Unified Vailsburg to hand out Prudential grants that support neighborhood growth

NEWARK, N.J. –The Unified Vailsburg Services Organization has been selected to help administer the Prudential Community Grants Program that aims to support local, community-based projects that foster stability and growth.

“We are looking for programs or projects that create vibrancy in neighborhoods, that support neighbors,” said Tiffany Jackson, Prudential’s director of inclusive community and administrator of the grant program. “We are looking for neighborhood impact, rather than city wide.”

Prudential will provide up to $2,500 for individuals and up to $5,000 for non-profit organizations or organizations with a fiscal sponsor. Additionally, intermediary organizations identified in each of the five wards of Newark will receive $10,000 in grants to support the program and provide technical assistance.

“We’re excited to launch a grant program that directly supports local Newark residents who are creating meaningful impact in their neighborhoods,” said Sarah Keh, vice president of Inclusive Solutions at Prudential Financial.

A total of $500,000 will be handed out through the program that Prudential hopes will support neighborhood-based solutions and highlight community vitality.
“I applaud Prudential Financial for creating a grant opportunity that will put funds directly into the hands of Newark’s grassroots community leaders and organizations,” said Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “Our people know best what they need in their own neighborhoods.”

Prudential has identified and partnered with intermediary organizations in each ward to assist with the program, which include Unified Vailsburg Services Organization; Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District; Ironbound Community Corp.; La Casa de Don Pedro; and Southward Promise Neighborhood.

The intermediaries will provide application assistance, program marketing support and collaborate with Prudential to reach and support residents and organizations in each neighborhood.

Michael Morrison, communications manager for the Unified Vailsburg Services Organization, will provide technical assistance to people interested in obtaining grants. He is holding office hours specifically for this program from 10 a.m. to 12:30 on Mondays and from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.

“They are looking for projects that bring vibrancy to the city,” Morrison said. Newark residents and non-profit organizations can visit https://cfnj.org/prudential/ to learn more about the program and eligibility.

Jackson said Prudential has been giving out grants in Newark since the 1970s but what makes this initiative different is that it is also open to individuals.

“An individual can apply for grant funding and that is a first,” Jackson said. The type of programs the foundation is looking for might include beautification projects or programs that support young people in good activities or developmental programs, Jackson said.

“We know that residents have great ideas and know what their neighborhood needs,” said Jackson, who was born and raised in Vailsburg. “I spent a lot of crucial years there,” Jackson said. “This is definitely a passion project.”

UVSO was selected to help because they have an extensive network in the area through their child care centers and youth programs. “We know UVSO is an anchor in the neighborhood,” Jackson said. “We know they are in a good position to help. We wouldn’t be as effective without their partnership.” Applications are due April 7, 2023. For more information and to apply to the Prudential Community Grants Program, visit https://cfnj.org/prudential/.