Scotch Plains' Music For All Season Among NJ Grant Recipients

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — Music For All Seasons, a Scotch Plains not-for-profit organization that brings live musical events to area children’s hospitals, juvenile detention centers and other venues 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.”

Music For All Seasons, the Scotch Plains group, stresses the importance of live music performances for at-risk youth, senior citizens, hospitals and veterans to aid in the physical, mental and spiritual healing processes, according to the group’s website.

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