Provident Bank Foundation offers $125K to COVID-19 impacted nonprofits

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The impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak are widespread, and one New Jersey bank is hoping to ease the burden on nonprofits in the state and neighboring Pennsylvania.

On Friday, Provident Bank Foundation said it committed $125,000 toward grants for 501(c)(3) organizations. Groups can submit applications beginning March 30, and may request up to $5,000.

According to PBF, requests will be processed on a rolling basis until all funds have been disbursed.

“While this is a challenging time, it is critical to support these essential local organizations that help lift up our communities with valuable services and programs,” said the foundation’s Samantha Plotino in a prepared statement.

To qualify, the grants must be used to fulfill urgent needs, which PBF defined as including: increased demand for services for organizations providing emergency basic needs and support; ensuring that staff and essential services have the means to continue operations; program modifications for organizations that are practicing social distancing and have reduced access to services; and general support for lost revenue due to closing or cancelling essential programs, or other changes to operating models caused by the COVID-19 situation.

Requests will be evaluated on their scope, need and reach. Applications, which are available from the foundation, should include specifics for: funding priority areas; the amount of money requested; a summary of how your group plans to use the grant, if awarded; who will benefit from the project; and the counties and top five cities in Provident Bank’s marketplace that the program will impact (in New Jersey: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Union and Warren counties.)

PBF recommends interested organizations email first to determine if the Emergency Response grant is a good fit.