CFNJ: RSI Foundation Grant

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.

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.
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.
Partnering with marginalized populations.
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

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

501(c)(3) organizations in good standing, operating at least two years with active programs, demonstrating need and impact in Rahway and/or surrounding communities in Union and upper Middlesex counties, NJ. Does not fund political organizations, individuals, endowments, event sponsorships, or general operating costs.