Surflight Theatre In LBI Nets Statewide Grant

BEACH HAVEN, NJ — The Surflight Theatre in Beach Haven was one of 68 nonprofits to receive a grant from the New Jersey Arts and Culture Recovery Fund (NJACRF).

About $1.3 million in grants were awarded by NJACRF to help arts, culture and historical nonprofits that were shuttered during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The state’s nonprofit arts industry reported pandemic-related losses of more than $100 million as of December, according to the NJACRF.

Two other organizations received grants in Ocean County, including Brick Children's Community Theatre and Exit 82 Theatre Company in Toms River.

In response to the needs of the arts community, NJACRF was established last year with a gift from the Grunin Foundation in Toms River.

Merck recently became a leadership donor, and the 1772 Foundation and Turrell Fund became major donors to the fund, which has raised a total of over $4.5 million.

“COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted the health and economic wellbeing of many communities in New Jersey,” said Carmen Villar, vice president, Social Business Innovation, Merck. “We are proud to support the NJACRF’s work to ensure equitable recovery of the vibrant arts and cultural sectors for all communities in our state.”

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