New Jersey Private Grants

The Princeton Area Community Foundation's Community Impact Grants offer financial support to nonprofits addressing the needs of under-resourced individuals and communities in specific regions of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, prioritizing areas such as food security, homelessness, education, mental health, and community building.

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.

This funding opportunity supports community organizations in Philadelphia and Camden to develop inclusive plans for improving green spaces in underserved neighborhoods, ensuring resident involvement and addressing historical inequities.

This funding opportunity supports organizations in Philadelphia and Camden that create free outdoor programs to help underserved communities access and enjoy parks, trails, and waterways.

The Ann E. Talcott Fund provides grants to organizations operating exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes, as well as for testing for public safety or preventing cruelty to children or animals. The fund aligns with its mission by supporting a broad range of community-focused initiatives. The program targets organizations serving various needs, with a paramount focus on aiding the indigent. Program areas include Education, Environment and Animals, Health, and Human Services. The impact goal is to strengthen organizations that address critical societal needs within New Jersey. The fund's strategic priorities are evident in its emphasis on aiding the indigent and its geographic limitation to organizations within New Jersey. The theory of change appears to be that by providing financial support to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations, especially those helping vulnerable populations, the fund can foster positive change and improve the well-being of communities within the state. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the types of organizations supported, the grant's focus on established program areas and a commitment to aiding the indigent suggests an expectation of improved educational opportunities, enhanced environmental protection, better health outcomes, and strengthened human services for New Jersey residents. The average grant size ranges from $1,500 to $15,000, with grants available from $10,000 to $100,000.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that provide stable housing and empower low- and moderate-income communities, focusing on vulnerable populations such as working families, youth, seniors, and veterans.

The Somerset Hills Community Health Foundation (SHCHF) grant, advised by the Community Foundation of New Jersey, aims to fund projects promoting healthier communities in Morris and Somerset counties, focusing on independent living for underserved or aging populations, chronic disease prevention, mental health, and increasing the number of healthcare workers through scholarships and training.

The GEC grant program overview centers on addressing the critical issue of foreign propaganda and disinformation operations occurring within the ecosystem of games and game-adjacent platforms, specifically focusing on Eastern Europe. The program's core mission, inferred from its activities, aligns with countering malign foreign influence by generating concrete evidence and fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration. The initial phase is dedicated to rigorous, quantified and qualified research to establish the precise scope and scale of this threat. The target beneficiaries of this program include governments, industry stakeholders (likely gaming companies and platforms), and civil society organizations who are concerned with and capable of addressing foreign influence. The ultimate impact goal is to empower these groups with actionable data and a shared understanding of the problem. This shared foundation is crucial for developing and implementing effective countermeasures against disinformation tactics that exploit gaming environments. The grant prioritizes research that is both quantified and qualified, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the problem's magnitude and methods. The focus is specifically on Eastern Europe, acknowledging the region's heightened vulnerability to such activities. Following the research, a key priority is organizing a convening. This event is intended to serve as a platform for sharing the research report, discussing findings, and integrating this data with other related research efforts. Expected outcomes include the production of a detailed report that accurately maps the landscape of foreign propaganda and disinformation in games within Eastern Europe. The measurable result of the subsequent convening will be the successful gathering of key representatives from government, industry, and civil society, facilitating dialogue and collaboration. This approach suggests a theory of change where evidence-based understanding (the research) directly leads to informed action and coordinated defense (the convening and resulting strategy development) against foreign influence operations.

This funding program provides financial support to community-based organizations that empower youth aged 12 to 20 through established, youth-led urban greening initiatives focused on social and environmental justice in select states.

This program provides unrestricted funding to small arts organizations rooted in communities of color, helping them sustain and expand their cultural practices while addressing systemic inequities.

The Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation provides grants with a core mission to support classical performances and music education. This aligns with the foundation's strategic priority to foster cultural enrichment through the arts. The grant program seeks to aid worthy music students in securing comprehensive musical education and to assist organizations in presenting orchestral music to the public. These efforts directly support the foundation's theory of change, which posits that investing in music education and access to classical performances will cultivate a more musically literate and appreciative society. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are students of music who require financial assistance for their education and organizations that present orchestral music, especially those operating for educational purposes. The foundation's impact goals include increasing access to classical music for diverse audiences and supporting under-resourced communities. By focusing on these beneficiaries, the foundation aims to broaden participation in and appreciation of classical music. The grantmaking priorities clearly focus on two key areas: providing educational support for music students and enhancing public access to orchestral music. Preference is given to organizations that serve under-resourced communities and those actively working to increase the diversity of their audiences. This demonstrates a strategic focus on equity and inclusion within the classical music landscape. The expected outcomes include a greater number of well-educated music students and a more diverse audience engaging with classical performances. While the grant details do not explicitly state measurable results in terms of specific metrics, the average grant size of $10,000 to $50,000, and a range of $10,000 to $100,000 for individual grants, indicate a significant investment in supporting these program areas. The requirement for eligible organizations to be 501(c)(3) exempt ensures accountability and alignment with charitable purposes. The three-year funding limit and subsequent one-year ineligibility period suggest a strategic approach to distributing funds among a wider array of organizations over time. Geographically, while there are no strict limitations, the trust primarily supports organizations within the New York/New Jersey Metropolitan area. This regional focus allows for a more concentrated impact within communities that the foundation has historically served. The foundation's overall strategic priority is to advance classical music through education and public performance, with a clear theory of change that by supporting these pillars, they can contribute to a vibrant cultural ecosystem.

This program provides funding to eligible nonprofits and educational institutions in New Jersey for purchasing bottle filling stations to promote access to clean drinking water and encourage sustainable hydration practices.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations seeking to improve the inclusivity and accessibility of public spaces in Greater Philadelphia, particularly for historically underserved communities.

The MetLife Foundation is offering the Community Impact Grant Program, designed to bolster local grassroots organizations actively addressing the urgent needs of low-income individuals and communities heavily affected by the widening income and wealth gap. This grant program is deeply aligned with the Foundation’s overarching mission to drive inclusive economic mobility. By supporting organizations on the front lines, the program directly contributes to the Foundation's strategic priority of fostering equitable opportunities and outcomes for those most vulnerable to economic disparities. The primary beneficiaries of this program are people with low incomes and communities significantly impacted by the growing income and wealth divide. The program's core impact goal is to provide essential support and resources to these populations, helping to alleviate immediate emergencies and build long-term resilience. Through programmatic support, the Foundation aims to empower grassroots organizations to create tangible improvements in the lives of individuals and the well-being of their communities. The Community Impact Grant Program focuses on several key areas: Hunger Relief and Nutrition, Physical and Mental Well-Being, Environmental Sustainability, and Quality of Life. These focus areas reflect the Foundation's comprehensive approach to promoting holistic community health and stability. Organizations are encouraged to submit proposals that align with these areas, ensuring that the grant funding addresses critical needs and contributes to the overall theory of change, which posits that by investing in these fundamental aspects, communities can achieve greater economic mobility and improved quality of life. Expected outcomes include improved access to vital resources for low-income individuals, enhanced community well-being across the specified focus areas, and a strengthening of local non-profit infrastructures. While specific measurable results are not detailed, the grants, ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, are intended to facilitate impactful programming that addresses emergency needs and contributes to sustainable community development. The program encourages applications from organizations with authentic relationships with low-income populations, suggesting a commitment to community-led solutions and a desire for meaningful, localized impact.

The Gertrude L. Hirsch Charitable Trust offers grants exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, aligning with its mission to support organizations dedicated to these core areas. The Trust's grantmaking efforts are designed to empower non-profit entities in fulfilling a broad spectrum of public good initiatives. By focusing on charitable and educational endeavors, the Trust aims to contribute to the well-being and advancement of communities, with a particular emphasis on organizations operating within New Jersey. The grants target a diverse range of beneficiaries across various program areas, including arts, culture, and humanities; education; environment and animals; health; human services; and public/society benefit. The overarching impact goal is to foster positive societal change through the support of these vital sectors. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the expectation is that funded organizations will utilize the grants to achieve their stated charitable and educational objectives, thereby creating tangible benefits for the communities they serve. The Trust's grantmaking priorities show a clear focus on the New Jersey area, indicating a strategic intent to strengthen local communities. While not explicitly outlined as a "theory of change," this geographic preference suggests a belief that concentrated funding within a specific region can lead to more significant and sustainable impact. The average grant size, ranging from $2,000 to $20,000, suggests a strategy of supporting a broader number of smaller to mid-sized initiatives, potentially enabling a wider reach and more diverse portfolio of supported projects. To be eligible for funding, organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code, ensuring that grants are directed towards legitimate non-profit entities. The application process is streamlined through an online grant application form, with provisions for accessible alternatives for assistive technology users. This commitment to accessibility underscores the Trust's dedication to inclusivity in its grantmaking practices, ensuring that a wide array of qualified organizations have the opportunity to apply.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit organizations in New York City and Northeastern New Jersey that focus on innovative programs in social welfare, education, and healthcare, particularly for youth in underserved communities.

The Northeast SARE Professional Development Grant program aims to advance sustainable agriculture practices by enhancing the knowledge, awareness, skills, and attitudes of agricultural and other service providers. This directly aligns with the foundation's mission to support sustainable agriculture through education and professional development. The grant focuses on empowering professionals who work with farmers, enabling them to teach, advise, or assist in the adoption of sustainable methods. The program seeks to create a ripple effect, where trained service providers then apply their learned expertise to help farmers improve their agricultural practices, fostering a more sustainable food system within the Northeast region. The primary beneficiaries of this program are agricultural service providers, including those in non-profit organizations, colleges, universities, Cooperative Extension, and other entities that serve the farming community. Additionally, the program extends its reach to other service providers such as real estate agents, bankers, and attorneys, who can indirectly influence farmers. The overarching impact goal is to cultivate a more resilient and sustainable agricultural landscape in the Northeast by equipping these professionals with the necessary tools and knowledge. Expected outcomes include increased adoption of sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices by farmers, improved ecological and economic resilience to climate change, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The program prioritizes a wide array of topics, encompassing marketing and business, crop production, raising livestock, aquaculture, social sustainability, urban and Indigenous agriculture, and traditional ecological knowledge. A significant focus is placed on climate-smart agriculture practices, which are intended to improve ecological, social, and economic resilience to climate change. This includes practices such as reduced and no-till farming, cover cropping, prescribed grazing, ruminant feed management, manure management, fertilizer management, and on-farm energy efficiency. The program's strategic priorities are clearly aligned with addressing contemporary agricultural challenges through education and practical application. Northeast SARE actively encourages projects from, or in collaboration with, women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Furthermore, it encourages proposals from Minority Serving Institutions and other organizations in the Northeast that work with historically underserved communities, demonstrating a commitment to equity and inclusivity in agricultural development. The theory of change behind these priorities is that by supporting a diverse range of voices and institutions, the program can foster more innovative and equitable solutions for sustainable agriculture, leading to broader and more effective adoption of sustainable practices across the region. The expected measurable results include an increase in the number of service providers trained in sustainable agriculture, a documented increase in farmers adopting climate-smart practices, and the successful implementation of projects that demonstrate improved ecological, social, and economic resilience. Awards typically range from $30,000 to $150,000, with project lengths usually spanning 2 to 3 years, and a maximum allowed duration of 3.5 years. The program's geographical focus is exclusively on the Northeast region, which includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C., ensuring targeted and localized impact within this specific area.

This grant provides funding to local governments and non-profit organizations for projects that improve the environment, culture, or community along the Lower Delaware River corridor.

The William Penn Foundation is offering Climate Resilience Planning Grants to support community-driven, place-based climate resilience plans. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission to foster a sustainable and vibrant future by addressing critical environmental challenges. By focusing on planning efforts, the foundation aims to empower communities to proactively adapt to the impacts of climate change, thereby strengthening their long-term resilience and well-being. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are residents living in census tracts designated as overburdened and underserved by the Council on Environmental Quality’s Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool, located within the cities of Philadelphia or Camden. The impact goal is to advance equitable climate resilience planning, ensuring that vulnerable communities are at the forefront of developing solutions that address their specific needs and vulnerabilities. The foundation seeks to support plans that will primarily serve these populations, promoting environmental justice and fostering a more equitable distribution of resources and protective measures against climate impacts. The program prioritizes projects occurring in Philadelphia or Camden, with a particular interest in plans that will serve overburdened and underserved communities. While organizations proposing projects in partnership with others will be considered on their individual merits, the most competitive proposals are expected to demonstrate robust partnerships that leverage complementary strengths, resources, and expertise. This focus on collaboration underscores the foundation's strategic priority of fostering collective action to tackle complex environmental issues effectively. Expected outcomes include the development of comprehensive, community-driven climate resilience plans that are tailored to the unique contexts of Philadelphia and Camden. Measurable results could include the creation of actionable strategies for climate adaptation, increased community engagement in resilience planning, and the establishment of strong, collaborative networks among organizations working on climate issues. The foundation's theory of change likely posits that by investing in robust planning and fostering partnerships, communities will be better equipped to implement effective resilience strategies, ultimately leading to a more climate-resilient region and improved quality of life for its residents.

This grant provides $100,000 to nonprofit organizations in New Jersey for new or expanded initiatives that demonstrate measurable community impact and sustainability.