Announcing the 2025 Empowerment Grant Recipients
The Provident Bank Foundation (PBF) proudly announces the recipients of its inaugural Empowerment Grant cycle. As a notable initiative, this program reflects PBF's commitment to uplifting nonprofit organizations that face challenges in the current landscape.
Multi-Year Grants for Lasting Impact
PBF's Board of Directors has approved an impressive total of 41 grants, amounting to $515,000 each year. These multi-year grants, ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, are designed to support nonprofit missions across various sectors, ensuring that these valuable organizations continue to operate and enhance their community services.
Areas of Focus for Funding
These grants primarily target three essential areas: Education, Human Services, and Workforce Development. Specifically, PBF prioritizes funding initiatives that include community colleges, vocational programs, healthcare access, and food security. By doing so, they empower individuals towards economic self-sufficiency.
Partnership for Positive Change
Samantha Plotino, Vice President and Executive Director of PBF, states, "Our Empowerment Grant program has come to life through a strategic revisioning aimed at fostering equity and inclusion. We are excited to collaborate with organizations dedicated to overcoming systemic barriers and ensuring equitable opportunities for all individuals." The foundational principles guiding these grants reflect a desire to partner with those actively transforming their communities.
An Overview of Recipients
Below is a summary list of the Empowerment Grant recipients for 2025, segmented by areas of funding:
Education Grants
Community Colleges: Northampton Community College Foundation (Bethlehem, PA)
Vocational Programs: Servant's Heart Ministry (Paterson, NJ)
Special Education Services: Raising Hands Literacy Project (Hackettstown, NJ)
Human Services Support
Housing Assistance:
- Center for Hope and Safety (Rochelle Park, NJ)
- Family Promise of Lehigh Valley (Allentown, PA)
- Family Promise of the Jersey Shore (West Creek, NJ)
- Garden State Community Development Corporation (Union City, NJ)
- HABcore (Red Bank, NJ)
- Ripple Community Inc. (Allentown, PA)
- Roots & Wings (Denville, NJ)
- Third Street Alliance for Women and Children (Easton, PA)
- Women Aware (New Brunswick, NJ)
Food Security Initiatives:
- America's Grow-a-Row (Pittstown, NJ)
- Arm In Arm (Hamilton, NJ)
- Flemington Area Food Pantry (Flemington, NJ)
- Mercy Center (Asbury Park, NJ)
- nourish.NJ (Morristown, NJ)
- Rise (Hightstown, NJ)
- Rolling Harvest Food Rescue (New Hope, PA)
- Table to Table (Saddle Brook, NJ)
- The Food Bank Network of Somerset County (Bound Brook, NJ)
- United Community Corporation (Newark, NJ)
Healthcare Access:
- Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative (Hackensack, NJ)
- Parker Family Health Center (Red Bank, NJ)
- St. Joseph's Health Foundation (Paterson, NJ)
- TheraYouth Foundation (Elizabeth, NJ)
Youth Mental Health Support:
- Hudson Pride Center (Jersey City, NJ)
- Jewish Family Service and Children's Center of Clifton-Passaic (Passaic, NJ)
- Jewish Family Service of MetroWest New Jersey (Florham Park, NJ)
- Ocean Partnership for Children (Toms River, NJ)
Workforce Development Initiatives
Job Training:
- Hot Bread Kitchen (New York, NY)
- Jewish Family and Children's Services of Northern New Jersey (Teaneck, NJ)
- Jewish Vocational Service of MetroWest (East Orange, NJ)
- Propel America (Newark, NJ)
- The Father Center of New Jersey (Trenton, NJ)
Employment Supports:
- Cornerstone Family Programs (Morristown, NJ)
- Laundry Workers Center (New York, NY)
- NCJW/Essex (Livingston, NJ)
- Shore House (Long Branch, NJ)
- United Way of Central Jersey (Milltown, NJ)
Reentry Programs: Urban League of Union County (Elizabeth, NJ)
Learn More About The Provident Bank Foundation
Established in 2003, The Provident Bank Foundation continues to support nonprofits focused on building resilient and inclusive communities. Through targeted grants, the foundation has awarded over $30 million, helping organizations that create substantial, enduring community change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Empowerment Grants?
The Empowerment Grants are financial support provided by the Provident Bank Foundation to nonprofit organizations addressing key community needs.
Who can apply for these grants?
Nonprofit organizations that support Education, Human Services, and Workforce Development initiatives are eligible to apply for these grants.
How much funding is available through the Empowerment Grants?
Grants typically range from $5,000 to $20,000 and are renewable for subsequent years at the same funding level.
What areas do the Empowerment Grants cover?
The grants focus on Education, Human Services, and Workforce Development, emphasizing solutions to systemic barriers.
How can organizations get involved with PBF?
Interested organizations can learn more about PBF's initiatives and apply for grants through their official website.
