Summer will be here before you know and OceanFirst Foundation is gearing up to make a BIG impact. In 2026, we are partnering with some of the region’s most inspiring and impactful nonprofits to award $75,000 in Summer Camp Scholarships because we want to ensure more children have access to safe, enriching, and life-changing camp experiences to help them grow, discover confidence, and unlock their full potential.
THE APPLICATION PORTAL IS NOW CLOSED FOR THIS GRANT PROGRAM – CHECK BACK ON FEBRUARY 18th.
Who May Apply
OceanFirst Foundation will consider applications from 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that demonstrate strong service, measurable impact, and active programming within our New Jersey footprint: Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Somerset, and Union counties. Nonprofits located outside this region must contact us to confirm eligibility before applying. Additional eligibility requirements may be found here.
We are especially interested in camps that offer nurturing, skill-building activities, including:
- Arts and Cultural Education
- Science and STEM Exploration
- Leadership Development
- Civic Engagement and Community Involvement
New Applicants
If your organization has not previously participated in the Summer Camp Grant Program, we welcome your interest. Please call 732.341.4676 to complete an initial screening before submitting your request.
Grant Deadline
There is only one opportunity to apply for the Summer Camp Grant program per year. Late submissions will not be considered, so we encourage organizations to plan ahead. The deadline to apply is April 1, 2026.
Grant Awards
Selected organizations must use funds exclusively to provide direct summer camp scholarships of up to $250 per child to cover the cost of a camp experience. At the conclusion of the grant period, a Use of Funds report will be required to document scholarship recipients and program impact.
Application Status
Organizations that apply by the deadline will receive a decision before the 2026 camp season and no later than May 1, 2026.
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.
Click Below to Learn about our Amazing 2025 Summer Camp Partners:
Appel Farm Arts & Music Center, Asbury Park Music Foundation, Atlantic Women’s Charitable Organization, Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County, Boys & Girls Clubs Of Union County, Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia, Camp CryptoBot, Camp Dark Waters, Cape Assist, Capital Harmony Works, Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) of Mercer County, Collier Youth Services, CompleteCare, Egg Harbor Township Police Athletic League, Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey, Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, Glassboro Child Development Centers, HomeFront, Inspire Life, Konscious Youth Development & Services (KYDS), Levoy Theatre, Mainstage Center for the Arts, Mighty Writers, Monmouth Council, Boy Scouts of America, NJ Audubon Society, Partners in Learning, Perkins Center for the Arts, RWJ University Hospital Foundation, Scouting America Jersey Shore Council, Social Responsibility Through Me, St. Francis Community Center, The Arc of Union County, Toms River Field of Dreams, Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen’s Museum, YMCA of Greater Monmouth County, and Young Men’s and Young Women’s Hebrew Association of the Bronx.
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.