The Prudential Community Foundation Grants: Full Details

Imagine a single seed growing into a thriving garden, much like how Prudential’s microgrants have helped Newark’s neighborhoods bloom over the past three years. You’re part of a movement that turns local ideas into real change, but there’s more to uncover about how these grants shape community resilience and opportunity. What could your project become with the right support?

Key Takeaways

• The Prudential Community Grants Program offers microgrants up to $2,500 for individuals and $5,000 for Newark-based organizations with budgets under $500,000.
• Grants support neighborhood-level projects that improve quality of life and community resilience across Newark’s five wards.
• Applicants must be Newark residents or organizations, secure community resident endorsement, submit one application, and demonstrate innovative, transparent use of funds.
• Funded initiatives include community events, education, public safety, beautification, and support for vulnerable populations like the elderly and homeless.
• The program is administered with employee engagement and aims to close resource gaps impacting community vitality, emphasizing transparency and local leadership.

Overview of the Prudential Community Grants Program

Although local changemakers and organizations often have innovative ideas to improve their neighborhoods, they frequently lack the financial resources to implement these solutions.

The Prudential Community Grants Program addresses this gap by providing microgrants to Newark residents and organizations, promoting local empowerment to lead neighborhood-centered projects.

Now in its third year, the program focuses on boosting community resilience through targeted funding that helps stabilize and enliven neighborhoods across Newark’s five wards.

Eligibility and Application Process

You can apply if you’re a Newark resident or a Newark-based organization with an operating budget under $500,000.

Submit just one application describing your project, how you’ll use the funds, and include a budget and a community resident’s endorsement.

Make sure you’re not a current Prudential grantee, and get your application in by the deadline.

Who Can Apply

Organizations and individuals based in Newark can apply for the Prudential Community Grants Program, provided they create neighborhood-level impact and meet certain eligibility criteria.

You must be a Newark resident or Newark-based organization with an operating budget under $500,000. Application eligibility requires you to describe how funding will be used and provide a budget.

Community outreach is essential—your project must empower local changemakers and foster neighborhood vibrancy. You’ll need a community resident to endorse your program or project.

Only one application per applicant is allowed. Current grantees of Prudential aren’t eligible.

How to Apply

When applying to the Prudential Community Grants Program, you’ll need to submit a detailed application by the deadline of February 21, outlining your project’s goals, how the funds will be used, and a clear budget.

To craft a strong proposal, consider these application tips and project ideas:

1. Describe your project clearly, including how it promotes neighborhood stability and addresses Newark’s local needs.
2. Provide a realistic, detailed budget that explains how you’ll use the grant funds responsibly.
3. Highlight the anticipated community impact, demonstrating how your project fosters significance and positive change.

Following these steps strengthens your chance for funding success.

Key Requirements

Although eligibility criteria vary somewhat, the Prudential Community Grants Program requires applicants to be Newark residents or Newark-based organizations with an operating budget under $500,000, aiming to create neighborhood-level impact through their projects.

Your project must meet specific funding criteria, demonstrating innovation in addressing local needs and fostering community vibrancy.

To apply, you need to submit your proposal by February 21, 2025, detailing how funds will be used and providing a budget.

Endorsement from a community resident is required, and you must commit to sharing the results to guarantee transparency and impact.

Goals and Impact on Newark Neighborhoods

If you’re looking to make a real difference in your Newark neighborhood, the Prudential Community Grants Program gives you the resources to bring your ideas to life.

This initiative builds community resilience and encourages neighborhood collaboration, empowering local leaders to create vibrant, stable environments. Your project can help address funding gaps and foster growth, making a lasting impact on residents’ quality of life.

• Strengthen community resilience through targeted support
• Promote neighborhood collaboration for tailored solutions
• Improve quality of life with innovative, resident-driven projects

2025 Grantees: Central Ward Initiatives

Five Central Ward initiatives received Prudential Community Grants in 2025, each bringing fresh energy and solutions to your neighborhood.

These projects improve community events and strengthen local partnerships to boost vibrancy.

Alnisa Julien’s “Food Truck Fridays” promotes local food businesses and weekly gatherings.

Armstead Johnson’s “Arts In The Park” offers outdoor artistic and cultural experiences.

Brandy Watkins leads the “Montage Ko Youth Artisan Initiative,” giving youth artisan skill training.

Felicitas Mbia’s “Feeding Futures Foundation” tackles food insecurity through community feeding programs.

Each initiative is an essential part of Newark’s Central Ward growth and connection.

2025 Grantees: East Ward Projects

You’ll see how these East Ward projects boost youth engagement, support education, and strengthen community care.

Each grantee brings a unique approach, from martial arts and scholarships to health services and creative skills.

Their work is making a real difference right where it’s needed most.

Youth Engagement Initiatives

While supporting Newark’s East Ward, the Prudential Community Grants Program backs five innovative youth engagement initiatives, each targeting different areas of skill development and opportunity.

These grantees implement effective youth empowerment strategies and community engagement practices to build stronger futures.

1. What Up Judo, led by Christian Callahan, cultivates discipline and fitness through judo training.
2. The HBCU Scholarship Ride, organized by Hassan Abdus-Sabur, provides scholarships and resources for students advancing to Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
3. Innovative Newark, directed by Jazmin Puicon, empowers youth via programs enhancing education and community involvement.

Each initiative advances Newark’s youth toward practical skills and academic success.

Scholarship and Education Support

Although each of the East Ward grantees has a unique focus, they all contribute to scholarship and education support, addressing diverse needs to empower local youth.

The HBCU Scholarship Ride offers essential scholarship opportunities for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

What Up Judo combines martial arts with educational support, fostering physical fitness and academic success.

Innovative Newark advances educational partnerships through innovative community projects.

Mantena Global Care provides resources that nurture a culture of learning for students and families.

Meanwhile, the Sewing Program delivers practical skills training in sewing and fashion design to boost employment and educational advancement.

Community Care Programs

Building on programs that expand educational opportunities for Newark’s East Ward, the Prudential Community Grants also strengthen local well-being through Community Care initiatives. These grants support projects that advance community health and youth empowerment, promoting resilience and stability.

1. What Up Judo fosters youth empowerment through martial arts, building confidence and life skills.
2. Mantena Global Care delivers essential community health services to underserved populations.
3. Malika Muhammad’s Sewing Program equips individuals with sewing skills, enhancing self-sufficiency and creativity.

Each grantee’s work improves engagement and quality of life in East Ward neighborhoods, reflecting Prudential’s ongoing commitment to Newark.

2025 Grantees: North Ward Community Efforts

The North Ward benefits from five dedicated grantees whose efforts address various community needs, ranging from youth mentorship to elderly care.

You see community mentorship in action with Essex County Cops 4 Kids, guiding Newark’s youth. Urban agriculture thrives through Urban Seeds Grow, boosting food security and environmental awareness.

Milagros Angels supports vulnerable populations with essential services, while the Code Blue Program safeguards homeless individuals during harsh weather.

The Stephen Crane Elderly Tenant Association enriches seniors’ lives with tailored initiatives.

Each grantee empowers residents, fosters resilience, and strengthens the North Ward’s fabric through targeted, ethical action.

2025 Grantees: South Ward Activities

You’ll find that the South Ward’s five funded projects each bring something unique to the community, from youth music programs to STEAM education and family events.

Leaders like Carter Mangan, Jr. and Justin Savage, Jr. are driving initiatives that build skills and foster engagement.

These efforts highlight how local organizers are actively strengthening community spirit and services in meaningful ways.

South Ward Project Highlights

Five South Ward grantees are advancing community importance with focused initiatives that engage residents and youth while promoting growth and connection.

These local initiatives emphasize community engagement through diverse projects.

1. Asia J. Norton Civic Association improves community engagement and development via various programs.
2. Music Production and Audio Editing, led by Carter Mangan, Jr., equips youth with valuable skills in music and audio technology.
3. Complex Vision Newark, directed by Christopher Williams, offers opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Each project plays a strategic role in fostering local relationships and empowering South Ward residents through education, arts, and social events.

Community Event Organizers

While advancing the South Ward’s civic life, five community grant recipients—Asia J. Norton Civic Association, Music Production and Audio Editing, Complex Vision Newark, STEAM for ME NJ, Inc., and Fun Day with Treats in the Streets—are leading impactful event planning and community engagement. Their projects foster neighborhood vibrancy and empower residents through creative, educational, and social initiatives.

2025 Grantees: West Ward Programs

If you’re looking to see how Prudential’s Community Grants Program is making a difference in the West Ward, you’ll find a group of grantees who are actively transforming their neighborhoods.

These programs drive community revitalization and youth empowerment, creating vibrant, stable spaces for everyone.

• The Village Revival Project and Heart of Vailsburg Garden Committee are revitalizing local spaces and green areas.
• iMatter 2, Inc. empowers youth with essential resources and support.
• Bright Futures Alliance and the Youth Sensory Garden project foster education, career readiness, and inclusive community engagement.

Partnership for Building Youth Opportunities

With a growing recognition that opportunity youth—young people between 16 and 24 who are both out of school and out of work—require more than isolated interventions, Prudential’s partnership for building youth opportunities hinges on large-scale collaboration and direct investment in proven workforce development strategies.

Prudential supports the YouthBuild program, focusing on youth empowerment through extensive job training in construction skills, boosting readiness for employment.

Partnering with PGIM Real Estate, Prudential utilizes global networks to place YouthBuild graduates in quality jobs. This collaboration underpins Prudential’s commitment to addressing inequities and equipping young people with skills and resources for workforce success.

Equity-Focused Initiatives Through Aspen Institute Collaboration

You’re seeing how Prudential’s $11 million, five-year partnership with the Aspen Institute targets systemic inequities in financial markets to create more economic opportunities.

This collaboration focuses on advancing equity through reforms that improve financial security and access for marginalized communities.

Aspen Institute Partnership

While tackling deep-rooted economic disparities, Prudential Financial, Inc. has partnered with the Aspen Institute on a five-year, $11 million collaboration focused on equity-driven reforms in labor and financial markets.

You see this cooperation directly addressing systemic inequities by advancing actionable policy insights and promoting equitable opportunities for marginalized communities.

The initiative prioritizes financial security, empowerment, and mobility, aiming to bridge gaps that have long hindered diverse populations from full economic participation.

Equity in Financial Markets

Because true equity in financial markets means everyone has a fair shot at building wealth, Prudential and the Aspen Institute are working together to break down the barriers that have long excluded marginalized communities.

Through targeted research and advocacy, you’re helping propel financial inclusion and equitable access to resources. This partnership empowers diverse populations by addressing systemic inequities and fostering economic opportunity.

Prudential’s Support for Emergency Relief and UNICEF

When disaster strikes—unpredictable, swift, and devastating—children are among the most vulnerable, facing threats to their safety, health, and future prospects.

Prudential is the largest corporate donor to the UNICEF USA Mercury Fund, championing emergency preparedness and child welfare. Their impact investments provide rapid aid to children and families during crises, helping communities recover and build resilience.

This partnership highlights Prudential’s commitment to strengthening community resilience and improving outcomes for vulnerable children.

Key initiatives include:

1. Rapid emergency response support for affected children and families
2. Impact investing focused on immediate relief and long-term recovery
3. Enhancing community resilience through strategic partnerships with UNICEF

Cultural Engagement and Historical Awareness

Building on Prudential’s efforts to reinforce community resilience—whether through crisis response or direct support to Newark residents—the company’s investments in cultural engagement and historical awareness further its broader mission to foster vibrant, informed neighborhoods where every voice matters.

You’ll find Prudential actively supporting the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture to promote cultural dialogue and deepen historical education. This partnership encourages inclusivity by exploring African Americans’ rich contributions, sparking conversations that uplift and empower communities.

Prudential’s commitment strengthens community liveliness through thoughtful education and awareness programs.

Promoting Financial Security for Diverse Communities

While economic challenges often force immediate expenses to take priority, Prudential’s Community Foundation Grants actively work to close the financial gap for diverse communities. Over one-third of Latinos aren’t savers or investors, largely due to economic hurdles.

To boost financial literacy and economic empowerment, Prudential funds initiatives like UnidosUS’s Financial Access and Retirement Security Project.

Their approach includes:

1. Providing targeted financial coaching and educational resources to marginalized populations.
2. Supporting systemic efforts to improve retirement security for diverse communities.
3. Cultivating partnerships that generate pathways for economic stability and empowerment.

This commitment aligns with Prudential’s goal to promote equitable financial opportunities for all Americans.

Community and Corporate Feedback on the Grants Program

Because Prudential’s Community Grants Program is deeply embedded in Newark, employees consistently express pride in the company’s genuine commitment to the city’s social fabric.

This program exemplifies corporate responsibility by fostering community engagement that directly supports local organizations and residents. Grantees report improved capacity to deliver innovative mentoring and youth development resources, validating the program’s positive community impact.

You’re encouraged to join this collaborative effort, as local professionals and citizens play a critical role in mentorship.

Shané Harris emphasizes the program’s tailored approach, ensuring Newark’s unique needs are met through authentic, strategic community involvement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Do You Get for a Community Grant?

You can get up to $2,500 for a community grant as an individual or up to $5,000 as a Newark-based organization through the grant application, so check eligibility and investigate funding opportunities to support your local project.

Who Is Eligible for the Trust Community Fund Offer?

If you happen to live in Newark, you’re eligible for the grant application, whether you’re a resident with a community project or a local group—as long as your budget is under $500,000 and you meet the eligibility criteria before applying.

What Is the Trust Community Foundation Grant for Individuals?

The Trust Community Foundation grant for individuals provides individual support through microgrants up to $2,500, offering funding opportunities to Newark residents creating neighborhood-level impact and leading community projects. You must submit one application endorsed by a community resident and report outcomes.

How Does a Community Foundation Make Money?

A community foundation makes money by using investment strategies to grow endowment funds and by applying effective fundraising techniques such as donor contributions and events, which support their grantmaking and operational costs.

Conclusion

You can see that the Prudential Community Foundation Grants truly empower Newark residents and organizations to transform their neighborhoods through focused, resident-driven projects. The theory that local microgrants stimulate meaningful, community-led change holds up well here, as initiatives in all five wards prove that small funds can release big impacts by addressing real needs and promoting collaboration. This program isn’t just funding projects—it’s fostering lasting neighborhood resilience and improved quality of life that you can witness firsthand.