Paterson, NJ—On Thursday, January 15, 2026, Mayor Andre Sayegh and Lieutenant Governor-elect. Dale Caldwell joined Samra Haider and the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation to announce $1.6M in multi-year investments advancing economic stability, housing, and opportunity in the City of Paterson. These investments work together towards our mission to close the racial wealth gap in New Jersey. The announcement was made on the birthday of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., at the church where he preached shortly before his assassination.
The Dodge Foundation’s approval of multiple new grants to Paterson-based organizations highlights a significant investment in the city’s economic stability, housing security, and workforce development. The announcement will include a $300,000, two-year grant to the City of Paterson Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) to expand access to free, professional, one-on-one financial counseling for residents. Following the conclusion of prior funding, the Dodge Foundation’s grant will provide critical support to sustain the program and ensure the continued, uninterrupted delivery of financial counseling services to Paterson residents.
OTHER GRANTS ANNOUNCED INCLUDE:
- Montclair State University Foundation (Paterson Anchor Collaborative)
- Eva’s Village
- New Destiny Family Success Center
- LISC–New Jersey (Paterson One Square Mile Initiative)
The Dodge Foundation is deepening its commitment to Paterson by investing in a portfolio of organizations that meet the needs of residents across the spectrum of economic insecurity and mobility. The investments and organizations work together and in concert to advance financial stability, housing security, employment opportunities, community resilience, and wealth-building for communities of color. Collectively, these grants reflect a place-based strategy to support Paterson residents in building long-term economic security, mobility, and opportunity.