How much funding does Small Grants Program provide?

Small Grants Program provides Up to $5,000 in funding.

Small Grants Program

NEW JERSEY HIGHLANDS COALITION

Foundation Annual Environmental Conservation Grants Grants for Grassroots Organizations Grants for Nonprofits

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Funding Amount

Up to $5,000

Deadline

June 8, 2026

61 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Small Grants Program – New Jersey Highlands Coalition

Funder: New Jersey Highlands Coalition

Geographic Scope: Projects located within the 88 New Jersey Highlands municipalities or associated with protecting New Jersey Highlands resources. The Highlands region provides drinking water for 70% of New Jersey residents.

Award Amount: Up to a maximum of $5,000 per grant

Eligibility:

Applicant Type: "Grassroots organizations" defined as non-governmental organizations with a total annual operating budget of less than $200,000

Incorporation Status: Not required to be incorporated, but must be a current member of the NJ Highlands Coalition to be eligible

Must join the Coalition before applying (instructions available on their website)

Funding Priority Areas (in order of priority):

1. Highlands Regional Master Plan (RMP) Development & Implementation
- Projects identifying, mapping, or verifying mapped Highlands natural or cultural resources
- Monitor implementation of RMP standards at local level
- Advocate for and achieve municipal conformance with RMP

2. Precedent-Setting Environmental or Cultural Protection
- Hiring consultants to achieve environmentally protective decisions by NJDEP, Highlands Council, Office of Planning Advocacy/State Planning Commission, NJ Department of Agriculture
- Projects meeting local affordable housing needs

3. Opposition to Threatening Development
- Fighting residential, commercial, or agribusiness projects that threaten or damage natural or cultural resources
- Projects may not establish precedent but assist organizations in development opposition

4. Environmental Restoration, Education & Recreation
- Environmental restoration projects
- Environmental education programs
- Outdoor recreation programs in highlands water receiving areas
- Programs that educate about, explore, or maintain water quality from NJ Highlands

5. Capacity Building
- Membership mailings
- Strategic planning exercises
- Workshops, conferences, or public educational events

6. Water Education & Public Awareness
- Projects educating about Highlands water and resources
- Increase public awareness of use and conservation of Highlands water

Cultural Resources Grants:
Grants may also be awarded for projects related to cultural resources (industrial, commercial, and archaeological sites, historic architectural sites). Sample eligible projects include:

Projects emphasizing the mutuality of natural and built environments
Applications providing matching funds for grants requiring conformity to Secretary of the Interior's Standards
"Bricks-and-mortar" projects or planning documents (not general operating expenses) for specific designated historic sites or districts with professional consultant supervision
Projects focusing on cultural landscapes or their inclusion in resource protection planning
Projects recognizing or providing planning for scenic vistas
Projects preparing communities for improved cultural resource protection
Projects leading to National Register nomination or formal designation
Projects contributing to formal education of public officials related to cultural resource protection

What Will NOT Be Funded:

Grants cannot be used for political purposes, voter registration drives, lobbying, or influencing public elections

General operating expenses (for cultural resource projects)

Volunteer hours (for cultural resource projects)

Any purposes other than those identified in approved proposal without Coalition's written approval

Contact Information:

Brielle Olshan, Director of Strategy and Operations: brielle@njhighlandscoalition.org

Julia Somers, Executive Director: julia@njhighlandscoalition.org

Phone: (973) 588-7190

Mailing Address: NJ Highlands Coalition, P.O. Box 128, Boonton, NJ 07005

Website: njhighlandscoalition.org

Award Cycle & Timeline:

Regular Cycle: Applications considered at Summer meeting; Board approval in September; Awards presented in October at Annual Meeting

Emergency Grants: May be considered on emergency basis at any time during the year with strong justification

Early submissions encouraged

Post-Award Requirements:

Grant funds must be used only for approved project as described in proposal

Unexpended funds may be requested to be returned

Completion/impact report required at end of project period

Organization must submit report before eligible for additional Small Grant

How to Apply

Application Requirements & Process

Submission Materials Required:
1. Short narrative (one page or less if possible) describing:
- The project
- How it meets at least one of the grant criteria
- How grant monies will be spent

2. Answer the following questions:
- Would this grant, if awarded, be transformative, beneficial to the broader community, capacity building, and/or replicable?
- Would this grant, if awarded, further the implementation of The New Jersey Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act (Highlands Act)?

3. Supporting Documentation:
- Grant amount requested
- Evidence that organization's annual operating budget is less than $200,000
- Organization name and contact information (phone and email) for contact person

Submission Format & Method:

Format: Word or PDF only

Method: Email submission

Submit to:

- Brielle Olshan: brielle@njhighlandscoalition.org
- Julia Somers: julia@njhighlandscoalition.org

Submission Deadline for 2026:

June 8, 2026

Early submissions encouraged

Application Tips:

Applicants should think carefully about their request and fully justify the amount requested

For cultural resource projects requiring professional consultant: provide name and credentials of professional who will supervise the project

For Emergency Grants (outside regular cycle):