Big news from Impact100 Essex - $100,000 Impact Awarded

Impact100 Essex Announces 202 Impact Grant Awardee, Distributing $100,00 to Local Nonprofit in Essex County

Essex County, NJ — May 26, 2026— Impact100 Essex, a women’s giving circle in Essex County, is proud to announce the recipient of its 2026 Impact Grant, awarding $100,000 to Returning Citizens Support Group. Returning Citizens Support Group's mission is to reduce recidivism through healing, family reunification, and community building by providing comprehensive wraparound services to returning citizens and their families. Learn more here.

“We thank Impact100 Essex for believing in our vision. This award is going to have a positive impact on one of the most vulnerable populations—those who are 55 and over. It’s going to allow over 10 men to be housed long-term in a safe and healing environment in our first year,” said Edwin Ortiz, Executive Director of Returning Citizens Support Group.

“The lessons we learn through the early phase of this initiative will help shape and strengthen how we support many more in the years to come.”

Congratulations to Returning Citizens Support Group and to our finalists: St James Social Service Corporation and The Rachel Coalition - Jewish Family Services MetroWest, who will each receive a grant of $15,000.

Impact100 Essex received a record number of applications for its $100,000 Impact Grant this year, a sign of the sheer number of organizations in need of support.

“This is a uniquely challenging time for nonprofits in our community,” said Sunita Chaudhuri, co-chair of Impact100 Essex.

“Impact100 Essex is proud to harness the collective power of our generous members to help these nonprofits fulfill their missions.”

Thirty-three member volunteers participated in a rigorous review process, diving deep into the work of nonprofits that are driving economic, health, cultural, and educational equity across Essex County.

“We are grateful to all the nonprofits who applied for our Impact Grant this cycle,” Chaudhuri added.

About Impact100 Essex

Impact100 Essex is a women-led collective giving organization that pools individual donations to award transformative grants to local nonprofits. We center the work of nonprofits in everything we do and are committed to advancing equity and strengthening the communities of Essex County, New Jersey.

For more information about the Impact Grant initiative or Impact100 Essex, please visit: impact100essex.org