Frank Mongelli Jr. Scholarship Grant

The Frank Mongelli Jr. Scholarship, established by Donna Esposito and her late husband in memory of their son, aims to support students in New Jersey pursuing careers in substance use/addiction counseling. The scholarship addresses the ongoing epidemic of addiction through education and prevention. Administered by the Community Foundation of New Jersey, it is part of a broader initiative that has awarded over $2 million to 271 scholars. Applicants are evaluated on academic performance, community involvement, and financial need.

Community Foundation of New Jersey
Over our 46-year history, the Community Foundation of New Jersey has collaborated with individuals, families, organizations, and businesses to design charitable funds and implement the philanthropic solutions they want to see in their communities. We leverage $1.17 billion in assets and 1,200 funds to help our partners think boldly and creatively about ways to give.
Scholarship Fund Overview
Beyond a shared commitment to educational opportunity, families establish scholarship funds with a variety of goals and purposes in mind. They may offer traditional scholarships or customize fund awards for alternative scholarships.
Currently, CFNJ administers more than 135 scholarship funds. Our scholarship opportunities run the gamut, from those exclusive to a local high school or geographic region to those supporting specific majors or career pursuits. Last year, we awarded over $2 million in scholarship assistance to 271 scholars.
Applicants may be evaluated on academic performance; extracurricular activities; community involvement; paid or unpaid work; and a statement of their personal aspirations, educational goals, and demonstrated unmet financial need in our scholarship review process.
Frank Mongelli, Jr., passed away at 22 years old in 2008 as the result of a drug overdose. In loving memory of their son, Donna Esposito and her late husband, Michael, established the scholarship with the hope that others might be spared from enduring the loss of precious and irreplaceable loved ones through education, prevention, and treatment. Because the epidemic of alcohol and drug addiction continues to plague our country, this scholarship aims to help students who are enrolled or have been accepted in a graduate program at an accredited college or university in New Jersey and plan to pursue a career in substance use/addiction counseling.