Each year, we team up with the awesome Jersey Shore BlueClaws and 92.7 WOBM – Ocean County’s Best Variety to honor and provide support to the brave men and women who serve and protect our nation. In the past seventeen years of the program, $772,000 has been awarded to help our heroes. A big WIN!
THE APPLICATION PORTAL IS NOW CLOSED FOR THIS GRANT PROGRAM – CHECK BACK ON FEBRUARY 18th.
Who May Apply
OceanFirst Foundation welcomes grant requests for inclusion in the Home Runs for Heroes Program, which supports nonprofits dedicated to meeting the emergency and basic needs of U.S. military veterans and active‑duty service members. This program is designed to strengthen stability, dignity, and well‑being for those who have served our country.
Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that demonstrate a strong record of service and measurable impact within OceanFirst Foundation’s New Jersey footprint, including Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Somerset, and Union counties.
Organizations located outside this service area must contact the Foundation to confirm eligibility prior to submitting a request. Additional grant eligibility requirements may be found here; applicants are encouraged to review all program guidelines carefully to ensure alignment.
New Applicants
We will select a maximum of 18 charity partners (2 per inning) for the Home Runs for Heroes program. We will prioritize the inclusion of the partners from the most recent season that have met all previous reporting requirements. If a spot(s) opens, we will select the nonprofit(s) that best demonstrate impact in meeting the emergency and basic needs of our heroes. Inquiries to the Foundation are welcome and nonprofits that have not previously been included in Home Runs for Heroes should call 732.341.4676 to be screened before applying.
Grant Deadline
There is only one opportunity to apply for inclusion in the 2026 Home Runs for Heroes grant program. Please plan ahead – the deadline to apply is March 13, 2026 and we do not consider requests submitted after the deadline.
Grant Awards
Each participating charity is assigned an inning at the beginning of the season. Each home run hit at ShoreTown Ballpark during the season by the Jersey Shore BlueClaws during the charity’s assigned inning scores a $1,000 donation. The total amount awarded to each charity partner will be determined at the conclusion of the season and is based on the total of home runs hit during their assigned inning. For example, if Charity A is assigned the 1st inning and 5 home runs are scored in the 1st inning…$5,000 is donated at the end of the season to Charity A – $1,000 per home run. If no home runs are scored during the charity partner’s assigned inning, a donation of $1,000 will be provided.
Grants awarded must be used to meet the emergency and basic needs of veterans and members of the United States Armed Forces and a Use of Funds report will be required at the conclusion of the grant period.
Application Status
Organizations that submit an application by the deadline will be notified of the decision on their request prior to the start of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws 2026 season.
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.