Nearly $200K In Grants Available For Newark-Based Nonprofits

NEWARK, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the New Jersey Children's Foundation. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

The New Jersey Children's Foundation (NJCF) recently announced that its annual community grants application process is now open. The organization is calling on groups to apply for nearly $200,000 in available grant funding for Newark-based nonprofits.

This year’s grant making window follows three years of grant funding that has totaled over half a million dollars.

“Newark’s community groups are working hard every day to provide children and families with services, skills-building opportunities and hope, and NJCF applauds and recognizes those organizations,” said Barbara Martinez, NJCF’s Chief Executive Officer. “For community groups who are making a difference, we want to help support their work.”

The application link is now live and will close May 31, 2025. Organizations that are in the best position to receive funding are established nonprofits who serve kids and families in Newark, have an education-related orientation, serve kids across a spectrum of different school types, and have a vision for how to inspire Newark’s youth.

Over 70 Newark community organizations have received $529,000 in funding from NJCF in the last three years, including $117,000 to 22 organizations in 2024.

For example, NJCF helped fund Leaders of the 21st Century’s high school weekend mentorship program. Over 40 Newark juniors and seniors participate in a Saturday program housed at NJIT where they enhance their soft skills, including workshops and training centered around becoming a better leader and career-readiness. It is the program's hope that fellows will be exposed to a diverse group of professionals who will expose them to a variety of career interests.

“The grant enabled us to enhance our program offerings and provide valuable educational and leadership development opportunities that go beyond traditional classroom learning for our students," said Dan M. De Nose, MPA, Founder and Executive Director of Leaders of the 21st Century.

NJCF also supported a variety of GlassRoots programming for local Newark youth, including field trips for nine Newark public schools to GlassRoots and a studio assistant program with LEAD Charter and NOYN.

"The NJCF grant allowed us to not only expand our reach to local public schools but also strengthen our relationship with Newark educators for continued engagement,” said Carol Losos, Executive Director of GlassRoots. “Our innovative studio assistant program provided local youth with hands-on mentorship - through glassmaking - that will serve them into adulthood. Thank you, NJCF, for recognizing GlassRoots’ unique contribution to youth and creativity in Newark!"

Other organizations NJCF has supported include

• The North Ward Center
• Newark Housing Authority
• ARJ Civic Association
• Believe in Newark Foundation
• Metropolitan Baptist Church
• The GEM Project
• Newark Puerto Rican Day Parade Inc.
• Al-Munir LLC (Urban Farms)
• Boys and Girls Club
• Yendor LLC
• Rising Stars Sports Academy
• Hispanic Law Enforcement Society of Newark
• United Community Corporation
• Newark Opportunity Youth Network
• Leaders for Life
• Girls Helping Girls, Period
• Girls Live, Love, Laugh Inc.
• My Son Is Me, Inc.

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