Community Foundation of New Jersey

Morris Legacy Fund Grants

Families who contribute to or establish Legacy Funds can specify an issue, cause or hometown that they would like to have their charitable legacy impact. The Community Foundation can then respond quickly to ever-changing community needs through grants designed around the spirit of the donor’s wishes.

• Grow It Green Morristown – Three Morristown residents created Grow It Green Morristown in 2009 to develop a beautiful community garden on the site of a former vacant lot. 50 gardeners now share space to grow healthy foods and beautify the neighborhood. Funding was made possible by the Irene A. Van Deusen Fund, the Social Services Fund and the Human Services Fund. See the Grow It Green Morristown video for more information.
• Harmonium Choral Society’s Neighborhood House Children’s Chorus – Harmonium Choral Society joined forces with the after-school program at Neighborhood House to create a new youth chorus for children in grades 2 – 5. The children learn about music in a positive environment and use the knowledge to develop performance skills. The chorus has performed at special functions and at family-friendly concerts at United Methodist Church. Funding was made possible by the Diane Dixon Fund.
• Interfaith Food Pantry – Support was given so those who are hungry and in need can receive groceries and other crucial services to foster self-sufficiency. The Pantry is the largest provider of food assistance in Morris County and the request for food has increased dramatically in the past few years. Funding was made possible by the Sheila C. Williamson Memorial Fund. Of special note — Sheila was a former Executive Director of the Community Foundation of NJ.
• Jersey Battered Women’s Services – JBWS is the only private organization servicing domestic violence victims and their families in Morris County. The mission is to prevent domestic violence through protection of the victims and a focus on advocacy, support and education. A grant was given to support the community-based counseling services for the victims. Funding was made possible by the Diane Dixon Fund.
• Morris Habitat for Humanity Youth United – The Youth United Program was formed in 2004 to bring Morris County high school and college students together to fundraise, build houses, and educate the community about the need for decent, affordable housing. The students raise all the funds necessary to build new homes. The grant was used to help with the costs of a single-family home in Mt. Olive that is currently being built by the students. Funding was made possible by the Irene A. Van Deusen Fund.
• NJ Foundation for the Blind – NJFB’s mission is to empower adults who are blind or vision impaired to live independent and productive lives and to stay engaged in their communities. A new health and wellness program was created to provide physical activity, mental stimulation, creativity and socialization to increase vitality and quality of life. Funding was made possible by the George & Yvonne Alkemade Fund.
• New Turf Field for Morristown High School – In 2006, a group of community leaders created the Team Up for Turf Committee to restore the Morristown High School athletic field. The goal for the campaign was $936,000, which included the field, extra zones, a track and lighting. The Morris County Community Foundation grant committee committed $36,000 to the major gift portion of the campaign using funds from the Henrietta McPherson Fund. Two CFNJ donors who are leaders in the Morristown community, Stu and Jan Sendell, made a grant of $60,000 from their family’s donor advised fund at CFNJ. Read more »