The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation (NNJCF) joins more than 1,000 community foundations nationwide to celebrate National Community Foundation Week from November 12-18, 2023. On National Philanthropy Day, the NNJCF announces $53,803 in grant awards and also scholarships in 2023. The Grants Committee recommended the grant awards and scholarships. Afterward, the NNJCF’s Board of Trustees reviewed and approved them.
“During our 25th anniversary, we are delighted to support several organizations responding to the needs in their communities and making an impact,” said NNJCF Executive Director Leonardo Vazquez. “We thank the Foundation’s donors and supporters for making these grant awards and scholarships possible.”
Grant Awards Announced
The Stockton University Foundation received a grant award from the Northern NJ Community Foundation-The DeAnna Stark Pasciuto Memorial Fund that will benefit the Women’s Soccer Team. Photo Credit: Lors Photography
The grant and scholarship recipients include the following:
- Cancer Care. Grant of $10,000 to benefit Healing Hearts Family Bereavement Camp. The DeAnna Stark Pasciuto Memorial Fund.
- CivicStory. Grant of $1,000 to support journalism related to green infrastructure, as well as environmental justice.
- Creative Placemaking Communities. Grant of $5,000 to support the 2023 Northeast & Mid-Atlantic Creative Placemaking Leadership Summit.
- Leonia High School to Harry Skountzos of the Class of 2023. $2,000 scholarship. The Class of 1964 Ralph Gregg Memorial Scholarship Fund.
- New Milford High School to Ryan Hugerich of the Class of 2023. $2,000 scholarship. The Darren Drake Memorial Fund.
- Stockton University Foundation. Grant of $3,000 to support a scholarship for the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program and also to benefit the Women’s Soccer Team. The DeAnna Stark Pasciuto Memorial Fund.
- Teaneck High School to Amber Holmes-Edgar and Sherleen Yunes of the Class of 2023. Scholarships for $1,000.00 each. Jannie Smith Legacy Fund.
- Therapists for Armenia, Inc. Grant of $5,000 to develop a strong international network of therapists, enhance clinical skills, create educational resources, and also help Armenian communities to thrive. The Andrea Tilbian Halejian Memorial Fund.
Become a Philanthropist
The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation invites people, who want to support a cause or community, to establish their own Donor Advised Fund. Notably, the NNJCF partners with the donor to identify and select vetted nonprofit organizations to award funding. The Foundation also manages the fund’s accounts, enabling the donor to provide support over many years. In addition, anyone interested in creating a Donor Advised Fund should visit the NNJCF’s Philanthropic Giving webpage or contact Danielle De Laurentis, NNJCF Associate Director, at danielle@nnjcf.org or 201-568-5608, x1. Furthermore, to learn more about the Donor Advised Funds, visit the Foundation’s online site.
National Community Foundation Week
In 1989, former president George H.W. Bush created National Community Foundation Week to raise awareness about the important role philanthropic organizations like the NNJCF play in fostering local collaboration and innovating solutions to address persistent civic, as well as economic challenges. Moreover, community foundations are independent, public entities that steward philanthropic resources from institutional and individual donors to local nonprofits, representing one of the fastest-growing forms of philanthropy. As community foundations find solutions for communities, their collective work also has a profound impact.
The NNJCF collaborates with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and individuals on a range of projects and asks: What can we do together that we can’t do alone? The Foundation’s work focuses primarily on arts/culture, civic engagement, and education. In addition, the NNJCF works with the environment, public health, and philanthropy.
Support the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation
Individuals and businesses may support the NNJCF’s work with a tax-deductible donation, as permitted by law. Donations may be made online. Contributions may also be sent by check made out to ‘The Northern N.J. Community Foundation’ entered in the memo line. Send checks to the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation, 1 University Plaza, Suite 128, Hackensack, New Jersey 07601. For further information about the NNJCF, call 201-568-5608 or send an e-mail to nnjcf@nnjcf.org.
