The Community Foundation of New Jersey (CFNJ) and the Morris County Funders Group have announced the launch of the Morris County Nonprofit Capacity Fund, a new philanthropic initiative designed to strengthen the operational capabilities of nonprofit organizations serving Morris County. Seeded by Morris County foundations, the Fund will award up to $100,000 annually in grants to help local nonprofits build stronger, more sustainable organizations.
The Morris County Nonprofit Capacity Fund represents a strategic investment in the infrastructure that enables nonprofits to fulfill their missions effectively. Rather than supporting specific programs, the Fund focuses on capacity-building initiatives that could enhance internal systems, governance, and human capital.
Eligible nonprofits can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to support a wide range of capacity-building initiatives, including strategic planning, staff training and retention, board development, financial management systems, marketing and communications improvements, and program evaluation tools. Organizations based in Morris County or those serving a population that is at least 50% Morris County residents may apply.
The Fund aims to achieve four key goals: enhancing organizational effectiveness by equipping nonprofits with essential tools and knowledge; promoting sustainability through long-term planning and resource management; fostering innovation in addressing organizational viability; and strengthening community impact by building nonprofit capacity to better serve residents.
Grant applications will be accepted on a rolling basis now until April 30, 2026. The application process is designed to be straightforward, requiring nonprofits to submit proposals outlining their capacity-building project, including goals, expected outcomes, and budget. A team at the Community Foundation of New Jersey will review applications and select grantees based on potential impact, feasibility, and alignment with organizational needs.
Selected grantees will be required to provide progress reports and a final evaluation to ensure accountability and measure the impact of their capacity-building investments. The Fund aims to distribute all initial funding by December 2026, with an outcomes report planned for May 2026.
Nonprofits interested in learning more about the Morris County Nonprofit Capacity Fund and the application process should visit https://cfnj.org/find-grants/ or contact Nalune Francois at the Community Foundation of New Jersey at [email protected].
