OceanFirst Foundation has a strong commitment to helping nonprofits that host special events to build awareness for their cause, engage with the community, and raise funds for vital programs. Check out the details below to learn about how to apply for a Good Neighbor Event Sponsorship Grant.

Who May Apply

We consider requests for Event Sponsorship Grants 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 OceanFirst Foundation’s central and southern New Jersey footprint – Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Somerset, and Union counties. Applicants from outside this footprint must contact the Foundation to be screened for eligibility prior to submitting a request. Colleges/Universities, Habitat for Humanity Chapters, Volunteer Fire & First Aid Squads, and Hospital Organizations, should not apply for these grants and may contact the Foundation for specific instructions on how to be considered by OceanFirst Bank. Additional grant eligibility requirements may be found here.

New Applicants

Inquiries to the Foundation are welcome and nonprofits that have not previously been awarded Good Neighbor Grant should call 732-341-4676 to be screened before applying.

Grant Deadline

For Arts & Cultural Applicants NOT Applying for a General Operating/Flexible Support Grant

The deadline to apply for an Arts & Cultural Good Neighbor Event Sponsorship Grant will be April 15, 2024. Please do not apply for Event Sponsorship if you plan to apply for a General Operating/Flexible Support Grant – you may choose only ONE option.

For All Other Applicants

Requests are considered on a rolling basis, however, we require a minimum two-month lead time from the planned event date. We recommend you apply early in the year as grants are offered only until the budget is fully allocated. Nonprofits are eligible to submit more than one request per year but more than one grant is not guaranteed. Each event requires a separate application. Please be mindful that we share limited resources with hundreds of nonprofits across our footprint and the demand typically exceeds our budget.

Grant Awards

Nonprofits awarded a Good Neighbor Event Sponsorship Grant must agree to use funds only for the approved event. OceanFirst Foundation does not accept tickets provided in any sponsorship package.

Application Status

Expect to receive a response to a request within two months of submission.

2024 Application Process