The Westfield Foundation Awards More Than $200,000 to 14 Nonprofit Organizations in Record Quarterly Grant Cycle
The Westfield Foundation is pleased to announce more than $200,000 in grants to 14 nonprofit organizations during its second quarterly grant cycle of 2026. The cycle received a record number of grant requests, underscoring the growing needs across our service area, and resulted in the Foundation’s highest number of quarterly grant awards to date. Building on nearly $100,000 awarded through its first quarterly grant cycle, the Foundation has now invested more than $304,000 through its quarterly grants program, supporting 21 nonprofit organizations serving Westfield and surrounding communities in 2026. One in four organizations funded this year are new grantees, reflecting The Westfield Foundation’s commitment to expanding both the depth and breadth of its community impact by supporting longstanding nonprofit partners while investing in emerging needs across its focus areas of Education, Arts, Community Development, and Health & Social Services.
Child Focus’ CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) program was awarded funding to recruit, train, and supervise a new class of volunteer advocates serving children in foster care throughout Union County. CASA volunteers provide consistent, child-centered advocacy within the child welfare and family court systems, helping ensure abused and neglected children have their voices heard and receive the services and support needed to achieve safe, stable, and permanent homes.
Children’s Specialized Hospital will use its grant to support its Pediatric Long Term Care program in Mountainside through the purchase of adaptive positioning equipment and leadership development initiatives. The project will help medically complex children improve mobility, comfort, and participation in therapeutic activities.
The Gateway Family YMCA received support from the Wagner Hoffart Fund to launch Wits Workout, an evidence-informed cognitive wellness program designed to promote brain health and social connection among older adults. Through interactive group activities, memory exercises, problem-solving challenges, and discussion-based learning, the program helps participants remain engaged, connected, and independent while enhancing quality of life for older adults throughout Union County.
Girls in Gear was awarded funding for its Ride On! initiative, which provides subsidized biking and social-emotional learning programs for girls in Elizabeth and Plainfield. Through a unique combination of cycling, mentorship, and confidence-building activities, the program helps girls build resilience, communication skills, and self-confidence while ensuring access to bikes, helmets, and supportive programming regardless of financial circumstances.
Music for All Seasons will bring its Wide World of Music Project to children participating in programs at the Westfield YMCA, Westfield Community Center, and Josephine’s Place in Elizabeth—each a valued partner of The Westfield Foundation. This collaboration highlights the power of connecting nonprofit organizations to expand community impact. Through interactive music, movement, instrument exploration, and creative expression, participants will explore musical styles and cultures from around the world. The program also incorporates poetry and songwriting, encouraging creativity, self-expression, and a deeper appreciation for the arts.
New Jersey Festival Orchestra was awarded funding for an innovative conducting workshop designed to advance opportunities for emerging women conductors. The program will provide participants with hands-on experience working with a professional orchestra while giving the community unique access to rehearsals and performances.
Prevention Links, a new 2026 grantee, secured funding for its Recovery Workforce Support Program, helping individuals recovering from substance use disorder build pathways to stable employment and long-term success. Through personalized workforce development, job readiness training, credentialing opportunities, and peer recovery support, the program equips participants with the skills and resources needed to achieve economic stability while strengthening their recovery journey.
Project Playground Westfield received support to install accessible playground equipment and surfacing at Tamaques School, helping ensure children of all abilities can play, learn, and connect together. The project expands the community-wide effort to create inclusive play spaces at every Westfield elementary school, providing equitable opportunities for recreation, social interaction, and belonging for students and families throughout the community. To date, The Westfield Foundation has invested $190,000 in Project Playground initiatives at 7 Westfield schools between 2023 and 2026. As an anchor donor, the Foundation has played a crucial role in transforming playgrounds at seven elementary schools.
Scouting America, Patriots’ Path Council will expand inclusive and accessible scouting opportunities for youth with intellectual and physical disabilities at Crossroads School in Westfield. Through hands-on activities, outdoor experiences, and adaptive programming, participants build confidence, develop new skills, and enjoy meaningful opportunities for connection and personal growth.
We Make, Autism at Work, a new partner of The Westfield Foundation, was awarded funding for its Summer Work Experience Program, providing paid vocational training and real-world employment experiences for individuals with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities. The program equips participants with workplace skills while creating pathways to long-term employment and greater independence.
A new partnership with the Westfield Choral Parents Association provided need-based scholarships enabling Westfield High School choir students to participate in the program’s international performance tour and related enrichment opportunities. The scholarships help ensure financial circumstances do not prevent students from accessing transformative musical, educational, and cultural experiences that foster artistic growth, collaboration, and global engagement.
The Westfield Community Center will use its grant to purchase computers and technology equipment that will enhance its Summer Camp and After-School STEAM programs. The investment will expand access to digital learning opportunities, support coding and technology-based activities, and help students develop the skills needed to succeed in an increasingly technology-driven world while promoting educational equity throughout the community.
Supported by the Wagner Hoffart Fund, The Westfield Food Pantry will purchase a cargo transportation van to expand its ability to deliver food and essential supplies to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity throughout Westfield and Union County. The van will support weekly deliveries to local senior housing, community organizations, and social service agencies, helping ensure reliable access to nutritious food and other essential resources.
YWCA Union County was awarded funding for its Emergency Hotel Stay Program, providing immediate, safe, and confidential temporary housing for survivors of domestic violence when traditional shelter options are unavailable or unable to accommodate pets. The program removes barriers to safety during times of crisis while connecting survivors and their families to counseling, advocacy, and longer-term support services that promote healing and stability.