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Round 6 South Jersey Response Fund Grants Total $210,000

On February 4, 2022 CFSJ awarded 41 nonprofit organizations $210,000 in Round Six grants from the South Jersey COVID-19 Response Fund.

To date, the Foundation has awarded 153 grants totaling $1,068,500 to organizations serving Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean, and Salem Counties negatively affected by the pandemic and related economic difficulties.

“Our community partners and the families they serve have had to adapt during the pandemic, and they continue to navigate their work through the ongoing health crisis,” said CFSJ Executive Director Andy Fraizer. “The first five rounds of grants were focused on organizations serving high need vulnerable populations in areas such as housing, health, and education. While a number of those organizations are represented in Round Six, we are also providing help to smaller arts and culture organizations who are still working to recover from this crisis as they adjust to operating in a new normal.”

“Even as New Jersey has reopened and more and more residents have answered the call to get vaccinated, the effects of the pandemic continue to hamper nonprofits throughout the region,” said Wanda Hardy, Chairperson of the Foundation’s Community Leadership and Engagement Committee. “As we look to the future, we will continue to work with engaged and generous donors throughout our service area, as well as determined nonprofit partners, as the region moves from crisis relief to long-term recovery.”

Since March 2020, South Jersey residents, businesses, and philanthropists across the state have contributed more than $1,310,000 to the South Jersey COVID-19 Response Fund for critical needs served by local nonprofit organizations. Even as vaccine availability expands and the economy slowly reopens, ongoing investment is necessary.

For more information on how individuals or organizations can make a donation, funding priorities, or how to apply for a grant, please visit southjerseyresponsefund.org.

ROUND SIX GRANT AWARD RECIPIENTS:

African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey
Newtonville, NJ
The $5,000 grant will support Arts and Culture Programs in Atlantic County.

The Arc of Burlington County – Burlington, NJ
The $5,000 grant will support Disability Services in Burlington County.

Atlantic City Ballet – Atlantic City, NJ
The $3,000 grant will Arts and Culture Programs in Atlantic County

Bay Atlantic Symphony – Atlantic City, NJ
The $3,000 grant will support Arts and Culture Programs in Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland counties.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Region – Philadelphia, PA
The $5,000 grant will support Virtual Mentoring Services in Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester counties.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey
Asbury Park, NJ
The $5,000 grant will support Virtual Mentoring Services in Ocean County.

Camden City Garden Club – Camden, NJ
The $3,000 grant will support Virtual & In-Person Programming in Camden.

Camden FireWorks – Camden, NJ
The $3,000 grant will support Arts and Culture Programs in Camden.

Camden Special Services District – Camden, NJ
The $3,000 grant will support Employment Assistance in Camden.

Center For Family Services – Camden, NJ
The $10,000 grant will support Housing Support Services in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean, and Salem counties.

Covenant House New Jersey – Atlantic City, NJ
The $5,000 grant will support Housing Support Services in Atlantic City.

Cross County Connection TMA – Marlton, NJ
The $10,000 grant will support Transportation Services in Atlantic and Gloucester counties.

Cumberland Cape Atlantic YMCA – Vineland, NJ
The $5,000 grant will support Virtual and In-Person Programming in Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland Counties.

Deborah Hospital Foundation – Browns Mill, NJ
The $10,000 grant will support Healthcare Services in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean, and Salem counties.

Faith In Action! – Willingboro, NJ
The $3,000 grant will support Virtual Mentoring Services in Burlington County.

Gleneayre Equestrian Program – Lumberton, NJ
The $3,000 grant will support Mental Health Services in Burlington and Camden counties.

Greater Philadelphia YMCA – Conshohoken, PA
The $5,000 grant will support Virtual & In-Person Programming in Burlington and Camden counties.

Habitat for Humanity Gloucester County – Pitman, NJ
The $15,000 grant will support Housing Support Services in Gloucester City.

Hendricks House – Vineland, NJ
The $3,000 grant will support Emergency Basic Needs in Cumberland County.

Hispanic Family Center of Southern NJ, Inc. – Camden, NJ
The $10,000 grant will support Virtual & In-Person Programming in Camden
and Gloucester counties.

Hopeworks – Camden, NJ
The $5,000 grant will support Virtual & In-Person Programming in Camden.

IDEA Center for the Arts – Camden, NJ
The $5,000 grant will support Arts and Culture Programs in Camden.

Johnson Manor of Faith & Education – Mantua, NJ
The $3,000 grant will be used to support Virtual & In-Person Programming in Woodbury.

Kaleidoscope Therapeutic Riding Program Inc. – Medford, NJ
The $3,000 grant will support Mental Health Services in Burlington County.

Milton and Betty Katz Jewish Community Center of Atlantic County – Margate, NJ
The $5,000 grant will support Virtual & In-Person Programming in Atlantic County.

Muslims Serve – Philadelphia, PA
The $3,000 grant will support Food Assistance in Camden.

Nick Virgilio Haiku Association – Camden, NJ
The $3,000 grant will support Arts and Culture Programs in Camden.

NJ Resource Project – Stafford, NJ
The $5,000 grant will support Housing Support Services in Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, and Ocean counties.

Operation Warm – Glen Mills, PA
The $5,000 grant support for Clothing Assistance in Ocean County.

Perfil Latino – Millville, NJ
The $5,000 grant will support Vaccination Outreach and Support Services in Cumberland County.

Professional Trainers Advancing Humanity Initiative Inc. – Deptford, NJ
The $3,000 grant will support Virtual & In-Person Programming in Woodbury.

Ravenwood Farms – Elmer, NJ
The $3,000 grant will support Mental Health Services in Salem County.

Resources for Independent Living – Pennsville, NJ
The $3,000 grant will support Health and Telehealth Services in Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem counties.

ReviveSJ – Bridgeton, NJ
The $5,000 grant will support Job Support Services in Cumberland County.

Ritz Theatre Company – Haddon Township, NJ
The $3,000 grant will support Arts and Culture Programs in Camden County.

Tenby Chase Swim and Sports Club – Delran, NJ
The $3,000 grant will support Recreation Programs in Burlington County.

United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties – Wall Township, NJ
The $3,000 grant will support Virtual & In-Person Programming in Ocean County.

Urban Promise Ministries – Camden, NJ
The $5,000 grant will support Virtual & In-Person Programming in Camden and Pennsauken.

Urban Promise Ministries Community Development – Camden, NJ
The $3,000 grant will support Food Assistance in Camden and Pennsauken.

Vineland Regional Dance Company – Vineland, NJ
The $3,000 grant will support Arts and Culture Programs in Vineland.

Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. NJ – Harrisburg, PA
The $20,000 grant will support Virtual & In-Person Programming in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean, and Salem Counties.

The Arc of Cape May County Partners with the Community Foundation of South Jersey

The Arc of Cape May County was formed in 1961 by parents determined to ensure the most full and independent lives possible for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Since then, they have been creating opportunities, changing public attitudes, fostering respect, and impacting families and individuals living right here in Cape May County. The Arc of Cape May County provides residential homes and supervised apartments to foster independent living, as well as a day program (now virtual, in-person when deemed viable) and employment coaching and preparation for participating individuals.

The Arc of Cape May County has diversified revenue sources, such as income from a local thrift store. In this mix is the critical financial support of local donors. That is why Alex Coll, Director of Development and Communications at The Arc of Cape May County, reached out to the Community Foundation of South Jersey (CFSJ). She recognized the emphasis on local awareness and support that is at the heart of CFSJs mission. She wanted to share the mission and needs of the organization with the South Jersey community at large.  

How has the grant from CFSJ helped The Arc of Cape May County? The Arc of Cape May County was able to pilot a telemedicine service called Station MD., a telemedicine software designed for people with disabilities so that they could understand and communicate with medical experts and provide in-person care as needed. The grant also allowed The Arc of Cape May County to safely introduce virtual programming for group support programs to ensure safety and continued care.

As The Arc of Cape May County continues to expand its reach and services across Cape May County, the organization is always looking for people to join and help serve more people with disabilities. The Arc of Cape May County is in need of steady financial support to further their growth as well as people willing to work alongside the team to be part of this life-enriching program. If you are interested in working for us or volunteering, please contact support@arcofcapemay.org.

To find out more and get involved, go to arcofcapemay.org. The Arc of Cape May County provides comprehensive services and supports to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ensuring a lifetime of achievement with dignity and full partnership in the community.

The Community Foundation of South Jersey (CFSJ) helps South Jersey residents harness the power of philanthropy to transform their community and the issues they care about most.  The Foundation helps donors to create funds—both large and small—achieve positive results with their generosity in South Jersey and beyond.  By working with the Community Foundation donors can engage in philanthropy that is innovative, visionary, and effective.

Young Audiences Arts for Learning Partners with the Community Foundation of South Jersey

“I loved the photography workshop. I never knew a self-portrait could mean something more than just a face.” 4th grader

“Art means that I can be creative and express my feelings. It means that I can do anything” 5th grader

Founded in 1973, Young Audiences Arts for Learning New Jersey & Eastern Pennsylvania (YA) is a leading arts in education non-profit for children, providing teaching artist-led performances, workshops, residencies, as well as teacher professional learning programs to schools in every county in New Jersey and the seven easternmost counties in Pennsylvania. From 2017 to 2020 Young Audiences partnered with 118 schools in South Jersey alone.

Michele Russo, President and CEO of YA, and the 13 staff work to collaborate with area artists and schools to deliver impactful programs that offer joy, creativity, problem-solving skills, and more.

In 2020, Young Audiences began working to serve more children in South Jersey. One step was to partner with the Community Foundation of South Jersey (CFSJ) to invest a portion of its endowment fund, which was built during YA’s 40th Anniversary capital campaign, and further bolstered by a generous bequest. This partnership deepens Young Audiences’ connections and relationships in the South Jersey region. YA recognized the unique connections CFSJ has built in the community and values investment in the communities they serve. Together, YA and CFSJ hope to build a stronger, broader-reaching impact on students and schools in Southern NJ.

“YA excels at serving its mission of arts as a developmental asset for young people. CFSJ serves its mission to inspire generosity and use philanthropy as a tool to support nonprofit partners,” said Andy Fraizer, Director of CFSJ. “This partnership connected the best of both organizations to invest in YA’s impact and help foster a creative environment for children in schools all around Southern New Jersey.”

“In Spring 2020 when all of our programs were canceled, we were able to compensate all of our staff members and committed artists through the end of the school year and continue to work collaboratively with our artists as we transitioned to virtual events. This was possible for YA because of our financial investments, and the generosity of our partners and supporters,” Michele Russo shared. “Working virtually allowed children to expand their creativity and hone their skills and passions. We are looking forward to continuing fundraising together to reach even more children especially at a time that is so challenging for students”

“Working with the Community Foundation of South Jersey has been everything we hoped for. When we approached them after receiving a large bequest from a longtime donor, CFSJ laid out attractive options that aligned with our mission,” said Gil Blitz, YA Trustee. “Once we aligned our vision for this investment, we knew the Foundation would be the perfect partner to help us connect throughout Southern New Jersey.”

Based in Princeton, Young Audiences strives to create spaces that are diverse, equitable, and inclusive. YA is committed to providing students of all identities, backgrounds, and experiences with arts education in which their creativity, cultures, abilities, and identities are validated, included, and nurtured. Its programs are accessible to all socio-economic, ethnic, cultural, and geographic communities, and are designed to strengthen the arts in schools, meet local and state curriculum standards, and enrich cultural life.