$1M grant program aims to boost nonprofits

Local nonprofits are eligible to benefit from a $1 million grant program from the PSEG Foundation.

The annual Neighborhood Partners Program, which will award grants ranging from $500 to $15,000 to nonprofits on Long Island and in New Jersey, is seeking requests for proposals from organizations that demonstrate environmental sustainability, social justice and equity and economic empowerment. 

Last year, the Neighborhood Partners Program awarded more than 300 grants, according to a foundation statement. On Long Island, Habitat for Humanity used its grant for the Reuse, Reduce, Repurpose Program to help divert more than 3 million pounds of waste from local landfills that were repurposed and sold at a fraction of the cost to benefit its clients, families and the local community.

“We’re pleased to make $1 million in grant funding available through our very popular Neighborhood Partners Program, where we see local heroes making a difference in the lives of others throughout PSEG’s service territories,” Calvin Ledford Jr., PSEG Foundation president, said in the statement. “We seek to partner with people who have a track record of success and who present viable plans for addressing today’s largest challenges including those of sustainability, equity, social justice and economic empowerment.”

Maria Spina, PSEG Foundation manager, said the foundation has made great strides with affecting change in the communities it serves.

“Through the Neighborhood Partners Program, the PSEG Foundation aims to partner with organizations that are transformative, leading change on issues impacting our communities and working toward collaborative solutions,” she said.

The application website for the Neighborhood Partners Program grants opens June 1 and will accept applications through the June 30 deadline. Award announcements are scheduled for mid-September. For more information about the program visit: pseg.com/neighborhoodpartnersprogram