Montclair Foundation awards $54,000 in grants to eight non-profits

The Montclair Foundation has awarded $54,000 in grants to eight nonprofits organizations as part of its Spring 2021 cycle. The grants were awarded to support programs in human services, arts, youth education and senior services.

According to the announcement, the Montclair Foundation's grant program is intended to support a broad range of activities and organizations that contribute to the quality of life in Montclair and its environs.

"These organizations are essential to our quality of life not only because of the valuable programs they provide local citizens, but also because of the positive economic impact within our local communities," the announcement said.

For organizations interested in applying for the fall grant opportunities, the deadline will be Monday, Sept. 14. The application portal will be open on August 9.

The local organizations awarded the grants are:

Neighborhood Child and Infant Care Center, Inc: Project support for updated online Creative Curriculum enhancement enabling the pre-school objectives of learning and development to work collaboratively with parents and teachers.

Vanguard Theater Company: Project support for Montclair seniors in partnership with Lifelong Montclair. Virtual activities will be offered to seniors including a six-week movement class geared for all abilities, senior improv class, a workshop for elders based on their time living in Montclair, to be shared with local schools and libraries.

Montclair Ambulance Unit: Project support for new technology and equipment to establish an Emergency Operations Center that will be enable a new trained emergency team to help the township and Montclair residents prepare for any emergency.

HOMECorp: Project support for capital improvement for two HOMECorp properties.

Family Promise of Essex County: General support for the ongoing mission of shelter, stabilization and prevention of homelessness.

Human Needs Food Pantry: Project support to address food insecurity in response to COVID-19 in 2021.

Montclair Scholarship Fund: General support for Montclair senior high school students heading to college who need financial support.

Connections at Home: Project support for the purchase of laptops and iPads and the personal training and support that will accompany them for isolated and homebound seniors.