MLK Commission Announces 2027 Mini Grants for NJ Organizations
Photo of Martin Luther King Jr. courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Applications Due Oct. 30; Funding Prioritizes 70th Anniversary of Little Rock Nine
AC JosepH Media
TRENTON — The New Jersey Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission has opened applications for its 2027 MLK Day Mini?Grant Program, offering funding to support community events that honor the life, work, and legacy of Dr. King.
The announcement was shared this week by Edward LaPorté, Deputy Chief of Staff in the New Jersey Department of State, who encouraged organizations across the state to apply and commemorate Dr. King’s impact in meaningful ways. Atlantic City’s Stephenine Dixon is co-chair of the MLK Commission.
The grants—available in three tiers—provide up to $1,000 for local programs, up to $2,500 for regional programs, and up to $5,000 for statewide initiatives. According to the Commission, this year’s funding priority focuses on events recognizing the 70th anniversary of the Little Rock Nine, the landmark 1957 desegregation effort that remains a defining moment in the Civil Rights Movement.
Grant Details and Eligible Activities
The Commission encourages a wide range of programming, including:
*Community service projects
*Arts and cultural events
*Presentations of archival materials or film
*Civil rights discussions or roundtables
*Interviews with veterans of the Civil Rights Movement
All events must take place on or around MLK Day 2027, which falls on January 18, and must be completed by February 19, 2027.
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants include New Jersey?based:
*501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
*Community and faith?based groups
*American or New Jersey Indian Tribal communities
*Schools, charter schools, and colleges
*Local, county, or state government entities
*Labor organizations
*Partnerships or consortia of the above
How to Apply
The application process includes three steps:
*Register online through the Commission’s portal.
*Attend the optional Zoom orientation on Monday, September 28 at 1 p.m. (a recording will be posted online).
*Submit a complete application via email to MLKCommission@sos.nj.gov with the subject line *MLK27 Commemorative.
Applications must include a two?page narrative outlining the event description, date, location, lead organization, point of contact, expected audience, anticipated outcomes, and partners. A one?page budget is also required.
The Commission notes that grant funds cannot be used for direct gifts or gift cards.
Key Dates
*Sept. 28 – Orientation Zoom
*Oct. 30 (3 p.m.) – Application Deadline
*November – Awards Announced
*Dec. 31 – Funds Available
*Feb. 19, 2027 – Events Must Be Completed
*March 12, 2027 (5 PM) – Final Reports Due
LaPorté emphasized that the mini?grants offer “a great opportunity to commemorate Dr. King’s legacy in your communities,” encouraging organizations to share the information widely.
For more information, visit the New Jersey Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission website at nj.gov/state/mlk.shtml.
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