Last Friday, Prudential Financial announced the recipients of its inaugural Prudential Community Grants Program. The program aims to bolster neighborhood-based initiatives and showcase community vibrancy by awarding grants to Newark residents and organizations.
“As a company that has called Newark home for nearly a century and a half, Prudential is proud to continue our support of projects that drive inclusive and equitable growth in our city through this program, which we designed to directly support residents who are creating meaningful impact locally,” said Lata Reddy, Senior VP of Inclusive Solutions at Prudential Financial and chair of The Prudential Foundation. “We know a strong city is built on strong neighborhoods and understand that those closest to the challenges in our community are best positioned to solve them. We’re looking forward to seeing the direct influence the grantees and their efforts have on the Newark community.”
The program started with a total funding of $500,000, and Prudential has already distributed $280,000 to grantees and partners. The remaining funds, along with replenishment funds, will be allocated to future grants. The selection process identified 53 community-based projects that address local issues and implement changes to promote stability and growth across Newark’s five wards. Here are some noteworthy initiatives:
Drama with a Twist: Lillian Ribeiro will develop violence-prevention programs for over 500 youth at Elliott Street Elementary School. These programs will focus on establishing healthy peer-to-peer relationships and will be supported by a licensed school social worker and a registered drama therapist.
Girls Live, Love, Laugh: This organization will provide 300 single-parent households with limited resources the opportunity to shop for school uniforms at Kids Place in Newark. Additionally, they will ensure access to meals on the first day of school.
Weequahic Park Sports Authority: This group will conduct monthly trainings to provide CPR and AED training and certification to over 300 youth, coaches, and parents. They will also offer opportunities for youth aged 7 to 17 to join the Public Safety Youth Explorers Club and Post to learn more about firefighting, EMT work, or becoming a police officer.
Tree House ENT Cultural Arts: In collaboration with the Palm Street Block Association and the Heart of Vailsburg Block Club Coalition, this organization will educate community members about the benefits of healthy and organic foods. They will also encourage involvement in community gardens.
Brick City Run Club: This group aims to create a weekly inclusive and free workout program open to the public. The goal is to motivate residents to engage in regular physical activity within a safe and supportive environment.
Mayor Ras J. Baraka of Newark commended Prudential and congratulated the grant recipients. He acknowledged the impact of resources placed in the hands of local leaders and nonprofit organizations, emphasizing the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors in strengthening the city.
One unique feature of the program was involving Newark residents and organizations in the grant selection process. Prudential partnered with the Community Foundation of New Jersey to administer and distribute the microgrants. The goal was to support neighborhood beautification, enhance resident access to opportunities, and improve overall quality of life.
To facilitate the program, Prudential identified intermediary organizations in each ward. These organizations, including Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District, Ironbound Community Corporation, La Casa de Don Pedro, South Ward Promise Neighborhood, and Unified Vailsburg Services Organization, provided application assistance, program marketing support, and technical assistance. Each intermediary organization received a $10,000 grant to support the program and aid residents and organizations in their respective neighborhoods.
The full list of the recipients of the Prudential Community Grants Program can be found here.
