Somerset County Kids' Art Non-Profit Among NJ Grant Recipients

BRIDGEWATER, NJ – Children’s Art Center of New Jersey, a Bound Brook not-for-profit organization that provides a safe space for kids of all ages to express themselves artistically, was one of more than 60 organizations across New Jersey that received a portion of $1.3 million in grant money from the New Jersey Arts and Cultural Recovery Fund.

The awarding of the funds, which was announced Wednesday, is part of an effort to support not-for-profit groups across the state that were hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. This is the second round of funding that has been awarded by NJACRF, which is hosted by the Princeton Area Community Foundation.

Earlier this year, the fund provided $2.6 million to more than 100 arts, cultural or historical New Jersey non-profits, the group said in a news release.

NJACRF was established last year in response to the needs being felt by the arts community in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding of the grants was made possible with a gift from the Grunin Foundation, which based in Toms River. A coalition of funders quickly followed with their support, to ensure the recovery of the industry, according to the news release.

Merck became a leadership donor, and the 1772 Foundation and Turrell Fund became major donors to the fund, which has raised a total of over $4.5 million. But the needs of the community across the state are great and fundraising continues, the release said.

“COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted the health and economic wellbeing of many communities in New Jersey,” Carmen Villar, vice president, Social Business Innovation, Merck, said in the release. “We are proud to support the NJACRF’s work to ensure equitable recovery of the vibrant arts and cultural sectors for all communities in our state.”

The Children’s Art Center of New Jersey helps to promote art education that is lacking in the public school system but also provides programming that enhances children’s development and creativity, according to the organization’s website. The group’s goal, the site says, is to give all children the opportunity to explore their artistic abilities whether it be through the performing arts, painting, drawing, glass fusion or other mediums.

The release did not indicate how the funds will be broken down among the 60 organizations that will receive grants.