The leading CDFI's awards will go to nonprofits chosen by top officials in each community to support initiatives that are creating transformative change in their areas.
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., Feb. 28, 2025 -- Today New Jersey Community Capital, a leading national community development financial institution, committed $50,000 to nonprofits chosen by mayors and a county leader who are deeply committed to furthering formative economic impact efforts in their respective communities. Each leader will have $10,000 to award to a local nonprofit doing groundbreaking work. NJCC awards the grants at the close of Black History Month annually to mark the commemoration's focus on creating economic equity for divested populations.
This year, NJCC's grants will go to nonprofits chosen by the mayors of Dallas, Texas, New York City, New York and Newark and New Brunswick, New Jersey, and the economic opportunity director of Los Angeles County. Supporting nonprofits in urban communities throughout the nation is in keeping with NJCC's goal to foster sustainable economic development and wealth creation in overlooked communities from coast to coast.
"These grants achieve several of our objectives," NJCC President and CEO Bernel Hall said. "First, it champions the principles behind Black History Month and underscores NJCC's dedication to creating social and economic parity. By contributing to initiatives important to the leaders of these municipalities, we are supporting their efforts to create thriving, equitable communities.
"Our second objective is to support projects that can benefit from our unique, expansive initiatives. We've been extremely effective because our programs are both entrepreneurial and augmentative," explained Hall. This is especially relevant today given our nation's dire need for more affordable housing, small business expansion and high-quality school systems."
NJCC's 2025 Grant Recipients Are Chosen Directly by Leaders to Maximize Impact
The true dynamics of a city's most significant needs are only fully known to those deeply involved in the community, which is why NJCC is working directly with the local leaders on the $10,000 grants to support a nonprofit community organization or initiative of their choosing. They are as follows:
- Mayor Eric L. Johnson of Dallas, whose award will go to The Senior Source in his city which empowers active seniors to live with purpose and protects vulnerable older adults;
- Director Kelly LoBianco, head of the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity, whose award will go to the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity which creates quality jobs, helps small businesses and high-road employers start and grow, and builds vibrant local communities and spaces;
- Mayor James M. Cahill of New Brunswick, whose award will go to Elijah's Promise in his city which harnesses the power of food to break the cycle of poverty, alleviate hunger and change lives;
- Mayor Eric Adams of New York City, whose award will go to The Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City which advances initiatives that improve the lives of New Yorkers with strategic investments to promote mental health services, increase workforce development opportunities for young New Yorkers and meet the needs of the city's diverse immigrant community; and
- Mayor Ras Baraka of Newark, whose award will go to Clinton Hill Community Action in his city, which works with residents and stakeholders to revitalize the Clinton Hill neighborhood and the quality of life for its residents.
How NJCC's Grants Will Be Impactful in Each Community
In Dallas, which has the largest senior workforce in the U.S. and the most residents aged 65 and older—a populace that has grown five times faster than the rest of the city since 2010—Mayor Johnson chose The Senior Source as the recipient of his grant. The nonprofit advocates for all senior Dallasites and ensures that their financial and emotional wellbeing is achievable. "Senior Source is a deeply valued Dallas nonprofit that uplifts one of our most vulnerable communities," Mayor Johnson explained. "I am grateful to New Jersey Community Capital for this generous contribution and look forward to seeing it make a meaningful impact in empowering Dallas seniors."
After the recent wildfires, Los Angeles County's businesses and local economies are facing significant and complex recovery processes. "We are deeply grateful for the generous $10,000 gift from New Jersey Community Capital in support of the Department of Economic Opportunity's LA Region Small Business Relief Fund," DEO Director LoBianco said. "These funds will provide direct cash grants to small businesses experiencing structural and revenue loss due to the January 2025 wildfires, with a special focus on legacy businesses in Altadena and other unincorporated areas of LA County. Additionally, these funds are intended for immediate relief while the County and City, along with federal, state, local and community partners, plan for the long-term recovery and resilience of those impacted. The road to recovery is long, but with partners like NJCC, we are strengthening our local economy and ensuring small businesses have the support they need—coast to coast."
New Brunswick has a bustling downtown, a flourishing culture scene, up-and-coming culinary offerings and is a healthcare stronghold as home to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Saint Peter's University Hospital. Yet more than 30% of its population lives in poverty and faces food insecurity. "Elijah's Promise has been a pillar of compassion in our community, ensuring that no one goes hungry while empowering individuals with the culinary skills and support to build a better future. The generosity of NJCC's $10,000 gift is more than just a donation―it's an investment in hope, nourishment and opportunity for those who need it most," Mayor Cahill observed. "We're proud to stand with an organization that turns kindness into action every single day."
In New York City, Mayor Adams has taken unprecedented action to support those with mental illness in response to New York City's first ever mental health report released last spring. It showed nearly one-in-four residents experience a mental health disorder annually and deep inequities in treatment access persist in the city. "To build a better future, we must first understand and acknowledge our past. Black History Month is an opportunity for our nation to reflect on the endless contributions of Black Americans to our country," Mayor Adams pointed out. "I want to applaud NJCC for their donation to the Mayor's Fund at this time. Thanks to their financial commitment, our city can continue to do the critical work of uplifting communities, empowering changemakers, and ensuring every New Yorker has access to the opportunities they deserve."
Newark is one of the nation's fastest growing cities today after losing more than one-third of its middle-class population in the late 20th century, and Clinton Hill is critical to the city's regeneration because of its proximity to key transportation assets, charming historic housing, a growing cultural scene and major universities. "The Clinton Hill Community Action team is doing the real, grassroots work that transforms neighborhoods from the inside out. The organization's commitment to housing, education and economic empowerment is exactly what Newark needs more of. I'm honored by NJCC's $10,000 pledge to commemorate Black History Month," Mayor Baraka said. "This charitable gift provides more opportunities for the organization to build stronger families, brighter futures and a community that continues to rise together."
Former Winners and Future Possibilities
Last year, NJCC's $50,000 grant supported the following nonprofit organizations:
- NAACP Atlantic City Youth Council managed by NAACP Youth Council;
- Newark Community Impact Fund managed by Community Foundation of New Jersey;
- Paterson, New Jersey's Mayor's Wellness Campaign;
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania's Mayor's Office of Black Male Engagement; and
- Syracuse, New York's Proud Places Project and our BIPOC Developer initiative.
"We are proud of this unique grant program because it offers us a chance to support leaders and the causes that move the needle in their cities—something only they can know from experience," Hall noted. "Through it, we learn about each city's needs, see opportunities for our work and build new partnerships for future projects. In coming years, we are looking forward to expanding our network and working with mayors throughout the nation."
About New Jersey Community Capital
New Jersey Community Capital is a nonprofit community development financial institution dedicated to advancing equity and opportunity through strategic investments and knowledge-based programs. It finances and supports individuals, businesses, educational organizations and communities; preserves and develops affordable housing, community facilities and educational organizations; and creates sustainable economic development that generates quality jobs, improves education and strengthens neighborhoods to ensure that communities can thrive. Founded in 1987, NJCC has grown to serve as a critical architect of community development initiatives, driving economic stability and wealth generation in overlooked areas.
LinkedIn: @new-jersey-community-capital.
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