Newark Nonprofits Receive Tens of Thousands in Grants

Several Newark nonprofit agencies will share in approximately $5 million in federal grants to be disbursed by the County of Essex, County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo announced Tuesday.

Speaking at the Hall of Records, DiVincenzo said 15 Essex communities will receive millions in so-called community development block grants. The city did not receive any of the block grants Tuesday because it applies for such funding on its own, apart from a consortium of several Essex towns.

City-based agencies did, however, receive federal funds for a variety of needs, from structural repairs to facilities to support for homeless services. Much of that funding was awarded through the “Emergency Solutions Grant”  program.

“Programs supported through the CDBG and ESG programs are direct investments to provide services that enhance our quality of life and help stabilize our neighborhoods by modernizing our infrastructure,” DiVincenzo said. “These federal grants enable us to upgrade our sidewalks and roads, enhance handicap access, address mental health needs, support food pantries, and stimulate economic development in our downtown commercial areas,” he added.

In Newark Wynona’s House received $25,000; Planned Parenthood, $7,900; FOCUS, $38,500; Babyland Family Services, $38,500; North Ward Center, $51,000; St. James Social Services Group, $7,900; The Restoration Center, $51,500; and the YMCA of Newark and Vicinity, $72,000.