CFNJ: RSI Foundation Grant

CFNJ: RSI Foundation Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Community Foundation Of New Jersey
Amount: US $2,500 - US $25,000
Last Updated: April 24, 2025

Summary

The CFNJ: RSI Foundation Grant aims to support community-driven initiatives that address pressing needs in New Jersey. With a focus on equity and diversity, the foundation seeks proposals that demonstrate a measurable impact, are achievable, and align with their values of inclusivity. Grant amounts typically range from $2,500 to $25,000, prioritizing projects that serve historically underserved populations and improve overall community well-being.

Overview

Grantmaking Philosophy The Community Foundation of New Jersey considers regularly how we as an organization and civic community leader can effect lasting change that leads to greater equity. To that end, our discretionary grantmaking is informed by many of the below criteria and grounded in the associated values. Criteria We seek to support initiatives that: Pilot a good idea and have a realistic path toward broader uptake Have an achievable public policy objective Promote a public systems fix that CFNJ and partners have the tools/standing to influence Reach a New Jersey community or group of people who are not being served or have historically been underserved. Leverage other private or public resources Values The work we support is: Community-driven, with input that comes from the community and take into account the expressed needs and plans of the community. Equity-informed, directly addressing racial, economic and/or social inequity in New Jersey. Diversely-led, drawing from a greater diversity of organizations that people of color, different ages and perspectives lead and/or serve, and that may or may not have proven track records but show promise in future work Broad-based, serving more than one community. Inclusive and Equitable RSI Foundation Grant Created from the merger between Columbia Bank and RSI Bank in 2022, the RSI Foundation’s purpose is to continue the tradition of community giving that was critical to RSI Bank. RSI Foundation works together with Columbia Bank, Columbia Bank Foundation, community organizations and other charitable foundations to make a difference in the communities formerly served by RSI Bank. Our philanthropic work is based in two areas of focus: Partnering with marginalized populations. We partner with groups helping those who may be unable to meet their basic needs due to physical, mental, economic, or social circumstances or constraints. Improving neighborhood quality of life. We support organizations, projects and initiatives that contribute to the health, happiness and well-being of people who live within the community. Evaluation Criteria Applications will be reviewed based on, but not limited to, the following criteria: Specific Community Need: The program/project addresses a specific need in the community and falls within the Foundation’s areas of focus.Measurable Impact: The program/project offers a clear, measurable impact or benefit to the community as a whole or a special segment of the population.Achievability: The program or project is achievable with the resources (staff/volunteer, financial, history of programs) of the organization.Realistic Expectations: The program or project has outlined a realistic goal, timeline, and reasonable budget. Funding Grant awards typically range between $2,500 – $25,000. Larger or smaller grant amounts may be considered by the Board but limited based on available funding.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The Community Foundation of New Jersey is pleased to share grant opportunities for area non-profit organizations.Grant Eligibility Criteria:Applicant organization is a tax-exempt charitable organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, government agency, or religious institution Applicant organization is in good standing with the IRS Applicant organization has been in operation for at least two years.Applicant organization must have 501c3 for 2 years and must be actively running programs related to their mission during that period.Applicant organization demonstrates a need for private financial support Program or project demonstrates impact in the Foundation’s geographic area of focus (Rahway, NJ and/or the surrounding communities in Union and Middlesex Counties) Program or project has direct relevance to the Foundation’s areas of focus

Ineligibility

We do not financially support:Political organizations or candidates running for officeIndividualsFraternal organizationsLabor organizationsEndowment fundsBenefit fundraisers (such as event sponsorships, dinner tickets, tricky tray events)Sports-booster clubsGeneral operations funding requests (indirect costs that support the operations of the applicant organization)Event sponsorships and conferences