United Way Receives $1M Challenge Grant From Grunin Foundation

TOMS RIVER, NJ — The United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties has received a $1 million challenge grant from the Jay and Linda Grunin Foundation, the foundation announced Monday.

The $1 Million Challenge grant aims to help the United Way in its new mission to mobilize donors, volunteers and community partners to improve the lives of youth and their families, the Grunin Foundation said in a news release.

Through the grant, the Grunin Foundation will match all new or increased donations dollar for dollar up to $1 million until June 30, 2021, the foundation said.

“United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties recently underwent a rigorous strategic planning process in which the organization really honed in on its mission, vision and community impact goals for the next four years,” said Jeremy Grunin, president of the Jay and Linda Grunin Foundation, who also is chairman of the United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

“The impact work in the strategic plan targets not only the challenges of today, but prepares the youth of our community to be successful in the future,” he said.

The United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties offers a number of programs to help children and families in the area, from reading programs to help young learners to its Stuff the Bus and Warmest Wishes intiatives that help provide winter coats and school supplies to needy children, to assisting families who are at risk of becoming homeless or teens needing shelter not only emergency help but assistance to build a more stable life beyond.

“The Jay and Linda Grunin Foundation uses philanthropy to increase citizen activity and economic development opportunities through the arts, healthcare and education – which fits perfectly with United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties’ new vision,” said Jay Grunin, co-founder and co-chair of the Jay and Linda Grunin Foundation. “The Grunin Foundation is proud to support the work of United Way and make a significant impact on our community with the $1 Million Challenge grant.”

One of the goals of the challenge is to help the United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties bring new donors in who will continue to help it financially in the future.

For more information on the $1 Million Challenge Grant from the Jay and Linda Grunin Foundation or United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties’ strategic plan, call 732-938-5988 or visit uwmoc.org.

Left to right: Timothy Hearne, President & CEO of United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties; Jay Grunin, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Jay and Linda Grunin Foundation; and Jeremy Grunin, President of the Jay and Linda Grunin Foundation and Chairman of United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties at UWMOC’s Leadership Reception where the Grunin Foundation Challenge was announced. Photo provided by the United Way of Monmouth & Ocean Counties