General Operating / Flexible Support Grants

Overview

_NOTE: New applicants must set up a 10 minute call before applying.
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Our Mission

We empower nonprofits to think bigger, solve more problems, and make life better in the neighborhoods served by OceanFirst Bank.

Funding Priorities

Advancing Economic Stability and Mobility

The Foundation supports organizations that meet the needs of families and individuals with workforce readiness programs (job training, skills building, apprentice programs, career counseling), literacy and ESL education, financial literacy programs, employment initiatives, and small business technical assistance and access to capital.

Supporting Housing Solutions

OceanFirst Foundation supports organizations that help to create and sustain safe and affordable housing, meet the housing needs of special populations, and supports emergency shelters. The Foundation also supports community-led neighborhood revitalization, housing counseling, homebuyer education, and services that prevent homelessness and increase self-sufficiency.

Empowering the Next Generation

We support organizations that help foster conditions for youth of all ages to thrive and reach their full potential including mentoring, summer camp scholarships, before and after school programs, counseling, youth leadership and career development, program/activity scholarships to support inclusion, healthy behaviors, and leadership development, school based financial literacy education, civic engagement, arts and cultural programs, educator recognition, and much more.

Improving Health and Wellness

The Foundation addresses the health and well-being of individuals and local communities by supporting organizations that care for our neighbors. The Foundation is especially interested in supporting nonprofits that focus on access to care, especially for vulnerable populations and the underserved, mental health services, food security, the healing power of the arts, and the social determinants of health and well-being.

Investing in Higher Education

Note: The Investing in Higher Education funding priority is by invitation only.

The Foundation provides scholarship support to nine partner Community Colleges and Universities in New Jersey to help students pursue their dream of higher education.

Funding

Two year grant cycle for General Operating Support. Awards set at $15,000 ($7,500/2 years).

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

* Applicants select only one priority area for General Operating Support.

* We consider requests from nonprofits (501c3) that can demonstrate a significant level of service and impact within OceanFirst Foundation’s New Jersey footprint – Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Somerset, and Union counties. 
* Applicants from outside this footprint must contact the Foundation to be screened for eligibility prior to submitting a request.

* The mission of applicant organizations should also align with one or more of our funding priorities:
* Advancing Economic Stability and Mobility
* Empowering the Next Generation
* Improving Health and Wellness
* Investing in Higher Education (Note: this program is by invitation only)
* Supporting Housing Solutions

Ineligibility

* Organizations that discriminate based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or other factors protected by law are ineligible for consideration.
* We cannot provide funding for the following:
* Athletic teams, athletic events or sports leagues
* Individuals
* Organizations not exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Exceptions may be made for volunteer fire and first aid squads with 504 (c)(4) status.
* Organizations that are not compliant with the State of New Jersey’s charitable registration requirements
* Political causes, candidates, organizations or campaigns or organizations designed primarily to lobby
* Organizations with programs that are primarily religious in nature, such as faith-based indoctrination, church building campaigns, and general offerings.
* However, we will consider supporting such organizations provided the programs offered meet a need of the broader community, for example, soup kitchens, homeless shelters and other social service needs
* Research
* Travel-related requests including student trips and tours