(Courtesy of JWFNJ) The Jewish Women’s Foundation of New Jersey (JWFNJ), a donor-advised fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater MetroWest NJ, has awarded $10,000 in competitive grants to five local nonprofit organizations that work to transform the lives of women and girls. Since its formation in 2007, JWFNJ has awarded grants to approximately 70 organizations in New Jersey and Israel, totaling more than $1 million.
“We were thrilled to get so many innovative proposals this cycle,” said Judy Skillman of Florham Park, a trustee of the JWFNJ and co-chair of the grants committee. “The work our partners in the nonprofit field are doing is to be commended.”
“We are confident that the seed money through our small grants cycle will play a significant part in helping women and girls across New Jersey thrive,” said Judy Auerbach-Adamo of Fort Lee, a trustee of the JWFNJ and co-chair of the grants committee with Skillman.
The 2020-2021 small grants awarded are as follows:
Environmental: Ironbound Community Corporation, Newark—$2,500 for the Environmental Justice Leadership Institute, a program that cultivates women community leaders to address environmental-justice issues in their communities. https://www.ironboundcc.org/
Older Adults: Daughters of Israel, West Orange—$1,800 for a Makeover and Massage event, an inspirational day for female residents to help them feel radiant both inside and out. https://www.daughtersofisrael.org/
Self-Esteem: Oasis, Paterson—$2,500 for an afterschool academy and teen program focused on empowering girls to build their courage, confidence, and character. https://oasisnj.org/
Sexual Health: Planned Parenthood, Newark—$700 for their Living Room Series, an educational initiative focused on girls and their mothers or caregivers to talk openly about sexuality in a comfortable space. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-metropolitan-new-jersey
STEM: Sister to Sister of Montclair Mentoring Group, Montclair—$2,500 for their Sister to Sister College Advocacy and Technology Initiative, an afterschool program that introduces girls to the world of technology and incorporates a college tour to entice girls to consider STEM careers.
For more information about JWFNJ and the programs it’s supported, visit www.jwfnj.org.