Best Local Government Grants in New Jersey

Local government and community-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits in New Jersey can seek funding for arts and culture, education, employment, health, public policy, and youth and family programs. Grants from the Achelis and Bodman Foundation help New Jersey organizations, especially in Newark and Monmouth County, address civic needs and services for disadvantaged residents.

New Jersey municipal and county governments can access funding through the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to develop Community Forestry Management Plans and conduct tree inventories. Awards of US $5,000 - US $20,000 support planning for healthy, safe, and sustainable urban and community forests, which may benefit local government environmental and civic initiatives.

State and local governments and qualified nonprofits in New Jersey can receive support to purchase agricultural land easements that keep working farms and grasslands in production. With a mission to conserve agricultural lands, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of New Jersey provides partners with long-term easement funding to protect cropland, pasture, grassland, and nonindustrial private forestland from development.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - New Jersey

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

The Baltimore Life Community Grants Program, established by the Baltimore Life Foundation, awards grants of up to $500 to nonprofit organizations in various states, including Maryland and Virginia. This initiative aims to enhance community quality of life through projects that focus on family safety and community enhancement. Eligible applicants must be IRS-certified 501(c)(3) organizations, with priority given to those with volunteer support. This program reflects Baltimore Life's commitment to corporate citizenship and community involvement.

Local government entities in New Jersey, including law enforcement and public schools, can apply for The NRA Foundation’s US $3,000 - US $5,000 grants to support firearms safety, shooting sports, and hunting education programs. Grants from The NRA Foundation help civic and education-focused agencies enhance public safety, youth marksmanship training, and related community programs.

With a mission to support music education and performance, nonprofits in New Jersey can receive $5,000 - $25,000 in Special Projects funding for music performance, presenting, or education work. The Presser Foundation offers general operating support for newer music organizations and resilience grants for small groups facing government funding or policy changes.

Eligible New Jersey employers, education agencies, nonprofits, labor organizations, and local governments can receive funding to provide construction and building trades training, placement, and support services for women and minority veterans. The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development backs programs preparing participants for registered apprenticeships or long-term construction careers, which may benefit local government workforce initiatives.

Nonprofit conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies in New Jersey and other Appalachian states can apply for The Nature Conservancy’s Resilient and Connected Appalachians funding; awards up to US $100,000 for fee and easement land acquisition. Eligible costs include project capital, due diligence, stewardship, legal support, and community engagement tied to land protection.

Faith-based and community organizations in New Jersey can seek funding for civic engagement training, food security efforts, or senior services programs that support vulnerable residents. The New Jersey Department of State Office of Faith Based Initiatives offers Special Projects grants up to US $40,000 for initiatives that build community capacity and improve quality of life.

Local governments and eligible 501(c)(3) or tax-exempt nonprofits in New Jersey undertaking projects in Atlantic City can apply for Casino Reinvestment Development Authority government grants to support community development and revitalization efforts. Projects must be based in or directly benefit Atlantic City residents and demonstrate at least two years of relevant community programming or prior CRDA experience.

Local governments in New Jersey seeking support for historic preservation projects can apply for grants to identify and protect significant historic buildings, sites, structures, objects, and districts. The State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection provides US $15,000 - US $50,000 to Certified Local Government communities for planning tools and preservation activities consistent with federal standards.

Counties, municipalities, school districts, commissions, authorities, and fire districts in New Jersey can seek funding to study or implement efficiency-generating shared services projects. Focused on local government collaboration, the State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs offers LEAP Challenge Grants up to US $150,000 per county for innovative shared services initiatives.

New Jersey counties seeking to hire or support a county shared services coordinator can receive up to US $75,000 for this position. The Local Efficiency Achievement Program’s County Shared Services Coordinator Grant helps local government entities explore and implement shared services, supporting more efficient governance and collaboration across municipalities, school districts, and related public bodies.

New Jersey counties, municipalities, school districts, commissions, authorities, and fire districts can receive up to US $400,000 from the Local Efficiency Achievement Program to implement shared services projects and cover one-time transition costs. Administered by the State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, this support helps local governments streamline operations and reduce costs.

The Charles B. Mathis Memorial Trust Grant supports residents of Ocean County, NJ, focusing on the elderly, poor, sick, and handicapped. Established by Henry C. Mathis, the trust promotes education, good government, and morals. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and operate locally to qualify. Preference is given to educational initiatives and assistance programs. Applications are accepted year-round, with a submission deadline of April 15 for annual reviews.

The Folk and Traditional Arts Community Projects Grant, offered by the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, supports projects that enhance traditional arts and cultures in the mid-Atlantic region. Non-profit organizations can apply for grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, with a required 1:1 match. Eligible activities include performances, workshops, and public art collaborations, particularly those engaging underrepresented communities. This initiative fosters artistic expression and cultural connection across diverse communities.

Local governments in select New Jersey counties can apply for Frank H. Stewart Trust grants, awarding up to US $150,000 for purchasing land for public parks, recreation, and wildlife protection. Municipalities in Gloucester, Salem, Atlantic, Cumberland, or Cape May counties may also use funds to maintain or improve previously acquired Stewart-funded conservation lands.

Local government entities and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in New Jersey can seek funding to continue immunization services, education, and community outreach, especially in at-risk or low socioeconomic areas. Focused on vaccines and immunizations, the State of New Jersey Department of Health invites experienced continuing grantees to strengthen community health through expanded preventive care activities.

Local governments and preservation-focused organizations in New Jersey and other Mid-Atlantic states can seek funding for planning, education, and outreach projects that protect natural and cultural resources. With a mission to advance preservation leadership, National Trust for Historic Preservation provides up to US $7,500 for initiatives like preservation planning, public forums, and innovative community education.

Grassroots, non-governmental organizations with annual budgets under $200,000 working in the New Jersey Highlands can receive up to US $5,000 for advocacy, conservation, cultural resource, or capacity-building projects. Grants from New Jersey Highlands Coalition help New Jersey civic and environmental groups respond to urgent threats, strengthen the Highlands Regional Master Plan, and educate communities about water and cultural resources.

Local and state government entities in New Jersey can receive funding to purchase electric vehicles and Level 2 charging equipment, supporting fleet electrification and energy efficiency. With a mission to regulate safe, affordable utilities, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities helps public agencies modernize light-duty and Class 2b-6 vehicle fleets through the Clean Fleet EV Incentive Program.

Local governments and other entities developing or rehabilitating affordable rental housing in New Jersey can access funding through the State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ HOME-ARP Rental Production program. Grants support acquisition, construction, or rehab of rental units for qualifying populations, including transitional, permanent, and mixed-income housing that may benefit community development priorities.

Dance-making 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored groups in the New York City metro area, including parts of New Jersey, can apply for Dance/NYC’s Dance Advancement Fund; awards US $6,000 - US $40,000 annually for general operating support. Eligible groups must focus on creating or performing dance and have budgets between $25,000 and $250,000.

New Jersey Department of Community Affairs

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is a State agency created to provide administrative guidance, financial support and technical assistance to local governments, community development organizations, businesses and individuals to improve the quality of life in New Jersey.

DCA offers a wide range of programs and services, including local government management and finance, affordable housing production, fire safety, building safety, community planning and development, historic preservation, disaster recovery and mitigation, and information privacy.

Athletics for Persons with Disabilities Grant

Purpose of Grant

The purpose of this grant program is to provide funds to statewide, nonprofit athletic organizations serving athletes with disabilities to provide sports training and athletic competition.

Applicants must be able to provide athletic competition and sports training, throughout the state for athletes with disabilities. Applicants must be knowledgeable about and demonstrate the ability to work with athletes with disabilities. 

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits and units of local government in New Jersey that present professional touring artists can access funding through Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation’s Jazz Touring Network. Grants up to US $3,000 support organizations expanding or enhancing jazz presentations, with priority for non-campus, non-metropolitan presenters committed to diverse, accessible programming.

New Jersey Department of Community Affairs

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is a State agency created to provide administrative guidance, financial support and technical assistance to local governments, community development organizations, businesses and individuals to improve the quality of life in New Jersey.

DCA offers a wide range of programs and services, including local government management and finance, affordable housing production, fire safety, building safety, community planning and development, historic preservation, disaster recovery and mitigation, and information privacy.

Weatherization Assistance Program - Multi-Family Initiative Request for Proposal

Introduction and Purpose

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (NJ DCA) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is issuing this Request for Proposal (RFP) to solicit qualified organizations to provide weatherization services for multifamily housing projects.

The goal of this project is to improve energy efficiency, implement renewable energy systems, and reduce energy costs for low-income multifamily housing units in New Jersey. Weatherization services include conducting energy audits and inspections, upgrading insulation, lighting, heating and cooling systems, renewable energy systems, and providing other ancillary energy-saving services.