Jewish Women's Foundation of New Jersey
awards 1st grants

After almost a year of assessing community needs and months of soliciting and reviewing proposals for projects that empower women and girls, JWFNJ is proud to announce our support of six important and innovative projects. Grants totaling $44,000 were awarded as follows:

For Women:

• To the United Jewish Communities of MetroWest NJ Community Relations Committee, to create the first Jewish women’s political network in the state. $15,000
• To County College of Morris Foundation, to support “Taking Charge of Your Life,” a series of workshops at the Women’s Center at the County College of Morris to raise women’s self-esteem and confidence. $5,000
• To The Family Service League for its “Know Before You Go” education program, JWF Reitman Family Grant, to empower college freshman women to protect themselves against date rape and sexual assault. $8,000

For Girls:

• To the Girl Scout Council of Essex & Hudson for its “Fit & Fabulous” program, two 8-week cycles in Essex County focusing on physical activity, nutrition, and healthy lifestyles for girls ages 5-17 who participate in after-school programs, troops, and community organizations, as well as leadership training for girls 14-17, who work with the younger girls in the program. $8,000
• League of Women Voters of New Jersey Education Fund for the League of Women Voters of Mountain Lakes’ “Running & Winning” program, a day-long leadership program to give high school girls the opportunity to work with female local and state elected officials and political operatives to explore political involvement as a career. $2,000
• National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), Essex County Section, to produce a 5-6 minute professional video focusing on real teens who have experienced dating abuse, to be used to enhance the organization’s Teen Dating Abuse Program in schools throughout Essex County, and to be streamed on NCJW’s website and shown to groups of parents and others. $6,000

Founded in 2006, JWFNJ is a collaborative philanthropy whose members are dedicated to empowering women and girls through education, advocacy, and strategic grant making. Member dues create an endowment, the income from which is available for grants. Grants are awarded to 501(c)3 organizations or organizations with a 501(c)3 fiscal agent. The Foundation views all grant applications through a gender lens, with the goal of stimulating community organizations to recognize and address the special needs of women and girls. JWFNJ is an advisory council of the Jewish Community Foundation of MetroWest NJ.

For more information about the Jewish Women’s Foundation of NJ or its granting process, contact call (973) 929-3091 or e-mail .