Equity Grant for BIPOC-led Nonprofits in New Jersey

Equity Grant for BIPOC-led Nonprofits in New Jersey is sponsored by Impact100 Essex. Recognizes and supports BIPOC-led nonprofits with unrestricted funding to support their growth.

Our Grants — Impact100 Essex For the 2026-27 grant year, we will focus all giving efforts on our Impact Grant . An initiative-based grant* of $100,000 awarded to one organization yearly for a transformational project or program addressing the needs of underserved communities in Essex County. For more information on Impact Grants , click here .

*Attention returning applicants: This is a departure from previous years when only project-based applications were eligible. The Impact Grant now accepts applications for both projects or programs (known as “initiatives”) that allow a nonprofit to take a transformational step forward.

(paused for 2026-27 cycle) Mission-based, unrestricted grants ranging from $10,000 - $20,000 awarded to local nonprofits led by Black, Indigenous and other People of Color (BIPOC). For more information on Equity Grants , click here . Note: Organizations may apply for both the Equity Grants and the Impact Grant.

However, if your organization is awarded an Equity Grant, your organization is no longer eligible for an Impact Grant during the same grant cycle. We are looking for initiatives that are: Innovating , expanding, or continuing your current work, leading to a measurable outcome. Empowering, addressing under-met needs and an underserved constituency.

Strategic . Why this approach? Why will it be effective?

Timely . How is this initiative responding to current needs? Spending the grant within two years, and evidence that all funding needs will be fully met.

To be eligible to submit an application your organization must: Operate and deliver services within Essex County, NJ Be a registered 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization or have a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor/parent Have been in operation for at least 3 years New!

Have annual operating revenues of at least $175,000 and no more than $3,000,000 Be able to provide your organization’s finalized financial documentation, either 990s for the past two consecutive years or certified financial statements for the past three consecutive years Lobbying, partisan or religious activities Debt reduction, interim or bridge funding, retroactive funding Endowments, scholarships or fundraising Re-granting or grants to individuals General operating expenses or overhead beyond allowable 20% of proposed project’s budget Read about past grant recipients for examples How to apply for an Impact Grant : Create a free account with Submittable, if you do not already have one.

If you need assistance getting started, click on this link .

The process and dates for the 2026-27 Impact Grant cycle will be published soon, with the timeline starting in late 2026: 2026-27 Eligibility Requirements 2026-27 Nonprofit Info Slides LOI (2025-26 PDF provided for reference) Application (2025-26 PDF provided for reference; must be invited to submit) Link for application will go live Dec 14th, 2026 2026-27 Impact Grant (IG) Timeline December 14: Notification of Application release January 29: Applications Due February 26: Semifinalists Notification March 3-17 : Semifinalist site visits April 9: Finalists Notification April 29: Fireside Chat with the 3 Impact Grant Finalists at our Membership Annual Meeting May 4: Award Notification The Equity Grant program is on pause for one year (the 2026-27 cycle) to focus our resources on our flagship $100,000 Impact Grant.

We remain committed to supporting smaller and BIPOC-led organizations by expanding access to the Impact Grant and developing new opportunities to connect and engage with our nonprofit community BIPOC-led organizations that are: Managed by Board and executive staff at least 50% BIPOC. Connected to their communities, particularly communities of color. Delivering services within Essex County, NJ.

Are 501 (c)(3) or have a fiscal sponsor who is one. Have operated for at least two years. Have an annual operating budget of no more than $500,000.

Recognize BIPOC-led nonprofits are disproportionately underfunded compared to their White-led counterparts and colleagues. Highlight organizations that engage with — and seek input from — the constituents they work with and serve. Offer funding to smaller, community-based organizations best situated to advocate for and understand communities of color.

Provide unrestricted funding to support the growth of smaller nonprofit organizations. Lobbying, partisan or religious activities Debt reduction, interim or bridge funding, retroactive funding Endowments, scholarships or fundraising Re-granting or grants to individuals Read about our past recipients here . For Impact Grant: grants@impact100essex.

org For Equity Grants: grants. eg@impact100essex. org