OceanFirst Foundation – Summer Camp Grants (2026)
$75,000 in Scholarships Supporting Access to Safe & Enriching Summer Camp Experiences
📅 Application Deadline: April 1, 2026
The OceanFirst Foundation Summer Camp Grant Program provides direct scholarship support to help children access high-quality summer camp experiences across New Jersey. In 2026, the Foundation will award $75,000 in total funding to regional nonprofits to ensure more children can participate in camps that build confidence, skills, and community connection.
Organization
OceanFirst Foundation
Support Type
Charitable grants (summer camp scholarships)
Geographic Focus
New Jersey — Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Somerset, and Union counties
About the Funder
OceanFirst Foundation is committed to strengthening communities throughout New Jersey by investing in nonprofit organizations that deliver measurable, meaningful impact. Through its Summer Camp Grant Program, the Foundation prioritizes equitable access to safe, enriching camp experiences that support children’s personal growth, learning, and wellbeing.
What This Program Supports
Funds must be used exclusively to provide direct summer camp scholarships of up to $250 per child. Priority is given to camps offering nurturing, skill-building programming in the following areas:
- 🎨 Arts & Cultural Education
- 🔬 Science & STEM Exploration
- 🌟 Leadership Development
- 🤝 Civic Engagement & Community Involvement
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
- Demonstrate active programming and measurable impact
- Operate within OceanFirst Foundation’s New Jersey footprint listed above
Organizations located outside the region must contact the Foundation to confirm eligibility prior to applying.
New Applicants
Organizations that have not previously participated in the Summer Camp Grant Program are welcome to apply.
📞 Initial screening is required — please call 732-341-4676 before submitting a request.
Funding Details
- Total Program Funding: $75,000
- Scholarship Amount: Up to $250 per child
- Use of Funds: Direct summer camp scholarships only
- Reporting: A Use of Funds report is required at the end of the grant period, documenting recipients and program impact
Timeline & Review
📅 Application Deadline: April 1, 2026
📅 Decision Notification: No later than May 1, 2026
📌 One application opportunity per year
📌 Late submissions will not be considered
Application / Learn More
➡️ https://www.oceanfirstfdn.org/summer-camp-grants/
Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit
This grant is a strong fit for organizations that:
- Provide summer camp experiences to children in New Jersey
- Serve families facing financial barriers to participation
- Offer arts, STEM, leadership, or civic-focused programming
- Can clearly track scholarship recipients and outcomes
Corporate Grants Guide Notes
Review Type: Annual, competitive
Deadline: April 1, 2026
Best Suited For: Youth-serving nonprofits, summer camps, and community-based organizations providing direct camp scholarships in New Jersey
