Driving Community Impact Through Civic Engagement: The JOIN! Initiative Continues in 2026
Building on the momentum from OceanFirst Foundation’s December 2024 CEO and Board Leadership Gathering, we are thrilled to announce the continuation of the JOIN! Initiative in 2026. This transformative program is designed to reignite civic engagement, strengthen social capital, and foster meaningful community connections across our region. Through JOIN!, we empower organizations and individuals to take an active leadership role in shaping vibrant, resilient communities. By investing in civic participation, we create opportunities for collaboration and long-term impact.
Ready to make a difference? Explore the details below and learn how to apply for a JOIN! Grant today.
Who May Apply
OceanFirst Foundation proudly supports nonprofits committed to strengthening communities through civic engagement and social impact. We consider JOIN! Grant requests from 501(c)(3) organizations that demonstrate strong mission alignment with one or more of our funding priorities and deliver measurable impact within our footprint: Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Somerset, and Union counties in New Jersey.
Organizations outside this footprint must contact OceanFirst Foundation for eligibility screening before submitting a request. Additional grant eligibility requirements may be found here.
New Applicants
Inquiries to the Foundation are welcome and nonprofits that have not previously been awarded a grant from OceanFirst Foundation should call 732.341.4676 to be screened before applying.
Grant Deadline
Requests will be considered on a rolling basis until funds are fully allocated.
Grant Purpose
The JOIN! Grant program is an exciting extension of OceanFirst Foundation’s 2024 Winter CEO Leadership Event, which featured Pete Davis, co-director of the acclaimed documentary Join or Die—now streaming on Netflix. You can learn more about the film here. Inspired by this powerful message, JOIN! is about more than funding—it’s about revitalizing civic engagement, building social capital, and creating stronger, more connected communities.
Why It Matters
Civic engagement is the cornerstone of vibrant communities. Through JOIN!, we empower nonprofits to lead initiatives that foster collaboration, volunteerism, and meaningful dialogue. Together, we can strengthen the fabric of society and drive lasting impact.
Grant Guidelines
Each nonprofit may submit one request per category, and each request requires a separate application.
Resources are limited, and demand exceeds our budget—so requests that demonstrate collaboration with other nonprofits, community organizations, leaders, and residents will be prioritized (except Civic Membership requests).
JOIN! Grant Categories:
- CEO Connection Event
- Civic Membership
- Community-Led Volunteer Project
- Host a Jeffersonian Dinner (breakfast or lunch options available). Learn more about how a Jeffersonian Dinner works here.
Grant Awards
The maximum amount that may be requested is $2,500. Nonprofits awarded a JOIN! Grant must agree to use funds only as outlined in the approved proposal.
Application Status
Expect to receive a response to a request within one month of submission.
2026 Application Process
OceanFirst Foundation makes it easy for nonprofits to apply through our secure Grant Request Portal.
We understand that technology access can be a barrier for some organizations. If your nonprofit does not have access to the portal or requires special assistance, our team will work with you to ensure your application is submitted successfully—because every voice matters in building stronger communities.
Information for Grantseekers
Before applying for a grant, confirm that your project aligns with one or more of OceanFirst Foundation’s priority areas:
- Improving Health and Wellness
- Supporting Housing Solutions
- Advancing Economic Stability and Mobility
- Investing in Higher Education
- Empowering the Next Generation
Call us today to discuss your ideas. We’ll help you navigate the process and guide you toward the right opportunity.