FIGHTSTRONG FOUNDATION is a private foundation based in South River, New Jersey. Its filings show grants for emotional assistance to individuals and organizations, including cancer-related organizations.
Key facts about Fightstrong Foundation
In short: Fightstrong Foundation gave $55K across 49 grants in 2025 (avg $1K), mostly in New Jersey. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 88-2004619
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $55,031
- Grants made (2025)
- 49
- Average grant
- $1,123
- Median grant
- $1,020
- Total assets
- $41,643
- Primary geography
- New Jersey (87% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- The foundation’s filing says it does not restrict giving to preselected organizations. Full details ↓
- Deadline
- December 31.
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated September 2026. Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$42K
+39.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$55K
+270.0% YoY
Grant Count
49
+157.9% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$1K
+43.5% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Among its 2025 grantees, the Sarcoma Foundation of America says its mission is to advocate for sarcoma patients by funding research and increasing awareness. The Prostate Cancer Foundation says it funds research on prostate cancer biology and treatment, aiming to improve patients’ quality of life and survival and to end death and suffering from the disease.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the foundation reported 49 grants totaling $55,031. Grants ranged from $83 to $3,336, with a median of $1,020. All of the listed largest grants were designated for emotional assistance. Examples include $3,336 to Rutgers Cancer Institute of NJ, $2,302 to Brian McNamara, and $2,141 to Dana Addivinola. The foundation also gave $1,500 each to the Sarcoma Foundation of America and the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
Review Cycle
** December 31.
Ready to take the next step with Fightstrong Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2025, 87% of grant dollars went to recipients in New Jersey. The reported shares for other recipient states were New York, 7%; California, 3%; Maryland, 3%; and Texas, 1%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of all 49 itemized 2025 grant dollars.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
Grant Size Distribution
77 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Rutgers Cancer Institute of NJ New Brunswick, NJ | Emotional Assistance | $3,336 |
| Brian McNamara Freehold, NJ | Emotional Assistance | $2,302 |
| Dana Addivinola Toms River, NJ | Emotional Assistance | $2,141 |
| Luis Ramirez-Mojica Trenton, NJ | Emotional Assistance | $1,951 |
| Sherry Elaysed Howell, NJ | Emotional Assistance | $1,927 |
| JFK Hosptial Edison, NJ | Emotional Assistance | $1,913 |
| Leilah Ruiz Trenton, NJ | Emotional Assistance | $1,906 |
| James Martinez Bound Brook, NJ | Emotional Assistance | $1,747 |
| Serina Patel Monroe Township, NJ | Emotional Assistance | $1,628 |
| Jonathan Morales Perth Amboy, NJ | Emotionial Assistance | $1,565 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Grant total | Number of grants |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $55,031 | 49 |
| 2024 | $14,874 | 19 |
| 2023 | $6,969 | 9 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $41,643 | $29,959 | $16,781 |
| Revenue | $148,168 | $77,273 | $54,671 |
| Expenses | $136,484 | $64,095 | $37,890 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $143,374 | $64,095 | $37,890 |
| Net Investment Income | — | — | — |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS March 15, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS February 26, 2025)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS March 16, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2023–2025
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Joseph Nigro is listed as president on the 2025 filing.
Fightstrong Foundation is led by Joseph Nigro, President on every filing since 2023 — the only officer listed, and uncompensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Joseph Nigro
President
On filings since 2023
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2023–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Contact
Application contact: Fightstrong Foundation
Mailing address: 114 Monticello Way, South River, NJ 08882
Phone: (732) 675-9457
Email: janigro@fightstrongfoundation.com
Frequently asked questions about Fightstrong Foundation
How much does Fightstrong Foundation give each year?
Fightstrong Foundation gave $55K across 49 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $15K across 19 grants.
What is Fightstrong Foundation's typical grant size?
Fightstrong Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $1,020, and its average grant was $1,123, across 49 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does Fightstrong Foundation give grants?
Fightstrong Foundation gives mostly in New Jersey: 87% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was New York (7%). The most frequent recipient cities were South River, NJ (6 grants), Trenton, NJ (3 grants), New Brunswick, NJ (2 grants) and Bound Brook, NJ (2 grants).
Does Fightstrong Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 49 grants with a stated purpose on Fightstrong Foundation's 2025 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Emotional Assistance" (47 grants).
Who are Fightstrong Foundation's largest grantees?
Fightstrong Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include Rutgers Cancer Institute of NJ ($3,336), Brian McNamara ($2,302) and Dana Addivinola ($2,141), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 14% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Fightstrong Foundation?
Fightstrong Foundation reported $42K in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Its revenue that year was $148K.
What does Fightstrong Foundation fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Among its 2025 grantees, the Sarcoma Foundation of America says its mission is to advocate for sarcoma patients by funding research and increasing awareness. The Prostate Cancer Foundation says it funds research on prostate cancer biology and treatment, aiming to improve patients’ quality of life and survival and to end death and suffering from the disease.
How do I apply for a grant from Fightstrong Foundation?
The foundation’s filing says it does not restrict giving to preselected organizations. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Fightstrong Foundation's EIN?
Fightstrong Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 88-2004619. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2023–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Fightstrong Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Fightstrong Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Princeton, NJ
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation funds work to improve health and health equity in the United States, including health policy, community health, prevention, and social justice. In 2024, its grants ranged from $125 to $12.15 million, with a median of $40,000, and went to recipients across multiple states. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$13.4B
Grants
3,093
Total Given
$622.6M
Community Foundation of New Jersey
Morristown, NJ
The Community Foundation of New Jersey supports nonprofits and projects across arts, education, environment, health and human services, and social welfare. Its 2024 itemized grants had a median of about $19,800, though awards varied widely; funding went to organizations in multiple states, with 32% of itemized grant dollars going to New Jersey. It accepts applications for specific opportunities, and its FAQ encourages eligible New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits to apply; requirements vary by opportunity.
Assets
$1.0B
Grants
1,321
Total Given
$93.8M
Crane Fund for Widows and Children
Englewood Cliffs, NJ
The Crane Fund for Widows and Children supports local charities, agencies, and schools addressing needs such as food insecurity, housing, education, health, environmental protection, and animal welfare in communities where Crane Company operates or its associates have connections. In 2024, grants ranged from $2,000 to $45,000, with a median of $4,500; it funds organizations in multiple states. The fund contributes only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
—
Grants
985
Total Given
$4.5M
Oceanfirst Foundation
Toms River, NJ
OceanFirst Foundation funds nonprofits working in economic stability, youth development, health and wellness, housing, education, and community quality of life, including scholarships, summer camps, and flexible support. It serves communities in OceanFirst Bank’s New Jersey footprint; 2025 grants ranged from $50 to $55,000, with a median of $2,200. It accepts unsolicited requests, and deadlines vary by program.
Assets
$6.1M
Grants
425
Total Given
$1.6M
The Hyde and Watson Foundation
Warren Township, NJ
The Hyde and Watson Foundation funds one-time capital needs—such as construction, renovations, equipment, and furnishings—for eligible nonprofits working in human services, education, health, arts and culture, and the environment. Most grants are $5,000–$20,000, and it primarily serves New York City and Essex, Morris, and Union counties in New Jersey; the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$88.2M
Grants
611
Total Given
$6.1M
Princeton Area Community Foundation Inc
Princeton, NJ
Princeton Area Community Foundation funds nonprofits working in education, basic needs, health, housing, arts, the environment, and nonprofit capacity, with priorities including poverty and the needs of children, families, and communities. Its 2024 median grant was $15,000, and its discretionary programs focus on Greater Mercer County and central New Jersey, though donor-recommended grants may support nonprofits elsewhere. Eligible regional nonprofits may apply through competitive programs such as the Community Impact Grants.
Assets
$279.6M
Grants
515
Total Given
$31.3M
United Way of Bergen County
Paramus, NJ
United Way of Bergen County’s funding mainly consists of employee-designated workplace donations to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations; its own programs focus on affordable housing and connecting New Jersey residents to services through NJ211. In 2025, designated grants ranged from $5,001 to $1,847,204, with a median of $9,010, and went to organizations in multiple states. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited grant requests.
Assets
$31.9M
Grants
377
Total Given
$7.0M
Columbia Bank Foundation
Fair Lawn, NJ
Columbia Bank Foundation supports local community programs, including affordable housing, economic development, financial literacy, health and human services, food security, environmental sustainability, and the arts. Its 2025 grants had a median of $2,500, while current program ranges are $1,000–$4,999 for micro grants, $7,500–$15,000 for community grants, and $5,000–$25,000 for housing grants; it primarily funds New Jersey organizations.
Assets
$42.6M
Grants
319
Total Given
$1.7M
American Water Charitable Foundationinc
Camden, NJ
The American Water Charitable Foundation funds water and environmental projects, as well as work in education, workforce readiness, and community support; its 2025 grants had a median of $5,000 and ranged from $500 to $614,954. Applicants must operate in or directly benefit an American Water service territory, and giving is not restricted to preselected organizations; some programs are invitation-only.
Assets
$81.8M
Grants
374
Total Given
$5.5M
Jewish Community Foundation of Greater
Whippany, NJ
The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater MetroWest NJ supports Jewish and broader-community causes, including local Jewish education, older-adult services, synagogue engagement, and specified needs in Israel; it also makes grants nationally and internationally. Its 2025 grants had a median of $17,400, while its local program offers up to $15,000–$20,000 depending on category. It accepts applications from eligible agencies and synagogues for its local program during a stated application period, and from qualifying organizations for Israel grants each spring.
Assets
$648.3M
Grants
407
Total Given
$29.3M
KPMG US Foundation Inc
Montvale, NJ
KPMG US Foundation supports education, mental health, community vitality, and community relief and resilience, with grants distributed across the United States. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts ranged from about $5,000 to $2.2 million. The available information does not say whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$12.4M
Grants
387
Total Given
$33.5M
Verizon Foundation
Basking Ridge, NJ
The Verizon Foundation funds digital inclusion, climate protection, human prosperity, K–12 literacy and STEM, and domestic violence education and prevention, with an emphasis on underserved and diverse communities. It gives nationally, with priority in California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, and Virginia, and also supports work in India and Israel; 2024 grants ranged from $25 to $1 million, with a $500 median. It does not accept unsolicited requests; applications are by invitation only.
Assets
$23.8M
Grants
5,464
Total Given
$7.0M
More Funders in New Jersey
Fightstrong Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?