Charitable Foundation

Several hands reaching for each other with a light in the middle of them

The UCSB Charitable Foundation considers grants to nonprofit charitable organizations with a 501(c)(3) status that serve low- to moderate-income (LMI) communities in Union and Essex counties in New Jersey. The Foundation concentrates its grant-making around three priority areas:

Education & Youth Development
Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization
Health & Community Initiatives

Organizations must meet all guidelines and application requirements, support the community’s needs, align with the Foundation’s mission, and demonstrate a significant impact.

Foundation Video

Learn more about our mission and impact.

Areas of Focus for Our Grant Making

Education & Youth Development

The Foundation provides support to programs and projects that empower individuals and families, resulting in positive economic development and life-changing success. Funding areas include financial literacy, K–12 and pathways to post-secondary education, college and career readiness, job skill development, mentoring, and entrepreneurship.

Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization

The Foundation supports programs that help create safe, affordable, and inclusive communities. Funding areas include preserving and creating affordable housing and homeownership, improving economic inclusion through access to banking services, and supporting the growth of small businesses. The Foundation also supports programs that preserve and protect the environment, provide transitional housing, and prevent homelessness while increasing self-sufficiency.

Health & Community Initiatives

The Foundation supports services for seniors and local nonprofit medical facilities that provide essential care in the community. Funding areas include programs and projects that improve access to services and behavioral health counseling, along with community efforts focused on food relief.

How to Apply for a Grant

Follow the steps below to review our guidelines, confirm eligibility, and submit your application within the current funding cycle.

Application Window

January 3^rd – December 1^st

Review & Decisions

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Decisions are made quarterly, and applicants are notified at the end of the quarter in which the application is submitted.

Step 1

Review the Guidelines

Before applying, please review the UCSB Charitable Foundation guidelines to ensure your organization and request align with our funding priorities.

Step 2

Confirm Eligibility

We encourage you to connect with us before submitting a full application.

Please email ucsbcharitablefoundation@unioncountysavings.com with any questions and to determine if your program or project is eligible for funding.

Step 3

Complete & Submit Your Application

Download the application form.
Complete all required sections and save a copy for your records.
Email the completed form as an attachment to the address indicated on the application.

Download Application