N.J. Community Capital commits $50K to nonprofits in five key cities

For the second consecutive year, New Jersey Community Capital is committing $50,000 to support nonprofits in traditionally underserved areas during Black History Month.

NJCC, based in Newark, is a leading nonprofit community development financial institution — better known as a CDFI — that is specifically giving grants to five cities: Newark, Paterson, Atlantic City, Philadelphia and Syracuse, New York.

This is in keeping with NJCC’s goal to foster sustainable economic development and wealth creation in underserved communities beyond New Jersey’s borders.

“Echoing the principles championed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the $50,000 pledge is a testament to NJCC’s dedication to social and economic justice,” NJCC CEO Bernel Hall said. “NJCC aims to contribute to thriving, equitable communities by supporting the initiatives and leaders of these cities.”

NJCC is working directly with each city’s mayor on the $10,000 in funding to support a community organization or initiative of their choosing. The list includes:

• Newark: The Newark Community Impact Fund managed by Community Foundation of New Jersey;
• Atlantic City: The NAACP Youth Council;
• Paterson: The Mayor’s Wellness Campaign;
• Philadelphia: The Mayor’s Office of Black Male Engagement;
• Syracuse: The Proud Places Project and the BIPOC Developer initiative.

 “Impact is in the name of the Newark Community Impact Fund because that is its foundational purpose,” said fund host Hans Dekker, president of the Community Foundation of New Jersey. “This gift from NJCC will increase the impact we can have in Newark’s neighborhoods, directly empowering residents to thrive and helping us build a stronger, more vibrant Newark for all residents. We’re grateful for this enlightened philanthropy.”

Last year, NJCC donated a total of $50,000 as part of this initiative in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. to support the following nonprofit organizations:

• Newark Community Impact Fund managed by Community Foundation of New Jersey;
• Friends of Paterson Parks;
• Paterson Healing Collective;
• Heart of Camden;
• Latin American Development Association;
• Trenton’s Department of Recreation and Youth Programs;
• Howard’s Healthy Choices;
• Elijah’s Promise;
• Town Clock Community Development Corp.