In 2016, the Westfield Foundation distributed almost $317,000 in grants to thirty-two different agencies, among them: The Westfield Rescue Squad, Cranford Dramatic Club, Boys and Girls Clubs of Union Co., Liam’s Room and Caring Contact.
Grants from the Foundation help individuals and agencies launch promising civic projects so they can become sustainable agencies that meet a specific community need. Additionally, the Foundation has become an important resource for organizations with new or emerging needs. The Foundation’s grants impact many lives.
In the third quarter, the Foundation distributed over $22,000 to four organizations. The fourth quarter saw the Foundation distribute over $106,000 to 13 organizations. Various grants allowed ESL classes for no charge to students, counseling for special needs children, pediatric palliative care training, the development of a curriculum for first responders, and uniforms for winter/spring cheerleading. Recipients included The Adult School, Jewish Family Services, NJ Intergenerational Orchestra, Community Access Unlimited, YWCA Union County, and the Young Entrepreneurs Academy.
The Foundation focuses on four sectors: Arts, Education, Health and Social Services. For 2016, 40% of the grants were for educational requests, 29% for health, 19% for social services, 7% for the arts and 5% were mixed distribution.
Currently, the Westfield Foundation is holding their annual fundraising appeal. The Foundation holds only one annual fundraising campaign per year. If you wish to donate to the Foundation’s current annual appeal, donations can be sent directly to: Westfield Foundation, PO Box 2295, Westfield, NJ 07091.