We are looking for projects or programs that:

• Target underserved populations.
• Serve primarily residents of Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex and/or Union Counties
• Address an unmet need.
• Will use the funds for an existing program, a new/pilot program, or a future expansion of a current program.
• Define clear benefits for the target population.
• Plan to use the full $100,000 grant within three years.
• Meet all the eligibility criteria noted below. 

Organizations eligible for an Impact100 Garden State grant must:

• Be registered as a 501(c)(3) Public Charity in good standing (i.e., the IRS has not revoked or modified the organization's tax-exempt status). 
• Submit the IRS Form 990 including Schedule A filed in 2024 (not applicable to faith-based organizations).
• Submit the two most recent audited or reviewed financial statements that cover a minimum of two full years.
• Submit the most recent Balance Sheet, P&L, and Cash Flow Statement for the period beyond the most recent audited or review financial statement. 
• Request funding for a proposal related to at least one of our focus areas: Arts & Culture; Children & Families; Education; Environment, Preservation & Recreation; or Health & Wellness. 
• Explain how all Impact100 Garden State funding will serve primarily the residents of Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex and/or Union counties. (Headquarters can be located outside of these counties.)

Foundations established to support programs for a single institution (e.g., schools or health facilities) may be eligible if they meet additional eligibility criteria.

If your proposal requires cooperation from another organization, such as a school district or hospital, we ask you to identify the organization on your application. If your application advances for consideration as a finalist, we will require a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) from the organization. This MOU indicates that the collaborating partner will fulfill the needs of the applicant to implement the proposal. 

If your proposal requires permissions, such as zoning approvals, variances, permits and/or certificates of occupancy, these requirements should be specified in your application along with the process and timeline for obtaining them. If your application advances for consideration as a finalist, we will ask for this documentation. 

We do not provide funding for: 

• Debt reduction or operational deficits.
• Endowment funding.
• Interim or bridge funding.
• Scholarships and other direct payments to individuals.
• Partisan, legislative, or political activity.
• Foundations that award grants to other organizations (e.g., foundations that support public school districts and health organizations are not eligible).
• Faith-based projects or programs that require beneficiaries to participate in activities of a particular faith, denomination, or religion.
• Capital campaigns.

Organizations that received one of our $100,000 grants in the past may not reapply until 24 months after submitting their final report to Impact100 Garden State.

Impact100 Garden State encourages two or more 501(c)(3) organizations to work together on a proposal that may be supported by a $100,000 grant. For details, see "May more than one organization apply together and share the $100,000 grant" in our FAQs.