Oceanfirst Foundation
Accepts applications
Oceanfirst Foundation is a private foundation in Toms River, New Jersey. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.6 million in 425 grants; the typical grant was $2,200 and the largest $55,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$1.6 million
- Number of grants425
- Typical grant$2,200
- Largest grant$55,000
- Assets$11.2 million
- New grantees56%
Giving in 2025 was up from $1.5 million the year before.
56% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $2.4 million | 669 | $15.0 million |
| 2024 | $1.5 million | 662 | $13.9 million |
| 2025 | $1.6 million | 425 | $11.2 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Katherine B Durante Executive Direc 975 Hooper Ave, Toms River, NJ 08753 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (732) 341-4676, info@oceanfirstfdn.org |
| What to submit | 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. |
| Deadlines | Deadlines vary for each funding program. |
| Restrictions | 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 |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Oceanfirst Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 12 states, the most to New Jersey.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | 315 | $1.3 million |
| Pennsylvania | 18 | $122,000 |
| New York | 78 | $92,350 |
| Virginia | 4 | $14,500 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $3,000 |
| Texas | 1 | $1,000 |
| Massachusetts | 2 | $350 |
| Georgia | 2 | $250 |
| Delaware | 1 | $200 |
| North Carolina | 1 | $200 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Georgian Court University | 2025 scholarship program | $55,000 |
| Atlantic Cape Community College | 2025 scholarship program | $25,000 |
| Brookdale Community College Foundation | 2025 scholarship program | $25,000 |
| Monmouth University | 2025 scholarship program | $25,000 |
| Ocean County College Foundation | 2025 scholarship program | $25,000 |
| Rowan College of South Jersey | 2025 scholarship program | $25,000 |
| Rowan University Foundation | 2025 scholarship program | $25,000 |
| Stockton University | 2025 scholarship program | $25,000 |
| The College of New Jersey Foundation | 2025 scholarship program | $25,000 |
| Operation Warm | Operation warm project | $17,500 |
| Count Basie Center for the Arts | Board matching gift | $10,000 |
| Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation | Board matching gift | $10,000 |
| Iona University | Board matching gift | $10,000 |
| Deborah Hospital Foundation | Home runs for heroes | $8,000 |
| Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society | Home runs for heroes | $8,000 |
| 180 Turning Lives Around Inc | General operating support | $7,500 |
| Affordable Housing Alliance | General operating support | $7,500 |
| Anchor House | General operating support | $7,500 |
| Appel Farm Arts & Music Center | General operating support | $7,500 |
| Arts Ed NJ | General operating support | $7,500 |
| Ascendus Inc | General operating support | $7,500 |
| Avanzar | General operating support | $7,500 |
| Bestwork Industries for the Blind Inc | General operating support | $7,500 |
| Better Tomorrows | General operating support | $7,500 |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters of Atlantic & Cape May Counties | General operating support | $7,500 |
| Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia | General operating support | $7,500 |
| Cape May Mac | General operating support | $7,500 |
| Casa for Children of Mercer and Burlington Counties | General operating support | $7,500 |
| Cathedral Soup Kitchen Inc | General operating support | $7,500 |
| Catholic Youth Organization (Cyo) of Mercer County | General operating support | $7,500 |
| Central Jersey Medical Center | General operating support | $7,500 |
| Cherry Hill Free Clinic | General operating support | $7,500 |
| Children's Scholarship Fund Philadelphia | General operating support | $7,500 |
| Children's Specialized Hospital Foundation | General operating support | $7,500 |
| Christian Brothers Academy | Board matching gift | $7,500 |
| Collier Youth Services | General operating support | $7,500 |
| Communities First Initiative | General operating support | $7,500 |
| Community Access Unlimited | General operating support | $7,500 |
| Community Foodbank of New Jersey | General operating support | $7,500 |
| Community Foundation of New Jersey | General operating support | $7,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Christopher D Maher
- Michael J Fitzpatrick
- Katherine B Durante
- John F Barros
- James M Bollerman
- Jack M Farris
- Kimberly Guadagno Esq
- Lori S Herndon
- Joseph M Kyrillos
- Joseph J Lebel
- Judith Leone
- Joseph M Murphy Jr
- Robert A Previti
- Diane Rhine
- Grace C Torres
Questions people ask
Does Oceanfirst Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: Deadlines vary for each funding program..
How much does Oceanfirst Foundation give?
$1.6 million in tax year 2025, across 425 grants, with a typical grant of $2,200.
Who runs Oceanfirst Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Christopher D Maher (President/Chairman), Michael J Fitzpatrick (Treasurer), Katherine B Durante (Secretary/Executive Director) and John F Barros (Director) among 15 officers and trustees.
What does Oceanfirst Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, youth programs and environment and conservation.