Frequently Asked Questions

Please review the FAQs below carefully and subscribe to our updates on our Contact Us page. If you have specific questions that are not answered here about our funding, please email questions@grdodge.org. We will strive to respond promptly. 

FAQs 

What are your priorities, and what do you fund?

We envision a just and equitable New Jersey where people of all races and communities have equitable access to opportunities to thrive. We work to advance economic equity and justice for all New Jerseyans by closing the racial wealth gap in the State.​

ThWhile 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 and Pathways to Homeownership   
  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 statewide organizations, we are particularly focused on five communities across New Jersey: Atlantic City, Camden, Newark, Paterson, and Trenton.  Learn more at Our Work.

I’m new to the Dodge Foundation. How can I apply for a grant?

We are always excited to learn about new organizations and connect in new spaces and places. 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. Additionally, we connect with potential partners by proactively identifying and inviting those who are mission-aligned to apply for or discuss funding. Please reach out via our Contact Us page to if you have any questions.

Poetry Program FAQs 

Where can I find information about the Dodge Foundation’s Poetry Program? 

Please visit grdodge.org/our-work/dodge-poetry to learn more about the Poetry Program. 

If I have questions, how can I contact the Dodge Poetry Initiative?

To contact the Dodge Poetry Initiative please reach out to dodgepoetry@njpac.org.