The NJBankers Charitable Foundation has announced the distribution of major grant awards to two prominent New Jersey nonprofit organizations: The Center for Great Expectations (CGE) and The Salvation Army New Jersey Division.
Guided by the New Jersey Bankers Association (NJBankers)—the premier trade association representing banks of all sizes across the state—the foundation’s charitable funds are directed annually toward projects aimed at creating stronger, more resilient communities.
“New Jersey banks are dedicated to supporting their neighbors, and our Charitable Foundation is a reflection of the great work they are doing. Each year, our member banks donate thousands of volunteer hours and millions of dollars to local charities,” Brittany Wheeler, NJBankers VP/Director of Government Affairs said. “These two organizations are doing exemplary work to support families and veterans and ensuring all NJ residents have access to the services they need to thrive.”
The first grant recipient, The Center for Great Expectations (CGE), focuses on breaking intergenerational cycles of trauma, homelessness, and substance use disorders. Based in Somerset, New Jersey, the agency delivers comprehensive, dignified clinical care and trauma-informed treatment to pregnant and parenting women.
CGE will funnel the grant funding directly into its Permanent Supportive Housing program. This strategic initiative provides long-term housing stability seamlessly coupled with intensive wraparound services. The program is specifically structured to help economically marginalized families sustain recovery, achieve financial self-sufficiency, and foster a safe environment for their children.
“The New Jersey Bankers Association and its members have been steadfast partners in CGE’s mission to support pregnant and parenting women at their most vulnerable,” Peg Wright, founder and CEO of The Center for Great Expectations said. “Their long-standing generosity goes far beyond financial investment — it reflects a shared belief that every mother and child deserves a chance to heal and thrive.”
The second grant was awarded to The Salvation Army New Jersey Division to reinforce its critical safety-net operations that protect households facing immediate financial crises.
The funding is specifically earmarked to support Operation Red Shield, a multi-layered initiative designed to comprehensively address the financial, social, and emotional hardships experienced by local military veterans. The program blends immediate financial stabilization funds with structured case management, community engagement, and long-term wellness opportunities.
“This grant will help strengthen Operation Red Shield by providing veterans across New Jersey with access to critical financial stabilization services and supportive resources during times of hardship,” Qulonda Stuckey, director of corporate & foundation giving for The Salvation Army New Jersey Division, said. “Support like this helps ensure veterans remain housed, connected to care, and supported as they work toward long-term stability and independence.”
Established in 2005, the NJBankers Charitable Foundation originally focused exclusively on supporting wounded veterans and their families. Over the last two decades, the foundation has expanded its scope to holistically address modern economic and social pressures across New Jersey through four core funding pillars:
- Veterans’ Initiatives: Financing rehabilitation, housing, and social stabilization for former service members.
- Housing Support: Funding permanent supportive housing and emergency shelter programs.
- Small Business Support: Injecting resources to foster local commercial growth and entrepreneurship.
- Community Reinvestment: Backing neighborhood development and safety-net programs in marginalized areas.
