioid misuse.

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 New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS), through its Division of Aging Services (DoAS), is offering Age-Friendly grants to local government and nonprofit entities. This program aligns with the state's mission to support the health and wellbeing of older New Jerseyans by fostering age-friendly initiatives and implementing recommendations from the New Jersey Age-Friendly Blueprint. The core mission is to strengthen communities by providing funding for organizations to assess, plan, and develop initiatives that support the health and wellbeing of older adults. The program seeks to advance efforts that lead to tangible and sustainable transformations in policies, systems, and environmental conditions across the state. The target beneficiaries of the Age-Friendly Grants Program are older adults throughout New Jersey. The program aims to improve their health, wellbeing, satisfaction, and quality of life. The impact goals are to create communities that are more livable for older adults by addressing eight age-friendly domains: outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication and information, and community support and health services. This comprehensive approach ensures that various aspects of an older adult's life are considered and improved. The program prioritizes initiatives that promote public, private, and cross-sector partnerships, as well as public policies that address the aforementioned eight age-friendly domains. There are two grant options: Age-Friendly Communities and Age-Friendly Projects. Community Grants focus on broader planning and development, while Project Grants may also include direct services, equipment purchase, and capital improvements. Eligible costs for both grant types include salaries and fringe benefits, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, training, in-state travel, business meeting costs, and translation services. Expected outcomes include enhanced capacity of New Jersey communities to support older adults, with tangible and sustainable transformations in local policies, systems, and environmental conditions. Measurable results will be seen through the implementation of local age-friendly initiatives aligned with the New Jersey Age-Friendly Blueprint. For Age-Friendly Community Grants, up to 57 grants of $70,000 each will be distributed regionally (Northern, Central, Southern New Jersey), totaling $3,990,000. For Age-Friendly Project Grants, up to 10 grants of up to $100,000 each will be awarded, totaling $1,000,000. The grant period runs from December 31, 2024, to June 30, 2026. The program's theory of change is that by empowering local entities with funding and guidance, and by fostering collaborative partnerships, the state can create more supportive and inclusive environments for its aging population, leading to improved quality of life and wellbeing for older New Jerseyans.

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.

MERCER COUNTY HISTORY REGRANT PROGRAM FY25 GUIDELINES Introduction: The Mercer County History Regrant Program is a partnership initiative between the New Jersey Historical Commission and the County of Mercer. These funds are aimed at supporting historic sites, organizations, and history programs throughout Mercer County. The application process is now exclusively online through Foundant. Application Calendar: April 1, 2024: Application Open July 1, 2024: Application Deadline August 2024: Peer Panel Review September 2024: Commission Review, Administrative Review & Approval December 2024: Notification of Awards/Contracts Issued June 2025: Interim Report Update January 2026: Final Report Due Program Year: January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025 Eligibility: Eligible applicants include: Mercer County-based non-profit history organizations, societies, and sites Other Mercer County non-profit organizations offering history-related programs Mercer County-based community and educational entities, including libraries, universities, colleges, and schools Applicants must be incorporated in New Jersey, be in existence for at least two years, and be approved as a non-profit organization under the IRS's Section 501(c)(3) or Section 501(c)(4). Types of Grants: General Operating Support (GOS): Available to non-profit history organizations, providing funding for basic operating costs. Special Projects (SP): Available to non-profits and government units, supporting history events, programs, or projects related to NJ, Mercer County, or its municipalities. Match Requirements: GOS grants require a full cash match (1:1) from the applicant. SP grants require a 1:1 cash match, with 50% of the match allowed to be in the form of in-kind donations. Ineligible Expenses: Acquisitions, capital improvements, deficits, endowments, scholarships/prizes, restoration or preservation of structures, etc. Grant Payments & Reporting: Grants are distributed in two payments, with a brief update due by June 2025 and a final report due by January 2026. Final payments are made upon receipt of a satisfactory final report. Appeals Process: Organizations can appeal if their application was misinterpreted or misunderstood by the Review Panel. Appeals are reviewed by a 3-person panel of Commissioners. Notice: Grant awards are dependent on funding levels approved by the State for the New Jersey Historical Commission and County History Partnership Program. Organizations are advised to plan programming and expenditures carefully. For further details, please refer to the full guidelines available on Foundant or contact the Mercer County Division of Culture & Heritage. Grant renewed every year.

This grant provides financial support to non-profit organizations in the Delaware Valley that offer direct services to individuals affected by HIV/AIDS.

This grant provides funding to Bergen County schools in New Jersey to promote and enhance long-term recycling programs and educational initiatives.

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 Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) Traffic Safety Division (TSD) is offering the Traffic Safety Improvement Program (TSIP) Grant, a funding initiative designed to reduce fatalities and severe injuries on Indiana's roads. This grant aligns with the ICJI's mission to enhance public safety by supporting projects that address critical areas of traffic safety. The program provides financial assistance to state agencies, units of local government, and nonprofits, enabling them to implement evidence-based strategies that lead to tangible improvements in traffic safety across the state. The TSIP Grant targets a broad range of beneficiaries, including various state and local government entities, universities, colleges, coalitions, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits. The primary impact goal is to significantly reduce injuries and fatalities resulting from traffic incidents in Indiana. This is achieved by funding projects that address a diverse set of priority areas, all aimed at fostering safer driving environments and behaviors. The grant prioritizes projects that focus on several key areas. These include reducing injuries and fatalities from excessive speed, promoting the proper use of occupant protection devices, mitigating impaired driving, preventing crashes involving motor vehicles and motorcycles, and reducing school bus crashes. Furthermore, the program emphasizes preventing crashes from unsafe driving behavior, improving law enforcement services related to traffic safety, enhancing driver performance, and improving pedestrian and bicycle safety. Other critical areas of focus include improving traffic records, crash investigations, roadside safety for emergency vehicles, and teen driver programs. Expected outcomes of the TSIP Grant include a measurable decrease in traffic-related injuries and fatalities throughout Indiana. By supporting initiatives in the identified priority areas, the program aims to create safer roads, promote responsible driving, and enhance the overall effectiveness of traffic safety measures. The requirement for grant recipients to comply with reporting standards, including submitting quarterly performance measures, ensures accountability and allows for the tracking of measurable results, demonstrating the program's impact in achieving its safety objectives.

The County of Burlington's Affordable Housing Grant Program aims to promote the construction of new, 100 percent affordable housing projects, as well as affordable housing units within mixed-income residential developments. A key objective is also the creation of affordable housing units designed to assist communities in need, including families experiencing homelessness or housing instability and those affected by domestic violence. This program aligns with a mission to address critical housing needs and support vulnerable populations within Burlington County. The program specifically targets experienced affordable housing developers. The ultimate beneficiaries are families experiencing homelessness or housing instability, and individuals responding to incidents of domestic violence, as well as broader communities in need of affordable housing options. The impact goals are centered on increasing the availability of safe, stable, and affordable housing, thereby improving the living conditions and overall well-being of these target groups. The program's priorities and focuses include supporting projects that are eligible for various federal housing programs such as the National Housing Trust Fund (HTF), Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, and several HUD-administered programs (Public Housing Capital Fund, Section 202, Section 811, PBRA). Additionally, projects eligible under the USDA's Multifamily Preservation & Revitalization program are also prioritized. Non-Profit Organizations are specifically eligible to apply, indicating a focus on organizations with a mission-driven approach to community development. The expected outcomes include a significant increase in the number of affordable housing units in Burlington County, directly benefiting the targeted communities. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of new affordable housing projects constructed, the number of affordable units created within mixed-income developments, and the number of individuals and families housed who were previously experiencing homelessness, housing instability, or domestic violence. The strategic priority is to leverage federal housing program eligibility to maximize the impact of local grant funds, thereby enhancing the overall affordable housing landscape in the county. The theory of change suggests that by providing grants to experienced developers, the county can efficiently stimulate the development of much-needed affordable housing, leading to improved community stability and reduced housing insecurity.

The Atlantic County award program seeks to recognize outstanding residents with disabilities who have achieved significant personal accomplishments and positively impacted the lives of others. While the context does not explicitly state a "foundation mission alignment" or "theory of change," the program's objective is clearly aligned with celebrating and acknowledging individuals who serve as exemplary citizens and contribute to making Atlantic County a better place, particularly within the context of Disabilities Awareness Month. The program aims to highlight the achievements of the disability community and promote greater understanding and appreciation of their contributions. The target beneficiaries for this program are Atlantic County residents with disabilities, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Individuals of all ages are eligible for nomination. The impact goals are to honor these individuals, raise awareness about their contributions, and inspire others within the community. The program aims to foster a sense of recognition and value for residents with disabilities, underscoring their integral role in the county's social fabric. The primary focus of the program is to identify and celebrate individuals who generously give of themselves and demonstrate significant personal achievement. Nominations are reviewed by the Disability Advisory Board, which prioritizes selecting nominees who embody these qualities and serve as positive role models. The selection criteria emphasize residency in Atlantic County and having a disability, ensuring that the awards directly benefit the local community the program intends to serve. Expected outcomes include the successful recognition of deserving individuals at a public reception in October, during Disabilities Awareness Month, where they will be presented with the Donald J. Sykes Award. Measurable results would involve the number of nominations received, the number of individuals honored, and the positive publicity generated for the disability community within Atlantic County. The broader impact aims to enhance community appreciation for individuals with disabilities and reinforce a culture of inclusivity and recognition.

This grant provides financial support to non-profit organizations and local entities in Bergen County, New Jersey, to promote and preserve local history through various programs and projects.

The Union County Local Arts Grants program, supported by the Union County Board of County Commissioners, the Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board, and the NJ State Council on the Arts, aims to strengthen local arts through a State/County block-grant partnership. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to recognize the value of the arts, foster artistic excellence, and expand the public impact of arts organizations and projects within Union County. The program's design reflects a strategic priority to empower non-profit arts organizations and non-arts organizations that serve Union County residents, demonstrating a commitment to local cultural development. The primary target beneficiaries are non-profit arts organizations and non-arts organizations located in and serving Union County residents, as well as libraries, schools, and units of government undertaking specific arts projects. The impact goals are multifaceted: to increase the availability and accessibility of quality arts experiences, broaden and diversify participation in the arts, and promote public and private support for local arts activities. This includes fostering collaborations and partnership-building, ensuring ADA compliance, and strengthening organizations artistically and administratively. The program prioritizes several key areas, encouraging applicants to highlight the excellence of New Jersey artists, incorporate diverse programming and artists, reach diverse and underserved audiences, present family-friendly programs, and promote high-quality, lifelong arts education. Organizations can apply for either General Operating Support (GOS), exclusively for arts organizations to cover overall operations, or Special Project (SP) grants, open to both arts and non-arts organizations for specific arts projects or series. This dual approach allows for comprehensive support, addressing both the foundational stability of arts organizations and the execution of innovative projects. Expected outcomes include enhanced artistic excellence, increased public recognition of the arts, and a more robust and diverse array of arts programs available to Union County residents. Measurable results are tied to strengthening local arts organizations, increasing accessibility through ADA compliance, and fostering greater community participation. The theory of change behind this grant program posits that by investing in local arts organizations and projects, Union County can cultivate a vibrant cultural landscape, enrich the lives of its residents, and stimulate broader community engagement and support for the arts.

The ARPA Aid to Nonprofits Grant (Round 5) is administered by the United Way of Walworth County (UWWC) as an ARPA Subrecipient through Walworth County. This program is designed to disburse $48,442.29 to local nonprofit (501c3 and 501c19) organizations. The core mission of this grant is to mitigate the negative economic impacts experienced by these organizations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically for the period between March 3, 2021, and September 30, 2024. The UWWC's role as an administrator aligns with its broader mission of supporting the community and addressing critical needs, in this case, by strengthening the financial resilience of local nonprofits that serve Walworth County residents. The target beneficiaries for this grant are 501(c)3 or 501(c)19 non-profit organizations whose principal place of business, business operations, and service recipients are all located within Walworth County. The primary impact goal is to alleviate the financial strain caused by the pandemic on these essential community organizations, thereby enabling them to continue their vital services without interruption or reduction. This grant aims to ensure that local nonprofits remain robust and capable of supporting the community through various programs and services that may have been jeopardized by economic hardship. The grant prioritizes organizations that can demonstrate negative economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic within the specified timeframe. A key focus is also on ensuring accountability and proper fund distribution, as evidenced by the requirement for a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number before any award checks are disbursed. This focus on verifiable impact and organizational capacity ensures that funds are directed to those most in need and capable of effective utilization. Expected outcomes include enhanced stability and operational capacity for local nonprofits. Measurable results would involve the number of organizations supported, the total amount of funding disbursed, and potentially, qualitative reports from grantees on how the funds helped them recover or sustain operations during the pandemic. By supporting these organizations, the UWWC contributes to the overall well-being and recovery of Walworth County, reflecting a strategic priority of community resilience. The theory of change behind this grant is that by providing direct financial aid to local nonprofits, the UWWC can effectively counter the economic fallout of the pandemic, thus indirectly supporting the many individuals and families served by these organizations and strengthening the social fabric of the county.

The City of Newark's Love Your Block (LYB) Mini-Grants Program is a community-driven initiative aimed at fostering neighborhood beautification and community building through collaborative projects between residents, city departments, and local organizations. This program aligns with a broader mission of empowering residents to actively shape their communities, promoting a sense of ownership and pride, and ultimately creating cleaner, greener, and healthier neighborhoods. The underlying theory of change suggests that by providing accessible funding and technical support, resident-led initiatives will lead to tangible improvements and stronger community ties. The primary beneficiaries of this program are individuals, resident groups, and community organizations within the City of Newark who are passionate about enhancing their local environments. The program's impact goals are centered on reducing litter, improving waste management, revitalizing underutilized properties, and enhancing green spaces. By engaging residents directly in these efforts, the program aims to cultivate a more vibrant and engaged citizenry, leading to sustainable community improvements and a better quality of life for all residents. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly delineated into three grant categories: Community clean-ups, Minor exterior home repairs & curb appeal, and Enhancing Green Spaces and Activating Vacant Lots. These categories reflect the city's strategic priorities in addressing key challenges such as litter, property blight, and underutilized public spaces. The emphasis on these areas is designed to produce visible and impactful results that resonate with residents' everyday experiences and contribute to the overall aesthetic and environmental health of the city. Expected outcomes include a noticeable reduction in litter and an improvement in recycling efforts, the repurposing of dormant or underutilized properties, and the enhancement of community advantages around parks and open areas. Measurable results will likely be observed through the number of successful clean-up events, the completion of home repair and curb appeal projects, and the transformation of vacant lots into valuable community assets. The program's reimbursement-based funding of up to $5,000 per project, coupled with targeted technical assistance, is designed to ensure that these initiatives are achievable and produce meaningful, lasting change within the designated project period of September 2024 to November 15, 2024.

Special Projects grants are available for Mercer County-based nonprofits and government units that present special New Jersey/Mercer County (including local) history programs or events. These grants support specific history-related activities such as exhibitions, educational projects, and preservation efforts. A 1:1 match is required, but 50% of this match can be in-kind. The application deadline is July 1, 2024.

The County of Somerset Cultural & Heritage Commission's History Partnership Grant Program aims to bolster both established and nascent local history organizations in Somerset County, New Jersey. This program, administered by the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission (SCC&HC) and supported by the New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC), is designed to provide financial backing to non-profit organizations and municipalities that deliver history programming, services, and development within the county. The grants are competitive and emphasize fostering excellence in local history initiatives, aligning with a broader mission to preserve and promote New Jersey's rich historical narrative at the community level. The primary beneficiaries of this program are Somerset County-based organizations, including non-profit 501(c)3 or 501(c)4 entities, units of local government, institutions of higher education, and faith-based organizations. The program's impact goals are centered on increasing access to New Jersey history, expanding knowledge of the state's historical context, and improving the management and operational capabilities of local history organizations. By supporting these entities, the program seeks to ensure that historical resources and educational opportunities are readily available to the public throughout Somerset County. The grant program prioritizes and focuses on activities that directly enhance local history programming and services. Eligible expenses span a wide range, from salaries and wages, contracted services, and marketing, to lease expenses, equipment purchases, and maintenance of collections and structures. Crucially, the program also supports staff training, capacity building, and strategic planning, including planning for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance. This comprehensive approach ensures that organizations can not only deliver compelling programs but also operate sustainably and adapt to contemporary needs. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a greater number of high-quality history programs, improved access to historical information and resources for Somerset County residents, and stronger, more resilient local history organizations. The competitive nature of the awards encourages applicants to strive for excellence, and the independent peer panel evaluation process helps ensure that funding is directed towards projects with the greatest potential for impact. While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on increasing access, expanding knowledge, and improving management suggests an expectation of tangible improvements in historical engagement and organizational health within the county.

The 2025 Union County History Re-Grant Program, administered by the Union County Board of County Commissioners in New Jersey, offers two types of grants: General Operating Support (GOS) and Special Project (SP) grants. The program aims to support history organizations, museums, schools, and libraries with collections or programming related to Union County and New Jersey state history. This aligns with a broader mission to preserve, promote, and expand local historical knowledge and services for the public. The program's strategic priority is to enhance and introduce Union County and local history programs or services, ensuring that grant funds expand, rather than replace, existing expenditures. General Operating Support (GOS) grants, with a maximum request of $7,500, are designed for Union County based historical societies, house museums, or historic sites. These grants assist with basic operational costs such as programming, preservation of collections, salaries, marketing, and more. The target beneficiaries are established history organizations dedicated to Union County's heritage. The impact goal is to strengthen the foundational stability of these organizations, enabling them to continue providing valuable historical resources and programming to the community. Measurable results would include sustained operations, improved collection preservation, and continued public engagement through various programs. Special Project (SP) grants, with a maximum request of $5,000, are available to a wider range of organizations including history organizations, museums, schools, and libraries that have collections or programming related to Union County and New Jersey state history. These grants support specific initiatives such as microfilm/digitization, research travel, oral history transcription, exhibition development, and the purchase of materials for conservation or educational projects. The target beneficiaries for SP grants are organizations looking to undertake specific projects that enrich the historical narrative and accessibility within Union County and New Jersey. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly outlined through its eligible expenses and grant types. GOS grants prioritize the fundamental needs for operational continuity and preservation within historical institutions. SP grants, on the other hand, prioritize innovative projects that enhance research, accessibility, and public understanding of local history through various mediums like digitization and exhibitions. The expected outcomes include increased public access to historical materials, the creation of new historical resources, and a broader engagement with Union County's past. Measurable results for SP grants could include the number of digitized items, attendance at new exhibitions or programs, or the completion of specific research initiatives. The program's theory of change posits that by providing financial support for both operational stability and specific projects, local history organizations will be empowered to expand their reach and impact, ultimately enriching the community's understanding and appreciation of its heritage.

The Robert A. Mills Foundation provides grants to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations that support charitable, religious, scientific, literary, humanitarian, scholarship, or educational purposes. The foundation's mission is broadly aligned with these areas, aiming to foster positive societal impact across a diverse range of initiatives. This grant program is designed to be inclusive, encouraging a wide array of non-profit efforts that contribute to community well-being and advancement. The target beneficiaries for these grants are individuals and communities served by organizations dedicated to the aforementioned purposes. The foundation's impact goals are centered on supporting programs that demonstrate clear need, practicability, and usefulness. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the encouragement for specificity in grant proposals implies a desire for grantees to outline anticipated outcomes and the methods for achieving them. The foundation prioritizes a broad spectrum of program areas, including arts, culture, and humanities; education; environment and animals; health; human services; public/society benefit; and religion. This comprehensive approach reflects a strategic priority to address various facets of societal needs. Although there are no geographic restrictions, the foundation historically supports organizations within the New Jersey area, indicating a regional focus within its broader philanthropic strategy. The Robert A. Mills Foundation's strategic priorities are to empower eligible organizations to implement impactful programs. Its theory of change appears to be rooted in the belief that by funding diverse charitable, religious, scientific, literary, humanitarian, scholarship, and educational endeavors, it can contribute to a stronger, healthier, and more knowledgeable society. The application process, requiring submission through an online form and adherence to 501(c)(3) eligibility, ensures that resources are directed towards credible and well-structured initiatives.