Small, startup, or newly established health-focused nonprofits are encouraged to apply for Horizon Healthy Communities Grants, a one-time special grant program in recognition of the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey’s 20th anniversary in 2024.  

The foundation will award 20 grants of $5,000 each for general operating support or to assist nonprofit organizations as they build their capacity and scale programs.  The online application period opens Friday, Dec. 15 and closes on March 1, 2024. 

“The Horizon Healthy Communities Grant Program was developed to provide vital support to community-driven initiatives to improve health, promote wellness, and enhance New Jerseyans’ quality of life,” said Jonathan R. Pearson, the foundation’s executive director. “We are pleased to collaborate with the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits to shape this program.” 

To be eligible, an organization must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a focus on physical or mental health and have an operating budget of $250,000 or less. Prior Horizon Foundation grant recipients are ineligible to apply for the new Horizon Healthy Communities Grants. 

“We are excited to launch this initiative and are eager to see the inspiring ideas and projects that will emerge from organizations across the state,” Pearson said. 

Nonprofits interested in applying for a grant can access the online application here. The application requires basic organizational information, links to the nonprofit’s public website or social media, a brief description of the organization’s mission and a 350 to 500-word narrative on how the nonprofit would use the grant. Grant awards will be announced on April 16 for the fiscal year that begins July 1. 

Questions can be emailed to Robin Seasock at the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey.