Community Foundation of South Jersey (CFSJ), has awarded a fifth round of grants from its COVID-19 Response Fund. Sixteen grants totaling $155,000 were awarded to South Jersey nonprofits meeting the needs of communities in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean, and Salem counties. Over the past year, CFSJ has distributed more than $848,000 to more than 110 organizations negatively impacted by the pandemic and related economic downturn.
“This pandemic has created challenges for families across South Jersey, including food insecurity, housing instability, and a lack of childcare. These grants build on the Foundation’s efforts to help those on the front line provide access to these essential services and more,” said CFSJ Executive Director Andy Fraizer. “We applaud the efforts of those who are working tirelessly to serve individuals and families.”
“This critical funding through five rounds of grant awards would not be possible without the continued support from our philanthropic supporters,” said Wanda Hardy, Chairperson of the Foundation’s Community Leadership and Engagement Committee. “While the long-term impact of the coronavirus and the volatility it has created remains unclear, we are committed to working closely with partners to support recovery.”
Since March of 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 the critical needs served by local nonprofit organizations. Even as vaccine availability expands and the economy slowly begins to reopen, ongoing investment is necessary.
“The past year has been quite a journey and the road ahead remains long and uncharted. Many in South Jersey still have a long way to go to recover from the impact of this pandemic. We are grateful to have so many by our side. Thank you for your continued support, generosity, and resilience. Big or small, every contribution makes a difference and will help to make a positive impact on someone’s life,” Fraizer concluded.
For more information on how individuals or organizations can make a donation, funding priorities, and how to apply for a grant, visit southjerseyresponsefund.org.
Round five grant award recipients include these local organizations:
• Gateway Community Action Partnership – Bridgeton, NJ: The $6,000 grant will be used by the Gateway Wellness Center to provide community-based counseling and other support services to residents of Cumberland and Salem counties.
• Partners in Learning, Inc. – Turnersville, NJ: The $6,000 grant will be used to provide therapy and other support remotely to youth living with autism spectrum disorders in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem counties.
• Wheaton Arts– Millville, NJ: The $5,000 grant will be used to continue providing virtual artistic and cultural offerings for residents in Cumberland County and beyond.
Learn more about CFSJ at CommunityFoundationSJ.org.
