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Communities that care for each other bring purpose to our lives. That?s just one of the reasons our PSEG Foundation created the Neighborhood Partners Program to infuse small grants into big challenges and help address deeply rooted barriers to social justice, equity and economic empowerment.
This year, the PSEG Foundation has awarded $1,040,300 to 301 community organizations with NPP grants ranging from $500 to $21,000.
?The PSEG Foundation has generously supported Main Street Counseling for many years,? said Steve Margeotes, Ph.D., founder and executive director, Main Street Counseling. ?This funding has resulted in delivering mental health services and educational workshops to Newark Public Schools students, on site at the schools, and hundreds of students have benefited from our presence.?
Celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2024, the NPP provides grant funding for organizations based on demonstrated program effectiveness, depth and overall alignment with the PSEG Foundation?s strategic pillars: environmental sustainability, social justice, and equity and economic empowerment.
With a record number of applications for this year?s program, we are proud to have nearly doubled the number of organizations awarded funding since 2020. As we gear up to celebrate our 10-year milestone, we remain energized to keep spreading holiday cheer in the communities we serve by ably doing our part to support organizations that share our goals!
?Through the NPP, we continue to partner with organizations dedicated to creating people-centered solutions that positively impact and uplift local and underserved communities,? said Calvin Ledford Jr., president, PSEG Foundation and director, Corporate Social Responsibility. ?To realize the world we all aspire to, we must invest, support and nourish organizations centered on fostering more inclusive, sustainable and equitable communities for all. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the hardworking individuals doing the difficult but very necessary work to improve lives. Your efforts are truly appreciated and celebrated. Congratulations to all 301 awardees, and here?s to a bright 2024!?
With that in mind, we're excited to highlight a few of this year's awardees!
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cumberland & Salem Counties
The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cumberland & Salem Counties ignites the power and promise of youth through its Mentoring Program at the Pilesgrove High School. The program provides one-on-one mentoring services for underserved youth to achieve academic success and graduate with post-high school education plans.
- Meadowlands Area YMCA
The Meadowlands Area YMCA has been a strong community advocate for over a century. During the tail end of 2020, the Meadowlands YMCA distributed hundreds of meals for local families in need thanks to contributions from both ShopRite and the PSEG Foundation.
- Northern New Jersey Community Foundation
A first-time awardee, the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation is on a mission to protect vulnerable low- to moderate-income households susceptible to flooding in Hackensack, New Jersey. The PSEG Foundation develops programming to plant trees, grow rain gardens, donate rain barrels and raise awareness through ?green art? projects.
- Women?s Center for Entrepreneurship
The Women?s Center for Entrepreneurship aims to help women entrepreneurs expand their businesses. The WCEC is also a full-service agency that provides educational programs and resources about grants for Black-owned, AAPI-owned and LGBTQ+ businesses.
"The WCEC Women's Business Center works with partners like the PSEG Foundation to reach as many struggling entrepreneurs as possible to grow their businesses by providing business education,? said Rana Shanawani, WCEC executive director. ?We cannot do it alone, and are grateful for collaborations with corporate and nonprofit strategic partners.?
The full list of the PSEG Foundation?s Awardees is available here. For more information about the PSEG Foundation and its programs, please visit the PSEG Foundation?s website.
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