Westfield, NJ – The Westfield Foundation has awarded more than $120,000 in Q4 2024 grants to eight local organizations, reinforcing its mission to support critical community needs through partnerships and forward-thinking initiatives. These grants, focusing on education, social services, arts, and economic development, ensure that diverse populations across Westfield and neighboring communities have access to essential programs and resources that foster long-term stability, growth, and impact.
“Our Q4 grants reflect the Foundation’s commitment to identifying and investing in meaningful partnerships that support the evolving needs of our community,” said Executive Director Katie Curran Darcy. “With over $420,000 distributed in 2024, we are proud to fund organizations working on the front lines of change and look forward to an even greater impact in 2025.”
2024 Q4 Grant Recipients and Initiatives
- Greater Somerset County YMCA: Funding will enhance the Plainfield students after school education programs and summer camp supplies, benefiting young learners with Social Emotional Learning activities, STEM sessions, and outdoor recreation. The YMCA’s new “Buddy System” for neurodiverse children and daily mindfulness programming exemplify the type of inclusive, forward-looking efforts the Foundation is proud to support.
- Caring Contact: The grant will purchase 50 phones to ensure uninterrupted operation of their life-saving crisis hotline. This partnership underscores the Foundation’s dedication to supporting vital mental health services that provide a compassionate lifeline for individuals in crisis.
- Greater Middlesex & Morris Habitat for Humanity: The Aging in Place and Home Repair Program helps seniors age safely at home with modifications like wheelchair ramps and grab bars, while low-income families benefit from critical home repairs. By partnering with Habitat for Humanity, the Foundation invests in housing stability and improved quality of life for vulnerable residents.
- Students 2 Science (S2S): Funding will expand access to STEM education for students in under-resourced districts like Rahway and Plainfield, with in-lab experiences and interactive virtual programming. This collaboration emphasizes the Foundation’s commitment to empowering the next generation with skills essential for the future workforce.
- Center for Hope Hospice: Replacing three state-of-the-art medical beds, ensuring patients in hospice care receive comfort and safety during their most vulnerable moments.
- New Jersey Workshop for the Arts: Support for new performance equipment will enable students, faculty, and community musicians to continue enriching Westfield’s cultural fabric. The Foundation’s investment ensures access to high-quality artistic programming and vibrant local events.
- Jewish Family Service of Central NJ: Funding will purchase a multi-passenger vehicle to transport elderly residents, particularly those with Alzheimer’s and dementia, to medical and social appointments.
- Women’s Center for Entrepreneurship (WCEC): As a new grantee, the WCEC will receive funding to extend its eCommerce Expansion Program, which supports BIPOC women entrepreneurs and returning citizens. By equipping participants with digital tools and business strategies, this partnership fosters economic development and community resilience.
The Westfield Foundation’s purpose is to promote the betterment of Westfield New Jersey and its surrounding communities by enhancing the quality of life for all of its citizens.
Our areas of focus include but are not limited to capital projects and improvements within Education, The Arts, Health and Human Services, Historic Preservation, Civic Projects, and Community development.
Our grants provide innovative and strategic responses to recognized community needs.
We aim to partner with agencies and institutions to strengthen their services to the local community.