The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation received a PSEG Foundation grant from the Neighborhood Partners Program (NPP) for $10,000. The grant award supports the NNJCF’s Green Infrastructure for Environmental Justice and Flood Mitigation Program. In particular, the PSEG Foundation grant will support these three projects:
- The Hackensack River Nation Summit, a regional event, expects to draw 100 environmental and community leaders and others. The Summit plans to explore better ways to protect the Hackensack River Watershed. In addition, the Summit seeks to connect more people to the Hackensack River.
- Pathways to the River plans to design accessible paths for more people in Hackensack to visit the Hackensack River area.
- The creation of public environmental education programs focused on environmental protection.
Learn more about the Green Infrastructure for Environmental Justice and Flood Mitigation Program online.
Commitment to Environmental Sustainability
The PSEG Foundation selected the NNJCF for its significant contributions in the area of Environmental Sustainability. The NNJCF intends to develop a green infrastructure plan. The organization’s strategy connects better residents from the City Hackensack and the surrounding area to the Hackensack River. Furthermore, the strategy encompasses using greenways and public art.
“The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation is honored to receive funding from the Neighborhood Partners Program for two consecutive years. The PSEG Foundation’s support allows us to provide award-winning service to the residents of Hackensack,” said Leonardo Vazquez, Executive Director, Northern New Jersey Community Foundation. “The Green Infrastructure for Environmental Justice program helps to reduce flooding in Hackensack. Furthermore, this program makes the city greener, cleaner and healthier. Thanks to the Neighborhood Partners Program’s support, NNJCF produced a model rain garden and environmentally focused public art. We also built an active resident-led group to advance environmental justice.”
The PSEG Foundation grant will support environmental educational programs along the Hackensack River. Photo Credit: Northern New Jersey Community Foundation
PSEG Foundation Sets Records
This year, the PSEG Foundation NPP set new records, with an 11% increase in applications and $1.2 million in total giving—a 20% rise from last year. Founded in 2014, PSEG Foundation’s NPP provides grant funding for organizations based on demonstrated program effectiveness, depth, and overall alignment with the foundation’s strategic pillars: environmental sustainability, social justice, and equity and economic empowerment. Since its inception more than 400 nonprofit organizations, in New Jersey and Long Island, New York, have received nearly $8 million in grants
“In ten years, the Neighborhood Partners Program has not only awarded millions in grants but has stood alongside hundreds of community-led organizations to create lasting change throughout New Jersey and Long Island. NPP now serves as a role model for other funders who also seek to be catalysts for progress at the neighborhood level,” said Calvin Ledford Jr., President of the PSEG Foundation. “We are proud to support these transformative partnerships, which embody our unwavering commitment to empowering communities, tackling critical environmental and socio-economic challenges, and advancing equity—especially for those with the greatest need—so that all communities can thrive in a more sustainable and just New Jersey and Long Island.”
For information about the PSEG Foundation’s NPP, the strategic pillars, and the full list of the NPP awardees, visit the organization’s website. More information about the PSEG Foundation and its programs visit the company’s website.
Get involved in the NNJCF’s work! For more information, contact Executive Director Leonardo Vazquez at 201-568-5608 or nnjcf@nnjcf.org.
