Community Chest Annual Grants

The Community Chest Annual Grants provide financial support to nonprofits in New Jersey, focusing on key areas including mental health services, food insecurity, home care, educational enhancement, and racial justice education. Organizations that have been operational for over two years and comply with diversity guidelines are encouraged to apply. Priority will be given to initiatives addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, particularly those impacted by the pandemic. Grants can support a range of programs aimed at fostering community well-being and resilience.

NOTE: Successful first time applicants are limited to $5,000 in funding. Additional funding may be requested in subsequent years.
As in recent years, this year’s priorities have been established after careful analysis and review of information provided by nonprofit leaders in our community. The following is a list of priorities that should be referenced by all applicants as they prepare their proposals for funding.
Mental Health services
The Chest supports mental health services for people in our services area of all ages, with priority given to children and adolescents.
Food Insecurity and Healthy Eating
The Chest provides financial support and programming for local residents who are experiencing food insecurity and support for programs teaching people about eating healthy to address such health issues as diabetes or obesity.
Home Care (Health Care Staffing and Services)
Services provided in the home for elderly or disabled people, on an hourly basis, ranging from companionship to physical care not requiring a nursing degree
Educational Enhancement/College and Career Prep
Students of ages, from low income families, who are academically motivated often need support for educational and enrichment expenses. This includes participating in college prep classes, attending enrichment programs, payment for tutorial services, or expenses such as books, meals or appropriate clothing.
Racial Justice Education
The Community Chest plays a leadership role in the Coalition for Racial Unity and Equity (CRUE), a group formed by local professionals following the slaying of George Floyd. Through providing educational and advocacy opportunities in the community people are provided information about equity and justice. Sponsored activities include multiracial/multiethnic dinners where discussions are held that sensitize participants to topics on race relations. Other activities such as library displays offer participants learning materials about equity through reading and viewing materials. The Chest provides financial support for these activities.

Eligibility

Criteria for applying for funds are:A non profit organizations based in NJAgencies must have a 501(c)3 IRS designation.
Must have been in operation for more than 2 years
Must provide services to people working/living in The Community Chest’s service area (15 towns in eastern Bergen County)Our service area includes the following towns: Alpine, Bergenfield, Closter, Cresskill, Demarest, Dumont, Englewood, Englewood Cliffs, Harrington Park, Haworth, Northvale, Norwood, Old Tappan, Rockleigh and Tenafly.Must comply with The Community Chest’s Diversity Guidelines