Grant Opportunities
The Community Foundation of New Jersey is pleased to share grant opportunities for area non-profit organizations. This list will be updated as opportunities open and close. To apply, take note of the access code in the grant opportunity description if one is listed, create an account in the CFNJ grant portal, and use the access code when filling out the application.
If you have questions about these opportunities, contact our grants team.
Aaron Turner, Chief Philanthropic Officer | Madeline Rivera, Program Officer | Nalune Francois, Program Officer | Lydia Gracey, Philanthropic Services Program Coordinator
Current Opportunities
Fund for a Just and Equitable Morris County
The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation envisions a just and equitable New Jersey where people of all races and communities have equitable access to opportunities to thrive. The foundation focuses its funding on those organizations directly addressing the root causes and repair of structural racism and inequity to transform lives in New Jersey.
The Fund for a Just and Equitable Morris County, launched in 2024 by the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation in partnership with the Community Foundation of New Jersey, supports organizations and projects that focus on justice and equity in Morris County and contribute toward the overall vibrancy of the region. This fund will prioritize organizations that intentionally serve historically disinvested communities in Morris County.
Grant Amount: Grants from $5,000 to $15,000 may be awarded. However, the grants committee has the discretion to award larger amounts.
Deadline: The application period opens on February 11 and closes on March 21, 2025.
Notification: Applicants will be notified about the status of their application by April 17, 2025.
Access Code: Morris2025
Panasonic Challenge Fund Grant
This grant funds advanced STEAM education programs that aim to improve educational outcomes for Newark students. Select non-profit partners will receive up to $25,000 each in funding.
Target areas:
- Engineering, math and arts programming including teacher professional development and training
- Social Emotional Learning
- Historically underserved populations
- Title I schools
Deadline: The application period opened on February 7 and closes on March 3, 2025.
Svetlana Stalin Welcome to New Jersey Grant
Inspired by Svetlana’s personal immigration journey, this grant supports recent immigrants who are adjusting to life in New Jersey — including providing essential services and resources to help newcomers navigate the challenges of settling into their new homes and communities. Key focus areas for funding include: language acquisition and literacy, cultural orientation and integration, legal assistance and immigration services, social services and support networks, and employment readiness and economic empowerment.
Grant Amount: One to three grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 will be awarded.
Deadline: The application period opens on February 7 and closes on March 31, 2025.
Notification: Applicants will be notified about the status of their application by May 15, 2025.
Access Code: Stalin2025
Church in Radburn Christian Values Grant
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 that are:
- Fostering spiritual growth and community engagement
- Providing pastoral care and outreach support to marginalized and vulnerable populations
- Leading social justice and advocacy efforts
- Engaging in community organizing and initiatives that align with the values of equality and solidarity
Grant Amount: Two to five grants ranging from $15,000 to $50,000 will be awarded.
Deadline: The application period opens on February 7 and closes on March 31, 2025.
Notification: Applicants will be notified about the status of their application by May 15, 2025.
Access Code: Radburn_25
St. Clare’s Cancer Support Services Grant for Sussex and Morris Counties
This grant is open to organizations that support general cancer programs and services in Sussex and Morris counties. The goal of the funding is to improve the quality of life for cancer patients, survivors and their families by enhancing access to essential services, resources and support programs.
Grant Amount: One $10,000 grant will be awarded.
Deadline: The application period opens on February 7 and closes on March 31, 2025.
Notification: Applicants will be notified about the status of their application by May 15, 2025.
Access Code: Cancer
Field Trip New Jersey Fund
This fund provides grants for 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.
It also prioritizes field trips in the state that gives students the opportunity to travel outside of their districts; it does not cover inter-school travel. Schools may transport students for college tours in New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland and New Jersey. They can also submit an application for multiple trips. However, total funding per school is capped at $1,400 and must be used for bus expenses only. Each field trip is capped at $700, and it’s highly recommended that teachers collaborate during the planning and application process to help ensure the trips serve a range of teachers and students.
Application Process:
- Any public; charter; and non-profit, private pre-K-12 school in which 65% or more of students are eligible for free and/or reduced price meals may apply twice per school year.
- Non-profit organizations that host field trip programs for students can also apply for a grant on behalf of a school to help cover the transportation costs for a specific field trip.
- Grant applications for field trips are accepted and approved on a rolling basis.
To learn more, visit the fund website or send an email to info@fieldtripnj.org.
Mercer County Community Grant
Proposals from non-profit organizations addressing a range of community needs and priorities are welcomed for this grant. While projects from all areas will be considered, priority will be given to initiatives that demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion — both in leadership and service delivery. Non-profit organizations with less than $1 million operating budget serving Mercer County are encouraged to apply. Non-profits with larger operating budgets may apply at their discretion.
Key focus areas for funding consideration include, but are not limited to:
- Programs and Services: Support for initiatives that directly benefit underserved populations, including education, healthcare, housing, food security, employment and youth development
- Collaborative Partnerships: Funding for collaborative projects and partnerships between non-profit organizations, community groups, government agencies and other stakeholders to maximize impact and address systemic issues affecting underserved populations
- General Operating Support: Funding to continue supporting the mission of the non-profits
Grant Amount: Up to $10,000 per organization
Deadline: The application period opens on January 10 and ends on March 3, 2025.
Notification: Applicants will be notified of the status of their application by July 31, 2025.
Access Code: MERCER2025
Monmouth County Community Grant
Proposals from non-profit organizations addressing a range of community needs and priorities are welcomed for this grant. While projects from all areas will be considered, priority will be given to initiatives that demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion — both in leadership and service delivery. Non-profit organizations with less than $1 million operating budget serving Monmouth County are encouraged to apply. Non-profits with larger operating budgets may apply at their discretion.
Key focus areas for funding consideration include, but are not limited to:
- Programs and Services: Support for initiatives that directly benefit underserved populations, including education, healthcare, housing, food security, employment and youth development
- Collaborative Partnerships: Funding for collaborative projects and partnerships between non-profit organizations, community groups, government agencies and other stakeholders to maximize impact and address systemic issues affecting underserved populations
- General Operating Support: Funding to continue supporting the mission of the non-profits
Grant Amount: Up to $10,000 per organization
Application: The application period opens on January 10 and ends on March 3, 2025.
Notification: Applicants will be notified of the status of their application by June 30, 2025.
Access Code: MONMOUTH25
Rose Anthony Howard and Elizabeth V. Brinley Next Generation Grant
This grant supports small to midsize non-profit organizations in New Jersey that provide vital services to children, uplift their lives, foster growth and create opportunities for a brighter future. While all services geared toward the betterment of underserved youth are welcome, including mentorship and recreational opportunities, we particularly encourage educational programs to apply.
Grant Amount: One to three grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 will be awarded.
Deadline: The application period opened on December 16, 2024 and closes on February 21, 2025.
Notification: Applicants will be notified about the status of their application by April 18, 2025.
A. Van Deusen Young Artist and Musicians Grant
This funding is open to non-profit organizations that foster growth and inspire young artists and musicians across the state — providing the resources, mentorship, and opportunities for artistic expression and helping to cultivate the next generation of creative talent in New Jersey.
Grant Amount: One to four grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 will be awarded.
Deadline: The application period opened on December 16, 2024 and closes on February 21, 2025.
Notification: Applicants will be notified about the status of their application by April 18, 2025.
Dixon Community Theatre Support Grant
This opportunity provides financial assistance to small theatre companies operating within New Jersey. Recognizing the vibrant cultural landscape and the invaluable contributions of local theatre to communities, this grant aims to support the sustainability and growth of small theatre organizations.
Grant Amount: One to two grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 will be awarded.
Deadline: The application period opened on December 16, 2024 and closes on February 21, 2025.
Notification: Applicants will be notified about the status of their application by April 18, 2025.
Essex County Empowering Communities Grant
This grant will support a grassroots initiative led by a community-based organization in Essex County, with special consideration for the Oranges and Irvington. It aims to provide financial assistance to projects that enhance the well-being, resilience and inclusivity of communities. We recognize the vital role that organizations can play in fostering positive change and are committed to supporting their efforts through this funding opportunity.
Grant Amount: One to two grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 will be awarded.
Deadline: The application period opened on December 16, 2024 and closes on February 21, 2025.
Notification: Applicants will be notified about the status of their application by April 18, 2025.
St. Clare’s Healthcare Delivery Grant
Focused on improving healthcare delivery and accessibility in Morris County, 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 grants ranging from $20,000 – $45,000 will be awarded.
Deadline: The application period opened on December 16, 2024 and closes on February 21, 2025.
Notification: Applicants will be notified about the status of their application by April 18, 2025.
Upcoming Opportunities
Somerset Hills Community Health Foundation
Grants awarded by the Somerset Hills Community Health Foundation (SHCHF) fund projects and programs that promote healthier individuals and communities in Morris and Somerset counties.
Proposals from organizations should address one or more of the following priorities:
- Foster independent living through innovative programs for underserved and/or aging population.
- Support critical community health and wellness needs addressing chronic disease prevention and management, healthy aging and mental health.
- Support programs to increase the number of available healthcare workers (i.e., nurse, therapist, home health aide) through scholarships and training (i.e., degrees, certifications, continuing education).
Please note, SHCHF is committed to promoting healthy individuals and communities in Morris and Somerset counties. To that end, we exclusively fund programs that serve Morris and Somerset counties. If your program serves multiple counties, we request that you have the capacity to carve out and specifically track the services you provide in these two counties. If you do not currently have that capacity, we respectfully request that you seek other sources of funding.
Additionally, it is the intention of the Foundation to avoid directly or indirectly conducting or supporting activities that compete with the services or fundraising of Atlantic Visiting Nurse or the Atlantic Health System. In general, SHCHF prefers to fund specific programs over general operating costs. We do not fund affordable housing and capital improvements.
Great Companions Fund
This application is open to non-profit organizations that support companion animals in New Jersey. Companion animals are animals who share our homes and lives and who have a close daily relationship with us. This primarily includes dogs, cats and horses, but we will consider grant applications for other animals on a case-by-case basis.
Please note that the Great Companions Fund typically provides grants to organizations that have an annual budget of less than $1 million. While all animal-related organizations are welcome to apply, the grant review committee tends to prioritize smaller “mom and pop” projects.
St. Clare’s Children’s Behavioral Health Fund
This fund supports children’s behavioral health services in Sussex and Morris counties.
St. Clare’s Nursing Education Grant
This grant funds organizations and institutions that provide financial assistance to deserving individuals from Morris and Sussex counties who are entering the nursing profession or continuing their education in the nursing profession.
George and Yvonne Alkemade Vision Health Grant
This opportunity is open to 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. While the grant encompasses a broad spectrum of support services, it specifically prohibits the use of funds for research or experimentation on animals.
George A. Ohl, Jr. Health-Care Services Grant
This grant supports organizations that work directly to improve or expand healthcare services through unique programs, equipment and research (with special preference for curing infantile paralysis). Only fund requests that will result in a direct improvement or expansion of services to individuals will be considered.
Sheila Williamson Memorial Health Grant
This opportunity funds grassroots initiatives focused on promoting health equity within underserved communities. It also seeks to empower small organizations with innovative ideas and a commitment to addressing health disparities, ensuring that all individuals have equal access to quality healthcare and opportunities for well-being.
Empower New Jersey Grant
This grant provides support to 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.
Passaic County Children’s Support Grant
This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to non-profit organizations within Passaic County that are committed to serving abused or homeless children. Grant focus areas include emergency shelter and housing services, trauma-informed care and counseling, management and advocacy, educational support and enrichment, and basic needs assistance — including food, clothing, hygiene supplies and transportation assistance for homeless or at-risk children and their families.
RSI Foundation
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.
Our philanthropic work focuses on two areas:
- Partnering with marginalized populations. We 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. We support organizations, projects and initiatives that contribute to the health, happiness and well-being of people who live within the community.
Grant Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicant organization is a tax-exempt charitable organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, a government agency or a religious institution
- Applicant organization is in good standing with the IRS
- Applicant organization has been in operation for at least two years
- 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” on our website)
2024 Grant Cycle:
RSI’s 2024 grant cycle is closed. Please check back next summer for information about the next grant cycle or find more details on RSI’s website.