General Operating/Flexible Support Grants
To help meet the needs of our nonprofit partners, our neighbors, and to target resources to where they are needed most, OceanFirst Foundation offered General Operating/Flexible Support Grants in 2024. The 2024 application deadlines have passed and we are not currently accepting new requests. Check back in 2025 for more information.
Who May Apply
We consider requests for General Operating/Flexible Support from nonprofits (501c3) that can demonstrate mission alignment with one or more of our Funding Priorities and a significant level of service and impact within one or more of the counties in OceanFirst Foundation’s New Jersey footprint – Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Somerset, and Union counties. Applicants from outside this primary footprint must be invited to submit a request. Additional grant eligibility requirements may be found here.
Who Should Not Apply
Arts & Cultural organizations that opted to apply for Good Neighbor Event Sponsorship Grants are not eligible to apply for General Operating/Flexible Support Grants. In addition, do not apply if your organization is a College/University, Volunteer Fire/First Aid Squad, Habitat for Humanity, or K-12 School. We periodically offer targeted grant opportunities to these organizations that are by invitation only. We will share additional details directly with eligible organizations as they become available.
New Applicants
Inquiries to the Foundation are welcome and nonprofits that have not previously received a grant should call 732-341-4676 to be screened before applying.
Grant Cycle
There is only one grant cycle for General Operating/Flexible Support Grants in 2024. Please plan ahead and apply early. We do not consider requests submitted after the deadline.
Grant Awards
The total number of grants awarded will depend on the number of applicants and funds available. Grants may be used to support administrative infrastructure, financial and organizational capacity, and/or to help maintain programs and essential staff. Examples include salaries, rent, utilities, office and program supplies, insurance, technology, and other essential needs.
Funding Decisions
We consider factors including but not limited to: available resources; a request’s alignment with the Foundation’s stated funding priorities and geographic footprint; organizational capacity and good financial health; a track record of success in providing programs and services that positively impact on community needs, and a solid plan for measuring impact/success.
OPTION A – FOR REQUESTS OF $5,001 OR MORE
STAGE 2 – Only those nonprofits that are invited to apply, submit a full proposal via the Grant Request Portal.
Click here to submit a STAGE 1 Letter of Interest. Please note you will need your organization’s Federal Tax ID to access the system.
The deadline to submit a STAGE 1 Letter of Interest was May 1, 2024 (12 PM EST).
OPTION B – FOR REQUESTS OF UP TO $5,000
Click here to submit your request. Please note you will need your organization’s Federal Tax ID to access the system.
The deadline to submit a General Operating/Flexible Support Grant was June 1, 2024 (12 PM EST).
Information for Grantseekers
If you or your organization is seeking a grant, you’ll want to determine if your project fits within our four core priority areas: Health and Wellness, Housing, Improving Quality of Life, and Youth Development and Education. Give us a call to chat about your ideas and we’ll guide you in the right direction. Learn More