(above, l-r) The groundbreaking of the YWCA Union County occurred on September 23, 2020. Pictured are Darielle Walsh (Westfield Foundation Board member), Betsy Chance (Executive Director at the Westfield Foundation), Janice Lillien (CEO, YWCA Union County Board of Directors), Jennifer Vriens (Dir. of Development of the YWCA Union County), and Tina Earley (President, YWCA Union County Board of Directors).
Westfield Foundation Announces 3Q 2020 Grants
Submitted by Ingrid McKinley
The Westfield Foundation recently granted $250,000 to the YWCA Union County, who is celebrating their centennial year, for the construction of their new building in Elizabeth, which will function as a central hub for all programs. The building is in close proximity to the Union County Prosecutor and the Courthouse Offices. The grant was distributed from the Bertha Bogaert fund, a legacy fund established in 2016.
For 45 years, the Westfield Foundation has provided funding support in the areas of the arts, health, aging, historic preservation, social services and civic projects. The Foundation has granted $7,200,000 to over one hundred local organizations in and around Westfield.
For the third quarter of 2020, the Foundation granted $73,012 from their general fund to 7 organizations. These funds supported capital improvements such as replacement of flooring, roof and window repair. Funds will also provide PPE for volunteers, and offer programs for the community, including career counseling, financial management and adult enrichment. Recipients include: Caring Contact, Youth & Family Counseling Service of NJ, Our House Foundation, Jewish Family Service of Central NJ, JCC of Central NJ, CASA of Union County and the Westfield Neighborhood Council.
In addition to supporting capital projects of established social service agencies such as the YWCA Union County, the Westfield Foundation has also been an important resource of ‘seed money’ for smaller organizations and emerging needs. Programs started with seed money include: IMAGINE, Roots & Wings, Westfield Symphony Orchestra (now the NJ Festival Orchestra), the WHS Ice Hockey team, and the WHS Rowing Club. The Foundation also established the Foundation Park for the Westfield community.
Creating a Westfield Foundation Donor-Advised Fund is one way for your family to leave a legacy to the Westfield community. By creating a family fund, you make it possible to leave a permanent legacy for your philanthropic interest. Money to support the Foundation’s mission and grant distribution has been and continues to be provided by concerned and caring citizens of Westfield.
To learn more about the Westfield Foundation and how you can help, please go to: thewestfieldfoundation.com. Donate today to help others in need. Secure donations can be made directly here: https://thewestfieldfoundation.com/donate-now/.
For more information, please do not hesitate to contact Betsy Chance, via email, at foundation@westfieldnj.com or by phone at 908-233-9788.
