Impact Grant (Impact100 Essex)

Impact Grant (Impact100 Essex) is sponsored by Impact100 Essex. The Impact Grant is an initiative-based grant awarded annually to one organization for a transformational project or program addressing the needs of underserved communities in Essex County, NJ.

Our Grants — Impact100 Essex We currently offer two types of grants: 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. 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. Deliver services within Essex County, NJ. Be a 501(c)(3) or have a fiscal sponsor who is one.

Have operated for at least three years. Have annual revenues of at least $100,000. 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 Letter of Intent (LOI) will go live on November 17th, 2025. Use the green button below to access the LOI and submit by December 18th, 2025 at 11:59pm ET.

Resources for applicants: 2025-26 Eligibility Requirements 2025-26 Nonprofit Info Slides Application (PDF for reference; must be invited to submit) Complete LOI for Impact Grant via Submittable (Nov 17 - Dec 18) Following the LOI, you may be invited to submit an application via Submittable.

2025-26 Impact Grant (IG) Timeline November 17: IG LOI Opens January 20: IG Application Opens (for those invited to apply) February 20: IG Applications Due March 18 - 25: IG Site Visits (for those advanced to semifinalist round) April 10: IG Finalists Announced April 29: 2025-26 Annual Meeting & Celebration of IG Finalists 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 . How to apply for an Equity Grant : Create a free account with Submittable, if you do not already have one. If you need assistance getting started, click on this link .

Prepare your application and apply via Submittable using the button below between August 1st and Sept 8th, 2025 at 6pm ET . For your convenience, you may view the 2025 application questions now and prepare, prior to your submission: Here are versions of the 2025 Equity Grant Application in Microsoft Word and PDF format.

A copy of the materials shared at our info session for nonprofits can be found here: Nonprofit Info Session Deck 2025 Apply via Submittable for 2025 Equity Grant (application will be live on August 1st) 2025 Equity Grants (EG) Timeline July 30th, 4:30-5:30 pm ET: Virtual Information Session for Nonprofits Please contact grants. eg@impact100essex.

org if you would like to register for the Nonprofit Information session August 1: EG Application Opens - Submittable Link goes live September 8: EG Applications Due by 6 pm ET October 31: EG Recipients Announced December 11: EG Celebration For Impact Grant: grants@impact100essex. org For Equity Grants: grants. eg@impact100essex.

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