OCEANFIRST FOUNDATION CONCENTRATES ITS GRANT MAKING ON FOUR CORE PRIORITY AREAS: HEALTH AND WELLNESS, HOUSING, IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION. IN ADDITION, GRANTS ARE MADE TO SUPPORT EMERGING COMMUNITY NEEDS AND SPECIAL INITIATIVES CONSISTENT WITH THE PRIORITIES OF THE FOUNDATION. ALL ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE INTERESTED IN APPLYING FOR A GRANT SHOULD CAREFULLY READ THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON THE WEBSITE (WWW.OCEANFIRSTFDN.ORG) ABOUT THE FOUNDATION'S PROGRAMS AND PRIORITY AREAS. IF YOUR ORGANIZATION IS SEEKING A GRANT, THE BEST PLACE TO START IS WITH A CALL TO THE FOUNDATION OFFICE TO DISCUSS YOUR PROGRAM OR PROJECT. THE FOUNDATION WILL ADVISE WHETHER YOUR REQUEST FITS WITHIN THE FOUNDATION'S GUIDELINES, IF IT MAKES SENSE FOR YOU TO APPLY, AND WHICH GRANT PROGRAM IS BEST FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION.

APPLICANTS MUST PROVIDE SERVICES WITHIN THE OCEANFIRST FOOTPRINT AND HAVE 501(C)(3) TAX EXEMPT STATUS WITH THE IRS. APPLICANTS SHOULD BE REGISTERED IN NEW JERSEY AS A CHARITY AND PERFORM A CERTIFIED ANNUAL AUDIT, IF REQUIRED. THE FOUNDATION CONFIRMS TAX-EXEMPT STATUS/NJ CHARITY REGISTRATION. FUNDING IS NOT PROVIDED FOR: - INDIVIDUALS - RESEARCH - ORGANIZATIONS NOT EXEMPT UNDER IRC SECTION 501(C)(3) - RELIGIOUS CONGREGATIONS - POLITICAL CAUSES, CANDIDATES, ORGANIZATIONS OR CAMPAIGNS - ORGANIZATIONS WHOSE PRIMARY PURPOSE IS TO INFLUENCE LEGISLATION - SPORTS LEAGUES/TEAMS