New Jersey Grants

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations in select states to support community-focused initiatives that enhance family support, public safety, and neighborhood improvement.

The William Penn Foundation is accepting applications for its Improving Public Spaces to support efforts that will contribute to public space improvements in a variety of ways, including by increasing activation and stewardship, expanding and diversifying usership, and improving the quality of facilities. Donor Name: William Penn Foundation State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: Grants made through this RFP will focus on the need for better and more equitable improvements through capital investments, maintenance, operations, and programming of existing public and community spaces. They are also eager to support work focused on improving the long-term stewardship of existing public spaces through investments in the physical site and/or at an organizational level through staffing, governance, and personal changes. WFP to fund improvements that will help to produce safer, better maintained, more active, welcoming, and higher-quality public spaces. Funding Information WPF has $4.5 million available to advance this objective currently. Project Period 1-3 years. Eligibility Criteria  Applicants must be recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as 501(c)3 public charities or operate under a public charity fiduciary. Public charities include community-based organizations, schools and educational institutions, and other types of public-serving groups. Government entities are also eligible to apply. Proposed projects must occur in the cities of Philadelphia or Camden. For more information, visit WPF.

The William Penn Foundation is currently accepting applications for its Climate Resilience Planning Grants to support efforts to advance community driven, place-based climate resilience plans. Donor Name: William Penn Foundation State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Proposed projects must occur in the cities of Philadelphia or Camden. They are especially interested in plans that will primarily serve residents living in census tracts that are designated as overburdened and underserved by the Council on Environmental Quality’s Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool. Organizations that propose projects in partnership with other applicants will be considered on their individual merits. However, the Foundation recognizes that the work necessary to make significant progress on this objective will be complex, and the most competitive proposals are consequently likely to be those that include robust partnerships that leverage complementary strengths, resources, and expertise. Eligibility Criteria  Applicants must be recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as 501(c)3 public charities or operate under a public charity fiduciary. Public charities include community-based organizations, schools and educational institutions, and other types of public-serving groups. Government entities are also eligible to apply. Proposed projects must occur in the cities of Philadelphia or Camden. For more information, visit WPF.

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 City of Newark proudly presents the Love Your Block Mini-Grants Program, an initiative designed to connect residents with city departments and community organizations to implement neighborhood beautification and community-building projects. Donor Name: City of Newark State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: The purpose of the Love Your Block (LYB) Mini-Grants Program is to empower residents to carry out their own vision for a cleaner, greener, and healthier neighborhood with a reimbursement-based project funding of up to $5,000 and targeted technical assistance and capacity-building support from city agencies and partner organizations. The City of Newark encourages resident leaders to show their neighborhood pride by proposing projects and initiatives that will enhance, beautify and revitalize their communities. Eligible individuals, resident groups and/or community organizations are hereby invited to prepare and submit the proposal packet and forms today! Program Goals & Grant Categories: Community clean-ups: Reduce litter, improve recycling, and/or waste management throughout the City of Newark. Minor exterior home repairs & curb appeal: Repurpose underutilized properties and parcels to create a sense of pride of ownership in residential areas. Enhancing Green Spaces and Activating Vacant Lots: Enhance community advantages around dormant or underutilized structures, publicly-owned parks, open areas, and other locations of communal importance. Project Period Projects begin in September 2024 and must be completed by November 15, 2024. For more information, visit City of Newark.

This grant provides financial support to non-profit organizations in Northern New Jersey that focus on patient care, education, and services for disadvantaged populations, particularly women and children in need.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in New Jersey that aim to improve breast health services for underserved women through initiatives focused on screening, treatment, and education.

MetLife Foundation is offering the Community Impact Grant Program to support local grassroots organizations who are on the front lines addressing emergency needs of people with low incomes and communities impacted by the growing income and wealth divide.  Donor Name: MetLife Foundation State: Kansas, Missouri, New Jersey, South Carolina, Texas County: Dallas County (TX), Essex County (NJ), Greenville County (SC), Jackson County (MO), Wyandotte County (KS) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/17/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Selected recipients will receive programmatic support through grants between $5,000 – $50,000 in the following focus areas: Hunger Relief and Nutrition Physical and Mental Well-Being Environmental Sustainability Quality of Life Eligibility Criteria Non-profit organizations that meet the following requirements are encouraged to submit applications:  Organizations must be independent tax-exempt public charities as per Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. (Note: we are unable to provide support via fiscal sponsors). Eligible organizations must have operating budgets between $50,000 to $5,000,000.  This is an open and competitive funding opportunity. We encourage proposals from applicants that represent a wide range of organizations and fields in the non-profit sector.  Its encourage applicants that represent or have authentic relationships with people with low incomes and communities hardest hit by income and wealth divide.  Programming must align with the Foundation’s mission of driving inclusive economic mobility and the focus areas outlined above.  Organizations must have significant work serving at least one of the communities as noted and will implement the program in one of the following counties: Dallas, TX (Dallas County) Greenville, SC (Greenville County) Kansas City, KS (Wyandotte County) Kansas City, MO (Jackson County) Newark, NJ (Essex County) For more information, visit MetLife Foundation.

This program provides financial assistance to New Jersey communities at risk of wildfires to enhance their resilience through proactive planning, risk mitigation, and public awareness initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to New Jersey municipalities and communities for implementing wildfire hazard mitigation practices outlined in their approved Community Wildfire Protection Plans.

This grant provides financial support to organizations in New Jersey that assist visually impaired individuals, the homeless, unemployed, or those struggling with substance dependency, with a focus on enhancing their capacity and impact.

This grant provides $50,000 to diverse-led small businesses in Pennsylvania and New Jersey that meet specific criteria, aiming to support underrepresented entrepreneurs in creating new jobs and fostering business growth.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in the tri-state area focused on addressing gun violence, improving community safety, and enhancing education and police relations.

This funding opportunity provides up to $50,000 to nonprofit organizations in New Jersey to strengthen their operations and enhance their ability to fulfill their missions through activities like strategic planning and improving governance.

This funding opportunity provides multi-year financial support to nonprofit organizations in New Jersey and nearby areas to enhance their operational capacity and effectiveness in fulfilling their missions.

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.

The County of Burlington is currently accepting applications for its Affordable Housing Grant Program. Donor Name: County of Burlington State: New Jersey County: Burlington County (NJ) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/28/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The objectives of the awarding of grant funds under this Program are to promote the construction of new, 100 percent affordable housing projects, as well as the construction of affordable housing units within mixed-income residential development, and the construction of affordable housing units that are designed to provide assistance to communities of need, including families experiencing homelessness or housing instability, and those who are responding to incidents of domestic violence. Funding Information The County will award grants to experienced affordable housing developers under the Program on a discretionary basis not-to-exceed $1,250,000.00 per organization. Developer/Project Eligibility Criteria  For a project to be eligible for the Program, it must be eligible to be funded under any of the following federal housing programs: The National Housing Trust Fund (HTF, administered by HUD); The Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME, administered by HUD); The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (administered by Treasury); The Public Housing Capital Fund (administered by HUD); Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program and Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities Program (administered by HUD); Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA) (administered by HUD); and Multifamily Preservation & Revitalization program (administered by USDA). Eligibility Criteria  Non-Profit Organizations are eligible to apply. For more information, visit County of Burlington.

The Bunbury Fund supports non-profit organizations making significant impacts across central New Jersey, and most specifically Mercer County, to strengthen their capacity to effectively advance their missions toward sustainable, organizational maturity. Donor Name: Princeton Area Community Foundation State: New Jersey, Pennsylvania County: Bucks County (PA), Burlington County (NJ), Huntingdon County (PA), Mercer County (NJ), Middlesex County (NJ), Somerset County (PA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/05/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The Bunbury Fund’s mission is to strengthen the ability of nonprofit organizations to do their best work. They refer to this work as capacity building. It is work that helps your organization deliver its mission with greater confidence. They respect that what an organization might need in terms of capacity building is best identified by its staff and board. The Bunbury Fund Advisors strongly support and encourage projects and organizations that embrace and promote anti-racism strategies and conduct projects that place racial equity at the core of their work. Funding Information One year capacity-building grants: up to $50,000 Strengthening the board governance Succession planning for board and staff leadership Developing strategic partnerships and program collaborations Strategic and scenario planning Systems upgrades to improve service delivery and measurement Embracing practices that support racial equity and inclusion Supporting the strategic and capacity building needs of start-ups and newly launched initiatives Strengthening Human Resources systems Improving technology/communications Multi-year capacity building grants: up to $150,000 and up to three years Foundation will also review proposals for multi-year projects that focus on developing organizational effectiveness over a period of up to three years. This is work that might be accomplished in phases where the completion requires more than one year. Planning Grants: up to $10,000: A planning grant helps an organization evaluate the resources required to undertake a more comprehensive capacity-building project. This is often an initial step in determining the needs and viability associated with a larger capacity building project. 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. Applications will be accepted from organizations that operate and provide services within the geographic region covered by the Princeton Area Community Foundation, defined as follows: Mercer County Eastern Bucks County, PA, including New Hope, Morrisville, Washington Crossing and Yardley Northern Burlington County, including Bordentown and Bordentown Township Southern Hunterdon County, including Lambertville, West Amwell, adjacent parts of East Amwell Southern Middlesex County, including Plainsboro and Cranbury Southern Somerset County, including Montgomery, Rocky Hill, and adjacent sections of Franklin Twp. For more information, visit PACF.

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 Northeast SARE Professional Development Grant program funds projects that develop the knowledge, awareness, skills and attitudes of agricultural and other service providers about sustainable agriculture practices to teach, advise or assist farmers. Donor Name: Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 4 Years Details: An agricultural service provider is a professional who assists farmers. Projects that develop the ability of other service providers (for example, real estate agents, bankers, and attorneys) to work with farmers are also eligible. These service providers then use what they’ve learned through participation in project activities in their work with farmers. A wide variety of topics can be funded by Northeast SARE, including marketing and business, crop production, raising livestock, aquaculture, social sustainability, urban and Indigenous agriculture and much more. Other aspects of projects funded through the Northeast SARE program include those that address climate-smart agriculture practices intended to improve ecological, social, and economic resilience to climate change; increase carbon sequestration; and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate-smart practices include reduced and no-till, cover crops, prescribed grazing, ruminant feed management, manure management, fertilizer management, and on-farm energy efficiency. In addition, projects may address traditional ecological knowledge. Funding Information Awards typically range from $30,000 to $150,000. Project Duration Typical project length is 2 to 3 years. The maximum project length allowed is 3.5 years. Geographical Focus  The Northeast region includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C. Eligibility Criteria  Professional Development Grants are open to anyone who works with service providers and farmers, including personnel at nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, Cooperative Extension, municipalities, tribal governments, state departments of agriculture, federal agencies, research farms and experiment stations, and for-profit business entities (such as farms, private consultants, veterinary practices and other businesses that serve the farming community). Northeast SARE encourages projects submitted from or in collaboration with women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). Additionally, they encourage projects submitted from or in collaboration with Minority Serving Institutions (including 1890s and other historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and tribal colleges and universities) and other organizations in the Northeast that work with historically underserved communities. Your organization must have the legal structure and financial capacity to receive and implement a Northeast SARE contract, including expending funds needed for the project prior to receiving reimbursements from Northeast SARE; advance payments are not possible. Projects must take place within the Northeast region. Applicants and host organizations may be located outside of the Northeast region if the project activities and the farmers served are located within the Northeast region. For more information, visit Northeast SARE.