Story Archives - Page 2 of 12 - Nature: Accessible for All

The Hearst Foundations support high-impact programs that improve health, education, and opportunity for underserved populations. Priority areas include educating the next generation of health professionals, innovative early childhood and K–12 education models, and initiatives that expand access to high-quality healthcare for low-income communities.

Funding: Grants typically start at a minimum of $100,000.

Eligibility:
• Programs must demonstrate strong organizational capacity, measurable outcomes, and potential for long-term impact.

• Established nonprofit organizations with a proven track record of success in health, education, or healthcare access.

You can read more about the grant process – Here

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) supports initiatives that advance Strong and Equitable Food Systems and Health and Health Equity. Organizations begin the process by submitting a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) that provides a high-level overview of their work and proposed project.

Funding: Funding levels vary depending on project scope and alignment.

Application:
• LOIs are reviewed on a rolling basis.
• Selected applicants are typically invited to submit a full proposal within approximately 30 days.

Eligibility:
• Nonprofit organizations and institutions whose work aligns with WKKF’s priority areas and commitment to racial equity and community-centered solutions.

You can read more about grant process – Here

Age-Friendly Ocean County is proud to launch its inaugural Multisector Plan for Aging, which identifies evidence-based strategies and best practices to strengthen community supports for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers, enabling residents to age in place with safety, dignity, and independence.

Join them for this inaugural event either in-person or virtually.

Tuesday, June 23, 2026 ~ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Ocean County Library Mancini Hall
101 Washington Street
Toms River, NJ 08753

Registration is required. RSVP by Thursday, June 18, 2026
Use this link to register – Age-Friendly Ocean County Launch

For questions, please call 732-349-1247
For more information on Age-Friendly Ocean County visit – Age-Friendly Ocean County – Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County

The NJ Forest Resource Center Jackson, NJ is truly an amazing place as we celebrate the continued efforts to make the spaces more accessible for the entire community to enjoy and learn about the natural significance of New Jersey’s great outdoors.

The recently revitalized quarter-mile Sensory Awareness Trail at the DEP’s Forest Resource Education Center in Jackson, Ocean County, where visitors of all abilities may use multiple senses to explore forest and habitat along the out-and-back route.

Sensory Awareness Trail upgrades, also include an improved permeable surface and an upgraded guide rope for visitors with visual impairments, with wooden markers identifying interpretive exhibits, benches and a new trailhead kiosk provides information on the trail’s accessible features.

The team that came together to make this project come to fruition is a truly magnificent group from Pinelands Alliance, NJFS Nursery, the private sector, NJ State Parks, NJFS FREC, and the Office of Communications, Interpretation and Education. We look forward to more of this type of expanded partnerships in the future!

You can view the full new release – NJDEP| News Releases | Sherrill Administration Invites Public to Participate in National Trails Day Events This Saturday, June 6 (26/P028)

The new legislative session has begun and NAFA is eager to advocate for smart policies that will help New Jersey build a safer, more accessible outdoor future. Taking this opportunity to notify the community of advocacy opportunities and legislation to ask your local reps to support. Stay tuned for updates!

We are dedicated to continuing to work with partners, legislators and the community for more accessible outdoor spaces and passive recreation.

You can find more about this Bill with the link below.

H.R.7751 – Parks to People Active Transportation Act, requires the DOT to establish a grant program for community greenways.

For public and private land managers and educational staff seeking to expand their recreational opportunities to undeserved communities with disabilities. Untied Spinal has produced a blog posting i would like to share with the Nature Accessible for All audience on How to fund adaptive outdoor recreational equipment and activities – United Spinal Association

United Spinal Association also has several working groups open to disability advocates. Their Outdoor Access Working Group knows that having fun does not come cheap for the disability community. Adaptive equipment and activities can cost thousands of dollars. They have identified funding sources to help offset the expense. This article shares their knowledge about writing successful grants for foundations and government sources. They have also compiled a list of organizations that welcome such grants.