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.

With 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

Lindemann Legacy Fund

The Lindemann Legacy Fund, also known as Quinn’s Corner, aims to ensure that New Jerseyans and their pets can be safe together in their time of need.

Funded and inspired by legacy donor Karen Lindemann, this grant opportunity is for 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations In New Jersey that work with both survivors of domestic violence and their pets. Please note, an organization does not need to operate a domestic violence shelter to be eligible for a grant. If the non-profit works with survivors and their pets in some capacity, and it earmarks funding so that it is solely used for that purpose, the organization is eligible to apply.

For the first phase of grantmaking, CFNJ is administering Jumpstart Grants and partnering with the New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence (NJCEDV), RedRover and Greater Good Charities to launch the fund. These one-time, $5,000 grants will help organizations increase their capacity and can be used as:

  1. Emergency funds (some examples are funding for a pet deposit for a new apartment, temporary pet boarding, vet bills or pet food)
  2. Planning funds to help an organization prepare for the future goal of housing pets on-site at a shelter

If an organization receives a grant, it will be asked to submit a brief follow-up report in six months with details and stories of how the funding was utilized. To apply, create an account in the CFNJ grant portal and fill out the application by 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2024. Applications will be reviewed and approved on a rolling basis.

By January 2025, CFNJ will collaborate with NJCEDV on additional grantmaking including:

  1. Funding a shelter staff position of Pet Advocate
  2. Capital expenses related to including pets in shelters
  3. Emergency or ongoing expenses supporting DV survivors and their pets

To learn more, visit the fund website or contact Lydia Gracey at lgracey@cfnj.org.

Field Trip New Jersey Fund

Field Trip New Jersey 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.

The fund 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 is 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.
  • To apply, create an account in the CFNJ grant portal and fill out the application. 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.

 

Upcoming Opportunities

Somerset Hills Community Health Foundation

The Somerset Hills Community Health Foundation (SHCHF) seeks to fund projects and programs that promote healthier individuals and communities in Morris and Somerset counties.

Grants are awarded to organizations whose proposals address one or more of the following Foundation priorities:

  1. Foster independent living through innovative programs for underserved and/or aging population.
  2. Support critical community health and wellness needs addressing chronic disease prevention and management, healthy aging and mental health.
  3. 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).

SHCHF’s request for Letters of Interest (LOI) is currently closed. If your organization was selected to submit a full grant proposal, we will provide notification by December 1, 2024 and further information on proposal submission. The full application will be due by February 1, 2025.

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.

If you have any questions, please contact Lydia Gracey at lgracey@cfnj.org.

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 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.

St. Clare’s Cancer Support Services Grant

The St. Clare’s Cancer Support Services Grant for Sussex and Morris Counties provides funding to organizations dedicated to supporting general cancer programs and services in these regions. This grant aims to improve the quality of life for cancer patients, survivors and their families by enhancing access to essential services, resources and support programs.

St. Clare’s Children’s Behavioral Health Fund

The St. Clare’s Children’s Behavioral Health Fund seeks to support children’s behavioral health services in Sussex and Morris counties.

St. Clare’s Nursing Education Grant

This grant will support organizations and institutions that provide financial assistance to deserving individuals from Morris and Sussex counties entering the nursing profession or continuing education in the nursing profession.

George & Yvonne Alkemade Vision Health Grant

This grant is dedicated to supporting 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 will support 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

The Sheila Williamson Memorial Health Grant is aimed at supporting grassroots initiatives focused on promoting health equity within underserved communities. This grant opportunity 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

The Empower New Jersey Grant aims to support statewide organizations in New Jersey dedicated to promoting economic empowerment and advancing social justice through proven projects and programs. One key focus area is economic empowerment for historically marginalized groups. This includes projects and programs that foster economic stability, entrepreneurship, workforce development, financial literacy and access to equitable opportunities. The second key focus area — social justice — funds initiatives addressing systemic inequalities, promoting racial and gender equity, and enhancing civic engagement and participation.

Mercer County Community Grant

The Mercer County Community Grant welcomes proposals from non-profit organizations addressing a range of community needs and priorities. 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.

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.

Eligibility: 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 your discretion.

Monmouth County Community Grant

The Monmouth County Community Grant welcomes proposals from non-profit organizations addressing a range of community needs and priorities. 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.

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.

Eligibility: 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 your discretion.

Fund for a Just and Equitable Morris County

The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation has established the “Fund for a Just and Equitable Morris County” at CFNJ. The Fund will provide support to organizations in the county working toward the overall vibrancy of the region, prioritizing non-profit organizations that intentionally serve and support historically underrepresented communities in Morris County.

This new Fund in Morris County will be launched in 2024 as the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation celebrates 50 years of impact as a Foundation. Its goal is to continue to honor the legacy of the Foundation’s benefactor, Mrs. Geraldine R. Dodge, and the Foundation’s long-term commitment to the Morristown area.

Rose Anthony Howard and Elizabeth V. Brinley Next Generation Grant

This grant opportunity is aimed at supporting small to midsize non-profit organizations in New Jersey dedicated to providing 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 and recreational opportunities, we particularly encourage educational programs to apply.

A. Van Deusen Young Artist and Musicians Grant

The A. Van Deusen Young Artist and Musicians Grant aims to support non-profit organizations dedicated to fostering growth and inspiration in 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.

Dixon Community Theatre Support Grant

The Dixon Community Theatre Support Grant is designed to provide 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.

Essex County Empowering Communities Grant

The Essex County Empowering Communities Grant will support a grassroots initiative led by a community-based organization. This grant aims to provide financial assistance to projects that enhance the well-being, resilience and inclusivity of an Essex County community. We recognize the vital role that these organizations play in fostering positive change and we are committed to supporting their efforts through this funding opportunity.

Geographical Focus: Projects must serve communities within Essex County, with special consideration for the Oranges and Irvington.

Svetlana Stalin Welcome to New Jersey Grant

Inspired by her own immigration journey, this grant opportunity is designed to provide support to 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 consideration 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.

Church in Radburn Christian Values Grant

This grant opportunity seeks to support organizations that embody Christian principles in making 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

This opportunity focuses on projects and initiatives that are engaging in advocacy efforts, community organizing and social justice initiatives that align with the values of compassion, equality and solidarity.

The Passaic County Children’s Support Grant

This grant is dedicated to providing 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 to 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 is based in two areas of focus:

  1. 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.
  2. 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)

RSI Foundation’s 2024 grant request cycle

RSI’s 2024 grant cycle has now closed. Please check back next summer for information about the next grant cycle or find more details on RSI’s website.

Applicants will be notified of acceptance/denial by November 1, 2024.