Funding Objectives

The Foundation supports charitable organizations benefiting the citizens of Mountainside such as Rescue Squad, Public Library, Fire Department, SAGE, scouts, the public schools, the Mountainside Restoration Committee as well as Our Lady of Lourdes, the Community Presbyterian Church, PAL, the Recreation Department, etc. Emphasis will be placed on those organizations deemed to be doing the best job of assisting Mountainside citizens.


APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Grants are received on a rolling basis throughout the year.

All applications must be SUBMITTED (POSTMARKED) to:

Blanche M. & George L. Watts Mountainside Community Foundation
210 Orchard Street
Westfield, NJ 07090

Limitations:

No grants will be made to individuals; all grantees must be tax-exempt under Section 501 (C) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code and qualifying as "not a private foundation" under Section 509 (a) of the Code. If an organization has not previously received a grant from the Watts Foundation, a copy of the organization's Section 501 (C) (3) exemption letter must be submitted with the application.

The Foundation favors grants for programs or projects that:

  • focus primarily on the community of Mountainside, or groups serving the Mountainside community

  • provide innovative responses to recognized community needs

  • enable agencies/institutions to improve their services to Mountainside

  • address positive community change in a constructive way

It is a general policy of the Foundation not to make grants for:

  • operating support that is repetitive or continuing

  • financing deficits

  • replacement of government funding or city or state-provided services

  • reimbursement or retro-funding for projects substantially or already completed, or to replenish agency resources used to pay for such purposes.

Foundation grants are available for definite programs and for projects covering a specified period of time. Grantees are expected to adhere closely to the stipulated terms of the grant and at the conclusion of the grant's period to submit an accounting of all disbursements and a narrative report comparing accomplishments with objectives. Any unexpended funds must be returned to the Foundation.

Programs receiving Foundation funding are expected to publicly acknowledge the Foundation's contribution in any publicity or printed material generated.

Learn about past grant recipients >