The Community Chest Awards Grants Totaling $115,000 to Nonprofits Experiencing Increased Need in the Area

(Eastern Bergen County, New Jersey; November 3, 2022) -- The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County awarded 21 grants, totaling $115,000, to nonprofit agencies responding to increased need in the community from COVID-19 and the impact of Hurricane Ida.

Founded in 1933, The Community Chest, a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization, supports local nonprofit organizations serving people in need in eastern Bergen County, New Jersey. 

Grant Recipients

            The 2022-2023 grant recipients are: 

            •Bergen Family Center

            •Bergen Performing Arts Center

            •Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative

            •Center for Food Action

            •The Center for Hope and Safety

            •Dr. John Grieco Scholarship Fund

            •Encounters in Black Traditions

            •Englewood Health

            •Family Promise of Bergen County

            •Flat Rock Brook Nature Center

            •JCC Thurnauer School of Music

            •Jewish Family and Children's Services of Northern NJ

            •Metropolitan Community Center

            •Office of Concern Food Pantry

            •Rotary Club of Englewood

            •Spectrum for Living

            •Tenafly Nature Center

            •Vantage Health System

            •Volunteer Center of Bergen County

            •West Side Infant and Teen Parent Program

            •Women's Rights Information Center

            The nonprofit agencies will use their grant awards to provide services that meet The Chest's priorities in these areas:

· Food insecurity for individuals and families residing in The Community Chest’s service area;

· Health and mental health services for all populations;  

· Education support for programs focusing on social, emotional and developmental learning loss;

· Programming to enhance preparation for college; and

· Supportive services for special populations or special types of services including senior support and other at-risk populations.

            The grant recipients will provide services to residents in need from these communities: Alpine, Bergenfield, Closter, Cresskill, Demarest, Dumont, Englewood, Englewood Cliffs, Harrington Park, Haworth, Northvale, Norwood, Old Tappan, Rockleigh and Tenafly. 

Requests Exceed Funds Available

            With a mission to strengthen the community through partnership, leadership and philanthropy, The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County awarded the grants to local nonprofits through a competitive process managed by the organization's Allocations Committee and approved by the Board of Managers.  During the organization's 89th year, funds were raised through an annual campaign and fundraisers to address the escalating needs of residents in eastern Bergen County from COVID-19.  This year, the nonprofit agencies' requests reached 280,000, exceeding the budget for grant awards.

            "This year, The Chest's Allocation Committee focused specifically on maximizing our finite resources to support the increased demand for services in the priority areas of food insecurity, mental health, social and emotional development, special populations, and educational support.  Agencies that provide services to people in need in our region, especially in the areas of food insecurity and mental health, were prioritized," said Dr. Shelly Wimpfheimer, Executive Director, The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County.

            For further information about The Chest or to make a contribution, visit www.communitychestofenglewood.org or contact (201) 568-7474.  Stay updated about the organization's activities on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About The Community Chest

            Founded in 1933, The Community Chest, a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization, has supported local not-for-profit agencies for 89 years.  The Chest leads initiatives and supports nonprofits that make our communities stronger and benefit people in need in eastern Bergen County.  Each year, The Chest raises funds and allocates them to agencies demonstrating the capacity to provide services to local citizens.  The organization also provides coordinating and planning services in its communities, serving as a bridge between agencies and organizations and investing in the stability and quality of the service network. 

            The Community Chest's Board of Managers is comprised of community leaders dedicated to improving the lives of neighbors in need.  People interested in being considered for board membership may contact Executive Director Dr. Shelly Wimpfheimer at (201) 568-7474.

            For further information about The Chest, visit www.thecommunitychestebc.org/ or contact (201) 568-7474.  Stay updated about the organization’s activities on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Photo Caption: West Side Infant and Teen Parent Program, a 2022-2023 grant recipient of The Community Chest of Eastern Bergen County, provides care giving, health, and nutrition skills for parents to support their children.  Photo Credit: West Side Infant and Teen Parent Program