The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey (HFNJ) provides grants to nonprofit organizations focused on reducing health disparities and improving the well-being of underserved populations in Greater Newark, NJ, and the Jewish community of Greater MetroWest NJ. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, and the foundation does not fund individuals, government agencies, or private foundations. Grants are awarded primarily to organizations serving Newark, the surrounding areas, and Jewish organizations within the Greater MetroWest NJ region, which includes Essex, Morris, Somerset, Union, and parts of Sussex counties. Occasionally, organizations in other parts of Essex, Morris, and Union counties may also be considered if their projects align with the foundation's mission.

The foundation supports program grants that seed new initiatives, address emergent needs, or replicate successful approaches. It also funds capital and equipment projects that improve access to healthcare and ensure an equitable standard of care. Projects focusing on infusing compassion and humanism into healthcare delivery are also considered, along with capacity-building efforts to strengthen organizational ability to provide high-quality services. However, the foundation does not typically fund organizations outside its catchment area, general operating support, individual healthcare needs, fundraising events, advertising, lobbying, or scholarships.

When evaluating grant proposals, HFNJ places strong emphasis on how the project aligns with its mission of addressing healthcare needs in vulnerable populations. Successful applicants should demonstrate their capacity for community engagement and cultural competency. The foundation is particularly interested in projects that introduce innovative solutions, address systemic healthcare challenges, or enhance existing services with measurable outcomes. Collaborations with key stakeholders and community groups are highly valued, as they are seen as vital to achieving long-lasting impact.

A critical component of any application is the plan for assessment and evaluation. Proposals must include a clear logic model or Project Evaluation Chart that outlines program objectives, activities, data collection methods, and expected outcomes. This ensures that the foundation can track the project’s impact both during the grant period and beyond. The ability to demonstrate quantitative and qualitative results, especially in mitigating health barriers, is an essential factor in securing funding.

HFNJ seeks to partner with well-managed organizations that prioritize accountability, governance, and fiscal responsibility. Organizations must demonstrate a history of programmatic success and the ability to empower the communities they serve. Proposals should reflect a commitment to transparency and collaboration, as the foundation aims to build respectful and responsive partnerships with grantees.

The budget submitted with the grant application should reflect the anticipated impact of the project. While indirect costs are not automatically funded, they may be considered based on the specifics of the project. A key aspect of the grant review process is sustainability, and applicants must show how they plan to continue the program beyond the foundation’s support. HFNJ generally provides one-year grants, though successful projects may be eligible for renewal in subsequent years, contingent on demonstrated progress and impact.

Organizations that believe their projects align with HFNJ’s priorities should ensure their proposals are well-structured, with clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and a solid plan for sustainability. By focusing on innovation, collaboration, and accountability, applicants can increase their chances of securing funding from HFNJ to improve the health and well-being of underserved communities.