The Bolger Foundation has announced the results of its Fall 2023 grant cycle. Thirteen 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations received nearly $525,000 altogether, including nine challenge grants totalling $410,000. Two more organizations were encouraged to revise their grant requests and reapply. All funding is for capital projects that align with The Bolger Foundation’s focus on conservation, preservation, education, and health, including mental health.

Three projects were funded in full. Push to Walk (Oakland, NJ) received $26,025 for new physical therapy equipment. ARC of Essex County (Livingston, NJ) was given $32,010 to replace HVAC units in three of their group homes. The Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation (St. Petersburg, FL) received $31,716 to revamp the audio-visual system in their new Arts District warehouse. In addition, the Bergen County Historical Society (River Edge, NJ) was awarded a $25,000 directed donation to their building fund.

Of those receiving challenge grants, American Legion Post 53 (Ridgewood, NJ), who must raise $100,000 to receive $25,000 for their redesigned Gold Star Family monument. Carepoint Health System (Hoboken NJ) will raise $150,000 to receive $40,000 toward the purchase of two SimMan Essential Partner mannequins. Eastern Christian School (North Haledon, NJ) agreed to raise $40,000 in order to receive $10,000 for renovation of their 1950s cafeteria.

Previous Bolger Foundation beneficiaries include Eva’s Village (Paterson, NJ), who will raise $67,000 to receive $10,000 to purchase and install security cameras, and Valley Hospital Foundation (Ridgewood, NJ), who must raise $83,000 and will then receive $25,000 for a new SIM unit.

Building improvements are the common goal of several Bolger Foundation challenge grant recipients. New Jersey Community Development Corporation (Paterson, NJ) has already raised $500,000 toward expansion of their affordable housing in Hawthorne, NJ with two more units plus community space and a demonstration kitchen. They are challenged to raise another $200,000 in order to receive $50,000 from The Bolger Foundation.

Passaic County Habitat for Humanity (Paterson, NJ) also must raise $200,000 to receive $50,000 toward renovation of their aging headquarters, while Sage Eldercare (Summit, NJ) will do likewise to fund a new roof, surveillance system, and bathroom remodels. Finally, New Hope Community Ministries (Prospect Park, NJ) is challenged to raise $714,095 to receive $150,000 to revamp and expand into their newly purchased 4000-square-foot facility.

The Bolger Foundation accepts grant applications from June 1-September 1 and November 1-February 1. Applications may be submitted online at TheBolgerFoundation.org.