Funding Objectives:

The Foundation supports charitable organizations benefiting the citizens of Mountainside such as Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, the Community Presbyterian Church, the Public Library, the Fire Department, PAL, Recreation Department, Boy Scouts, etc. Emphasis will be placed on those organizations deemed to be doing the best job of assisting Mountainside citizens.


APPLICATION DEADLINES:

Grants will be made twice a year, in April and October. Grant applications must be submitted (postmarked) by March 15th or September 15th, for each respective meeting.

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.

All applications must be complete and returned BY DEADLINES LISTED ABOVE to:

Blanche M. & George L. Watts Mountainside Community Foundation
PO Box 2038
Westfield, NJ 07091