If you run a nonprofit in New Jersey, you already know the challenge: your mission is bigger than your budget. The good news is that New Jersey has one of the most robust philanthropic ecosystems on the East Coast — with foundations, banks, and government agencies actively funding community organizations doing meaningful work. Here are five grants that NJ nonprofits should know about in 2026.
- 1
TD Bank Foundation — Financial Security Grant
Award range: $5,000–$150,000 | Focus: Financial security, financial literacy, and community development for 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving underserved communities in TD Bank's footprint across all of New Jersey | Deadline: Multiple cycles per year — next cycle closes July 31, 2026. The TD Bank Foundation prioritizes nonprofits that address financial security for low-to-moderate income populations. If your organization provides financial literacy education, workforce training, or economic empowerment programs, you are a strong candidate. Submit through the CyberGrants portal at least 90 days before the deadline. Contact: PANJCharitableGiving@td.com. Pro tip: Be specific about the number of people served and your measurable outcomes — TD Bank funders want to see impact data.
- 2
Columbia Bank Foundation — Community Grant
Award range: $5,000–$10,000 | Focus: Education, community development, and underserved populations in New Jersey | Deadline: Rolling — next deadline July 15, 2026. Columbia Bank Foundation supports local organizations doing hands-on community work. This is an excellent entry-level foundation grant for newer nonprofits with a clear program and documentation. To apply, contact Julie Holland at foundation@columbiabankonline.com or 201-794-5629. Prepare your 501(c)(3) determination letter, recent financial statements, and a clear program description with participant numbers.
- 3
PNC Foundation — Community Development Grant
Award range: $5,000–$25,000 | Focus: Economic empowerment, financial literacy, and community development in Southern New Jersey for 501(c)(3) nonprofits in PNC's Southern NJ service area | Timeline: Relationship-based — funding decisions are made after an initial introductory meeting. PNC Foundation takes a relationship-first approach. Unlike many foundations that require a full application upfront, PNC often begins with a 30-minute meeting to learn about your work — an advantage for newer nonprofits with a compelling story but a shorter track record. For Southern NJ, contact Lisa Folks, VP of Community Development, at lisa.folks@pnc.com or 856-757-4108.
- 4
Walmart Spark Good Local Community Grant
Award range: $250–$5,000 | Focus: Community needs, food security, education, and local improvement for 501(c)(3) nonprofits with an active Deed account and PayPal | Deadline: Cycle 2 closes July 15, 2026; Cycle 3 opens August 1, 2026. Walmart's Spark Good program distributes small but meaningful grants through local store managers. Each grant decision is made at the local store level — which means a strong community presence and a clear local impact statement matters more than a polished national narrative. Register at walmart.com/sparkgood using a nonprofit Gmail and PayPal account. Note: awards are processed through PayPal — you must have a PayPal account connected to your nonprofit before applying.
- 5
Wells Fargo Regional Foundation — Community Development Grant
Award range: $25,000–$50,000 | Focus: Community development, financial literacy, and economic opportunity in the mid-Atlantic region for 501(c)(3) nonprofits with demonstrated community impact and nonprofit banking infrastructure. Wells Fargo Regional Foundation is one of the larger funders on this list. They favor organizations that can demonstrate a track record, strong board governance, and measurable community impact. An initial letter of inquiry (2–3 pages) is typically the first step before a full application invitation. Submit your letter of inquiry to grantadministration@wellsfargo.com.
Before You Apply: Your Grant-Ready Checklist
Before applying for any of these grants, make sure you have: your 501(c)(3) determination letter, a current board of directors with active members, recent financial statements (or 990-N if filed), a nonprofit bank account (required for all grant payments), a professional and credible website that reflects your mission, and a Candid/GuideStar profile with an active Seal of Transparency. Missing even one of these items can disqualify your application before it's reviewed.
How CFWM Can Help You Get Grant-Ready
Community Faith Wealth Mission offers Grant Writing Workshops and Business Coaching Sessions specifically designed to help nonprofits become grant-ready. If you need help putting your application package together — from organizing your documents to writing a compelling narrative — we're here to guide you through every step.
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Disclaimer: Grant deadlines and availability change frequently. Verify current deadlines directly with each foundation before applying.