Please note: we are updating this section of our website and will be adding more information as it becomes available.
The Grunin Foundation has intentionally transitioned from traditional pillars of funding (e.g., arts, education, healthcare) to a more holistic focus on specific outcomes that collectively strive for an equitable, just, and vibrant Central Jersey Shore. We recognize the intricate interconnections involved in addressing the community’s most pervasive issues and needs, prompting a shift in our previous strategy. Below, find our six outcome focus areas for funding. As we update this page, we will accompany each focus area with a few illustrative examples. However, we know that the nonprofit community are the experts, and we are always open to learning about how organizations are operationalizing their work in these outcome areas.
We understand the importance of flexible funding to empower nonprofits to be more adaptable, innovative, and sustainable. Our goal moving forward is to provide more general operating support versus programmatic funding – putting trust in organizations to utilize dollars where they feel it is most needed. This type of funding enables organizations to navigate the complexities of the nonprofit landscape, respond to community needs, and achieve greater impact
We recognize that because of historical inequities, marginalized communities, including groups who have been excluded based on race, age, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic or immigration status, face specific challenges in the region and are disproportionately impacted. To support equitable outcomes in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, we value partnerships with organizations whose work positively impacts these communities.
OUTCOME AREAS
Increasing access to holistic wellbeing
Promoting holistic well-being involves addressing physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects of an individual’s health.
Igniting youth changemakers
Igniting youth changemakers is a crucial aspect of fostering positive societal change and building a better future. Communities can create an environment that not only ignites the passion of youth but also provides the necessary support and resources for them to become effective and sustainable changemakers.
Promoting economic opportunities and pathways
Promoting economic opportunities and pathways helps to foster individual and collective prosperity.
Reducing systemic barriers to self-determination and agency
Reducing systemic barriers to self-determination and agency is crucial for promoting individual empowerment and creating more equitable and inclusive societies. It requires a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach that involves individuals, communities, institutions, and policymakers working collaboratively.
Investing in and developing BIPOC leadership
Investing in and developing BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) leadership is crucial for fostering equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging and creating a more inclusive and representative leadership landscape.
Resourcing communities to center justice and belonging
Resourcing communities to center justice and belonging involves providing the necessary support, tools, and opportunities for communities to actively promote fairness, equity, and a sense of belonging.
GEOGRAPHIC FOCUS
We continue to be a place-based funder with a direct focus on the Central Jersey Shore – specifically Ocean and Monmouth Counties. As a place-based funder we aim to create meaningful change by investing in the Central Jersey Shore, understanding its unique dynamics, and working collaboratively to address its most pressing challenges. This approach allows us to make deeper impact and emphasizes our sustained commitment for effective philanthropy at the Central Jersey Shore. While the majority of our funding, capacity building, and coalition building efforts are focused on the Central Jersey Shore, there are some initiatives the foundation participates in at more regional and state-wide levels that have impact in our geographical focus area.
WHAT WE DO NOT FUND
The Foundation grants to 501c3 nonprofit organizations or those that are fiscally sponsored by a 501c3. While we understand our funding priority outcome areas are intentionally broad in scope, there are some areas that the Foundation does not fund. These include: