TEANECK—Esa Gadson, a Class of 2024 senior at Teaneck High School, was awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation (NNJCF). This scholarship, funded by the Jannie Smith Legacy Fund, was among nearly $28,000 in grants and scholarships distributed by the NNJCF in 2024.
The NNJCF, headquartered in Hackensack, joined more than 1,000 community foundations nationwide to celebrate National Community Foundation Week from November 12 to November 18. During the week, the foundation highlighted its mission to address local needs and announced its 2024 grant awards, supporting diverse initiatives across the region.
“During our 26th year, we are delighted to support several organizations responding to the needs in their communities and making an impact,” said NNJCF Executive Director Leonardo Vazquez. “Since our founding in 1998, the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation has awarded more than $1 million to nonprofit organizations and schools. We thank the Foundation’s donors and supporters for making these grants and scholarships possible.”
Other 2024 Scholarship and Grant Recipients
- Leonia High School:
- $2,000 Class of 1964 Ralph Gregg Memorial Scholarship to Jaden Marchan.
- $5,000 Paul Coopersmith in Memory of Frank DeLorenzo Memorial Fund scholarship to Sasha Raskin.
- New Milford High School:
- $2,000 Darren Drake Memorial Fund scholarship to Luke Bosetti.
- Stockton University Foundation:
- $1,000 grant for the Women’s Soccer Team, funded by the DeAnna Stark Pasciuto Memorial Fund.
- $2,000 grant supporting the Stockton University ’01 Memorial Scholarship for Kacyi Meyer, benefiting the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
- Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU):
- $1,000 grant from the Andrea Tilbian Halejian Memorial Fund to support initiatives that enhance Armenian culture, education, and community development globally.
- CancerCare®:
- $5,000 grant to benefit the Healing Hearts Family Bereavement Camp, funded by the DeAnna Stark Pasciuto Memorial Fund.
- Healing the Children Northeast:
- $5,000 grant to provide quality donated medical care to children in need, funded by the Andrea Tilbian Halejian Memorial Fund.
- United Way of Bergen County:
- $3,000 grant to build affordable housing options and address unmet community needs, funded by the Andrea Tilbian Halejian Memorial Fund.
NNJCF: Partnering for Community Impact
The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation collaborates with local governments, school districts, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and citizen groups to improve community life. The Foundation asks a powerful question in its work: “What can we do together that we can’t do alone?” Through partnerships, NNJCF focuses on fostering more creative and inspiring places, greener and healthier places, and stronger places of belonging and opportunity.
Anyone who wishes to support a cause or community is invited to partner with the NNJCF by establishing a charitable fund. The Foundation works closely with donors to identify vetted nonprofit organizations and manages the fund’s accounts, enabling ongoing support over many years.
To learn more about creating a Donor Advised Fund, visit the NNJCF’s Philanthropic Giving webpage or contact Danielle De Laurentis, Associate Director, at danielle@nnjcf.org or 201-568-5608, x1. Donations can also be made online at www.nnjcf.org/donation, or by check, payable to “Northern N.J. Community Foundation,” with the fund name in the memo line. Checks should be mailed to the NNJCF at 1 University Plaza, Suite 128, Hackensack, NJ 07601.
National Community Foundation Week: A Legacy of Philanthropy
National Community Foundation Week, created in 1989 by President George H.W. Bush, highlights the essential role philanthropic organizations like the NNJCF play in fostering local collaboration and addressing civic and economic challenges. These independent, public entities steward philanthropic resources from institutional and individual donors, representing one of the fastest-growing forms of philanthropy today.
The NNJCF joins this collective effort, collaborating across sectors to create meaningful solutions for local communities. As Executive Director Vazquez notes, “This work has a profound and lasting impact.”
For further information about the NNJCF, visit www.nnjcf.org, email nnjcf@nnjcf.org, or call 201-568-5608.