Read our op-ed on the need for summer programs for young people in our community.

It was recently published in NJ Spotlight News.

We recognize that there is an acute need for summer programs for the families living in our region. Studies have shown that summer programs can help prevent summer learning loss for children, especially for youngsters who live in poverty. These programs can have a life-long positive impact on the lives of children.

The nonprofit organizations in our communities know there is a need for summer programming. And we know that too. That’s why we have supported these programs with grant funding. But the needs in our region are increasing.

The op-ed from Sonia Delgado, our Board Chair, and Nelida Valentin, our Vice President of Grants and Programs, was published on Friday, May 31.

Read the full op-ed on NJ Spotlight News.

History of our grants for summer programs.

This year, we are again awarding Summer Initiative Grants to local nonprofits.

In 2023, the Community Foundation awarded $250,000 in grants to 26 nonprofit organizations in our region. Among them was the Trenton Makes Athletic Center. Read more about that Trenton-based soccer program and how it was helping children in our region.

In 2021, the Community Foundation used its COVID-19 Relief & Recovery Fund to award $199,000 in grants for summer programs. Those grants helped more than 2,900 children engage is academic and social emotional learning during the summer.

Making a difference

These grants are just one way the Community Foundation uses the power of philanthropy to make a difference in our region.

Founded more than 30 years ago, the Community Foundation promotes lasting philanthropy and builds community across Mercer County and central New Jersey. As a community convener, philanthropic resource and manager of charitable funds, it helps people and companies make effective charitable gifts and awards grants to nonprofits.

To learn more about our work or how you can join us to help support the causes you care about, visit the Community Foundation website.