We are pleased to share grant opportunities for area nonprofit organizations. This list will be updated as opportunities open and close. Before applying, take note of the access code in the grant description if one is listed, create an account in the CFNJ grant portal, and enter the access code in the search bar.
If you have questions about these opportunities, contact our grants team.
Provides emergency and planning grants to support DV survivors and their pets
These grants help organizations that support survivors who are fleeing domestic violence with their pets in New Jersey. Emergency funds can be used to cover a pet deposit for a new apartment, temporary pet boarding, or other bills and supplies. Planning funds help organizations prepare for the future goal of housing pets on-site at a shelter. Learn more by visiting the grant website.
Grant amount: One-time, $5,000 grants
Deadline and notification: Applications will be reviewed and approved on a rolling basis.
Access code: Email lgracey@cfnj.org for the code.
Awards grants for ongoing book projects
This fund was established to perpetuate the work done by nearly 700 students and auditors over the 35 years that Professor Samuel Freedman taught the Book Seminar class prior to his retirement from Columbia Journalism School. Beginning in 2026, the fund will award three grants each year for ongoing book projects. Any former student or auditor from the book class during its duration (1991-2025) is eligible to apply.
Grants will be awarded for:
Grant amount: $3,000 for each grant
Deadline and notification: Applications and related materials are due by 5 p.m. ET on March 15, 2026. The grant recipients will be announced by the end of April 2026. For more information about the grant opportunity and how to apply, click the link.
Provides grants to organizations addressing community needs
While projects from all service areas will be considered, priority will be given to initiatives that demonstrate a clear commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in both organizational leadership and service delivery. Organizations with annual operating budgets of less than $1 million that serve Monmouth County residents are strongly encouraged to apply. Nonprofits with larger operating budgets may apply at their discretion.
Key focus areas for funding consideration include, but are not limited to:
Grant amount: Up to $10,000 per organization
Access code: MONMOUTH2026
Deadline: March 4, 2026 (grants will be awarded by June 30)
Supports programs and services benefiting underserved communities
While projects from all service areas will be considered, priority will be given to initiatives that demonstrate a clear commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in both organizational leadership and service delivery. Organizations with annual operating budgets of less than $1 million that serve Mercer County residents are strongly encouraged to apply. Nonprofits with larger operating budgets may apply at their discretion.
Key focus areas for funding consideration include, but are not limited to:
Grant amount: Up to $10,000 per organization
Access code: MERCER2026
Deadline: March 4, 2026 (grants will be awarded by June 30)
Funds nonprofits that provide vital services and opportunities for children
This grant opportunity is aimed at supporting small to mid-size nonprofit organizations that have been operating for at least two years. Applicants should provide vital services to children with a focus on uplifting their lives, fostering growth, and creating opportunities for a brighter future. While all services geared toward the betterment of underserved youth are welcome (including mentorship, recreational opportunities, and more), we particularly encourage educational programs to apply.
Grant amount: One to three grant awards ranging between $5,000 – $15,000
Deadline and notification: February 20, 2026 (awards will be announced by the end of April 2026)
Helps Essex County students connect their classroom learning with real-life experiences
These grants support trips to arts and cultural organizations, historical landmarks, nature preserves, science institutions, and college tours.
Pi Chubb: Total funding per school is capped at $1,400 and must be used for bus expenses only. Each field trip is capped at $700. This program is open to schools or nonprofits serving Newark.
Schumann: Applicants may apply for grants of up to $1,500 per academic year. This program is open to schools in Essex County and nonprofit organizations that are current grantees of the Schumann Fund for New Jersey.
Deadline and notification: Applications are accepted and approved on a rolling basis.
To learn more, visit the Pi Chubb website or the Schumann Fund website. You can also send an email to info@fieldtripnj.org.
Update: The General Field Trip NJ opportunity is closed. We anticipate that the application will re-open in Fall 2026 when additional funding becomes available.
Funds the sustainability and growth of small theatre operations
Designed to provide financial assistance to small theatre companies operating within New Jersey, this grant recognizes the vibrant cultural landscape and the invaluable contributions of local theatre to communities. This funding also aims to support the sustainability and growth of small theatre organizations.
Grant amount: One to two awards ranging between $5,000 – $10,000.
Deadline and notification: February 20, 2026 (awards will be announced by the end of April 2026)
Provides funding to cultivate the next generation of creative talent
This funding helps foster growth and inspiration in young artists and musicians across the state — providing the resources, mentorship, and opportunities for artistic expression and cultivating the next generation of creative talent.
Grant amount: One to four grant awards ranging between $5,000 – $25,000
Deadline and notification: February 20, 2026 (awards will be announced by the end of April 2026)
*Eligibility note: To ensure resources are shared widely, organizations that have received funding from this grant opportunity within the past two years are not eligible to apply this year. We appreciate your past contributions and encourage you to stay connected for future opportunities.
Empowers Newark residents to transform their communities
Administered in collaboration with CFNJ, this program offers microgrants to local organizations, small businesses, and individuals for projects that create vibrancy in Newark neighborhoods.
These grants also empower residents and local changemakers, who typically lack access to financial resources, to make changes they want to see. The application will go live and a virtual information session will be held on Jan. 15, 2026. Click this link to register to attend.
Grant amount: Up to $2,500 for individuals and up to $5,000 for nonprofit organizations (or those with a fiscal sponsor)
Questions about the Prudential Community Grants Program can be emailed to Program Lead Khalil Nass at communitygrants@theridgelandgroup.com, or visit the program’s page to learn more.
Funds the improvement of healthcare delivery and accessibility
Focused on improving healthcare delivery and accessibility in Sussex and Morris counties, this grant seeks to support initiatives that address gaps in healthcare access, enhance healthcare infrastructure, and improve health outcomes for residents.
Grant amount: One to two grant awards ranging from $20,000 – $45,000
Deadline and notification: February 20, 2026 (awards will be announced by the end of April 2026)
Provides grants for nonprofits focused on children’s behavioral health
This fund supports children’s behavioral health services in Sussex/Morris counties.
Supports organizations serving abused or homeless children
This grant provides financial assistance to Passaic County nonprofits that are committed to serving abused or homeless children.
Empowers nonprofits addressing health disparities
This opportunity supports grassroots initiatives focused on promoting health equity within underserved communities.
Funds STEAM education programs
This grant funds advanced STEAM education programs that aim to improve educational outcomes for students in Newark.
Enhances access to essential services for cancer patients and their families
This opportunity is open to organizations that support general cancer programs and services in Sussex and Morris counties.
Supports recent immigrants with essential services and resources
Inspired by Svetlana’s personal immigration journey, this grant supports recent immigrants by providing essential services and resources to help newcomers navigate the challenges of settling into their new homes and communities.
Supports nonprofits that promote healthier individuals and communities
This opportunity funds projects and programs that promote healthier individuals and communities in Morris and Somerset counties. Visit the SHCHF page to learn more.
Funds school trips for students in underserved communities
This fund supports trips to arts and cultural organizations, historical landmarks, nature preserves, science institutions, and college tours — helping students in underserved communities to connect their classroom learning with real-life experiences.
Supports spiritual growth, pastoral care, and community organizing
This opportunity funds organizations that embody Christian principles and make a positive impact on communities while upholding the values of compassion, service, and love. Grant priority areas include projects and initiatives in Bergen and Passaic counties.
Funds nonprofits affected by federal funding freezes
This opportunity is currently closed. You’re welcome to learn more about the impact of the grant or donate to the fund.
Prioritizes organizations that serve historically disinvested communities
This fund, launched in 2024 by the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation in partnership with CFNJ, supports organizations and projects that focus on justice and equity in Morris County and contribute toward the overall vibrancy of the region.
Supports nonprofits that foster positive change in communities
This grant provides financial assistance for projects that enhance the well-being, resilence, and inclusivity of communities in Essex County, with special consideration for the Oranges and Irvington.
Provides grants to nonprofits supporting companion animals
This funding is open to organizations that support companion animals in New Jersey. Companion animals primarily includes dogs, cats, and horses. But we will consider applications for other animals on a case-by-case basis.
Supports the health and well-being of communities
This foundation provides grants for organizations, projects, and initiatives that contribute to the health, happiness, and well-being of communities in Rahway and/or the surrounding Union and Middlesex counties. Visit the RSI page for more details.
Supports general care for the blind community
This grant supports organizations that provide general care and assistance to the blind community — alleviating the challenges faced by individuals affected by vision loss, enhancing their quality of life, and ensuring their comfort and welfare.
Nurtures the brilliance of Newark’s youth
This emergency fund focuses on Newark residents currently enrolled in postsecondary programs — including colleges, universities, and certification programs — who need assistance with daily and unexpected costs that financial aid doesn’t cover. Visit the fund webpage for details.
Supports organizations and institutions that provide financial assistance to nursing students
This grant supports organizations and institutions that provide financial assistance to deserving individuals from Morris and Sussex counties who are entering the nursing profession or continuing education in the discipline.
Provides grants to organizations that promote economic empowerment
This funding supports New Jersey organizations that are dedicated to promoting economic empowerment through proven projects and programs that foster economic stability, entrepreneurship, workforce development, financial literacy, and access to opportunities.
