Grantmaking

We imagine a new way toward a just and equitable New Jersey.

Learn more about our work and priorities. 

At the Dodge Foundation, we want to learn more about organizations doing work across New Jersey to advance equity and close the racial wealth gap.  

While there are many layered factors that affect the current racial wealth gap in New Jersey, research consistently shows that two of the most powerful drivers of wealth building—and, therefore, of closing the racial wealth gap—are: 

• Housing Choice   
  Homeownership is the largest source of wealth for most American families, yet it is out of reach for many New Jerseyans. In fact, many individuals and families struggle with access to basic supportive and affordable housing, let alone homeownership. Expanding equitable opportunities to safe and affordable housing enables families to build generational wealth, strengthen communities, and reduce the racial wealth divide. Examples of program interventions supporting this work could include: eviction prevention support, rental subsidies, improved access to supportive and affordable housing, credit building, access to capital/lending, increase in housing stock, etc. 

• Pathways to Economic Security and Mobility  
  Income is foundational to wealth accumulation and economic security. Supporting pathways for individuals to earn and save more—through education, training, entrepreneurship, career advancement, reduced non-discretionary costs, and fair wages—ensures families have the resources to save, invest, and achieve economic security. Examples of program interventions supporting this work could include: access to upskilling and advanced training, improved financial management and wealth building knowledge and skills, reducing barriers to career advancement, bolstering social safety nets, providing cash assistance/UBI, etc. 

The Dodge Foundation is dedicating its time, energy and resources to advancing interventions, and leveraging grants and impact investments, that are focused on closing the racial wealth gap primarily through these two levers. 

While we do provide support to organizations across the state, we are particularly focused on five communities across New Jersey: Atlantic City, Camden, Newark, Paterson, and Trenton. 

Pathways to be Considered for Funding: 

We invite nonprofit organizations and organizations seeking investment capital to share information with us through our new Request for Information (RFI) process. This process is open to any group whose mission and efforts are aligned with closing the racial wealth gap in New Jersey. 

Our staff will review submissions on a rolling basis and identify opportunities that best align with our mission. Please note: 

• Not all organizations will receive funding or a follow-up conversation. 

• All submissions should focus on work that is either currently happening in New Jersey or could be launched in New Jersey.  

• Organizations with projects to be considered for the late winter/early spring grant cycle should submit an RFI by December 1^st. However, we accept submissions at any time. We will not be providing a set timeline for when you may hear back.  

• Any decisions about grant funding level and timeline would happen at a later date upon invitation.  

• We encourage interventions with evidence or validated program models.  

The RFI is an open invitation for us to learn more about the important work happening across the state, and for you to help us understand how your efforts connect to closing the racial wealth gap.  

We are eager to hear from you and to continue deepening our understanding of the people and organizations shaping New Jersey’s future.  

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