2022 Inaugural Grantees
The Mimi Washington Starrett Foundation is proud to announce awarding over $550,000 in its inaugural grant cycle.
Featured Grantees
The Morris County Historical Society, established in 1971, is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history of Morris County. Headquartered at Acorn Hall, an 1853 Victorian Italianate country home, the Society operates it as a house museum. Utilizing extensive collections and archives, the Society curates exhibitions and programs that explore local and state history. We encourage you to explore their website for additional details about upcoming events and exhibitions.
The Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) team has been extremely busy this spring and summer! They hosted their 4th Native Pollinator Plant Program, with 25,000 native plants sold, which will support local animals and wildlife and improve our environment. Environmental education programs have been in full swing with local schools receiving outdoor experiential learning opportunities at GSWA’s Conservation Management Area (CMA) in Harding Township, in-class STEM based water quality environmental education programs, and preparation for rain garden installations at schools in Summit and Paterson. The GSWA water quality team performs chemical assessments four times a year at 21 sites across the Passaic River region. The data collected from these assessments, along with other assessments, are included in their yearly water quality report card, which is shared with local municipalities and communities.Through the support of many, GSWA is able to continue its critical mission of protecting and improving the Passaic River through science, education, land stewardship and advocacy.
The Lake Hopatcong Foundation, who is dedicated to protecting the environment and enhancing the experience on and around New Jersey's largest lake, now and for future generations. Key initiatives focus on fostering the next generation of lake stewards through education, implementing projects to enhance water quality, advocating for greater protections and resources, and nurturing a vibrant community centered around this important natural resource. This spring, the Foundation is excited to welcome nearly 2,000 grade-school students through their spring environmental field trips. Plus, their annual Lake Hopatcong Block Party is just around the corner, on May 18, bringing thousands of people lakeside at Hopatcong State Park for a day of celebration dedicated to the lake!
Matheny Medical and Educational Center's mission is to provide exceptional care and an optimal quality of life for children and adults with special needs and medically complex developmental disabilities. Matheny’s programs and services include a residential special hospital and Center for Medicine and Dentistry at its main campus in Peapack, seven community residences throughout central and northern New Jersey, an adult day program in Hillsborough, a mobile wheelchair clinic, and the award-winning Matheny Arts Access program that empowers individuals with disabilities to create art without boundaries and which holds a biennial Full Circle showcase.
The Museum of Makers and Innovators (MOMI) celebrated its grand opening this summer at the Morris Marketplace with a vibrant event showcasing groundbreaking exhibits and interactive displays. Dedicated to fostering creativity and ingenuity, MOMI's mission is to inspire and empower individuals of all ages by providing a dynamic space where innovation and hands-on learning intersect. Its vision is to become a premier institution for nurturing the next generation of makers and thinkers, promoting a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and lifelong learning in the community and beyond.
P.G. Chambers School is a renowned educational institution dedicated to serving children with disabilities and developmental challenges. The school provides a comprehensive range of services, including special education, therapeutic programs, and individualized support, tailored to meet the unique needs of each student. They are committed to fostering an inclusive, nurturing environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. With a highly skilled team of educators, therapists, and support staff, the school empowers students to achieve their fullest potential, making a significant impact on their lives and the community.
Macculloch Hall Historical Museum (MHHM) reaches into our community with free, fun, and enriching programming. This spring more than 600 preschoolers in 49 programs throughout Morris County will experience “everyday history where it happened” in their classrooms through Honeybees: Alive in the Hive! and Sprouting Spuds. Children and care partners will learn about the role bees and potatoes played on Mr. Macculloch’s farm and the important role they play in our lives today using art, science and history.MHHM will be engaging little learners in partnership with Head Start Community Program of Morris County, Child & Family Resources Morris County's Childcare Resource and Referral Agency (CCR&R), Morristown Neighborhood House Preschool and Toddler Program, and The Salvation Army Childcare Center as well as several preschools that are part of Preschool Advantage, among other preschools. Please visit https://lnkd.in/eFCcBvfw to inquire about their programs and/or to sign up.
For over 30 years, the MEF has invested more than $5.8 million towards enhancing educational excellence for all students in the Morris School District from preschool through high school. The non-profit organization funds programs and initiatives that impact the arts, academics, athletics and other activities. Through dedicated community partners and generous donors, the MEF can proudly award grants to all ten schools annually to support cultural arts programming.
Summit Speech School (SSS) is dedicated to empowering children with hearing loss to become effective communicators through Listening and Spoken Language (LSL). Founded in 1967 in response to the maternal rubella epidemic, SSS has grown into a statewide resource, serving over 350 children from birth through high school across 12 New Jersey counties. The school offers a range of signature programs, including the Parent Infant Program, which supports families of babies newly diagnosed with hearing loss by providing home-based LSL education and fostering parent advocacy. The Preschool Program offers a full-day language-intensive curriculum designed to prepare children for kindergarten, while the Itinerant Mainstream Support Program assists over 250 students in mainstream schools, ensuring their LSL skills and hearing technology are optimized for academic success. Through innovative communication strategies, state-of-the-art technology, and research-based practices, SSS leads in oral deaf education, striving to help children reach their fullest potential in their homes, schools, and communities.
Founded in 1990, Zufall Health is an award-winning, nonprofit community health center providing access to quality, affordable, and culturally responsive health care for people and communities facing barriers to care, including people experiencing homelessness, residents of public housing, agricultural workers, veterans, low-income children and families, and other vulnerable populations. Zufall’s medical, dental, behavioral health, and supportive services are available to people of all ages regardless of income, health insurance, immigration status, or language spoken. Headquartered in Dover, NJ, Zufall cares for nearly 45,000 patients annually across 15 service delivery sites in seven northern and central New Jersey counties.
The Adult School of the Chathams, Madison & Florham Park exists to build a vibrant community that pursues and supports lifelong learning opportunities accessible to everyone – all bound by the common belief that continuous education is vital to self-actualization, personal achievement, physical and emotional well-being, and civic engagement.
Family Promise offers a continuum of services through their Shelter, Housing, and Outreach Programs. This means: education and employment; childcare; transportation; safe, affordable accessible housing; keeping families together during the transition to permanent housing, Landlord Support Program increases access to housing options by working with landlords as partners; investment in community and partnerships.
Their focus on Housing as Healthcare: Without housing first, health concerns cannot be prevented, and in fact become much worse. They also work to increase accessibility to services through the Navigating Hope outreach van, a partnership with Morris County Dept. of Human Services; NH offers hope, dignity, and respect while lowering many barriers to service.
The Center for Evaluation and Counseling, Inc. (CEC) is dedicated to working with children and families. Their mission has always been to provide quality mental health services with the goals of strengthening and improving individual and family functioning. Their dedicated staff accomplishes this through teaching coping skills and building resilience in vulnerable populations. Based on our experience and impact, CEC is well known as a recognized leader in the field of child abuse.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal and Northern New Jersey (BBBSCNNJ) believes that mentoring is the first step into a brighter future for our children. Each time a child is paired with a Big Brother or Big Sister, a one-to-one relationship develops, built on trust and friendship, that can blossom into a future of unlimited potential. There are always opportunities to become involved as a volunteer or mentor and have lifelong impact on a child in your community! Check out their website for more information.
Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey (GSNNJ) is a youth-development organization with a mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Its girl-led initiatives are designed to help girls explore possibilities and reach their full potential through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, which includes hundreds of program activities each year in the four pillars of STEM, Outdoors, Life Skills, and Entrepreneurship. Whether it’s through building a robot, exploring the outdoors at GSNNJ’s camps, or learning tools for mental and physical wellness, Girl Scouts find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them as they become the leaders of tomorrow. GSNNJ serves more than 18,500 girls ages 5-18 in Bergen, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, and northern Warren Counties.
NORWESCAP, the Northwest New Jersey Community Action Partnership, is dedicated to empowering individuals and communities, overcoming poverty, and fostering self-sufficiency. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for low-income individuals and families, working towards a community where everyone can achieve their full potential. Through a variety of comprehensive programs and outreach initiatives, NORWESCAP addresses poverty's root causes, aiming for lasting positive change. Their collaborative efforts and resource provision significantly impact lives throughout Northwest New Jersey.
The Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), nestled in the heart of Morristown, stands as a cultural hub with a commitment to community outreach. Beyond the performances that grace their stage, MPAC extends its reach to engage, educate, and enrich the lives of those in the community. Through diverse programs, educational initiatives, and collaborations, MPAC strives to make the arts accessible to all, nurturing creativity, and fostering a profound appreciation for the performing arts among residents and visitors alike.
Morristown Green, a historic park in downtown Morristown, served as the site for George Washington’s encampment during the severe winter of 1779-1780, a crucial period in the American Revolutionary War. As you stroll through the Green, you will encounter various statues, including one dedicated to President Washington, which was envisioned and installed under the leadership of our own Cliff Starrett, in collaboration with the Trustees of the Morristown Green. Through our partnership, the Trustees have recently added several new benches to welcome both locals and visitors to the green space.
Morristown Festival of Books promotes literacy, celebrates the written word, and fosters a love for reading within the community. With a vision of creating an inclusive and vibrant literary gathering, the festival brings together renowned authors, book enthusiasts, and the community at large to engage in meaningful conversations, share stories, and inspire a lifelong passion for books. Celebrating 10 years, this year's Festival is scheduled for Friday, October 6, and Saturday, October 7. Authors will be featured at various locations in Morristown, including the beloved KidFest on Saturday which is a family-friendly component of the festival that offers young readers and their families the chance to engage with renowned children's authors in a fun and educational environment.
CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties is an organization that fully embraces its mission and vision. They are dedicated to advocating for vulnerable children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect. This commitment is evident in every action they take. CASA staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that impacted children have a strong voice in the complex legal system. They strive to secure a safe and permanent home for every child, safeguarding their rights, well-being, and future. CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties is truly making a positive impact on the lives of the children they serve.
Preschool Advantage is a beacon of early education excellence. Preschool Advantage’s mission is to provide access to quality preschool education for children of families in need, ensuring a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Through their visionary approach, they aim to bridge the educational gap and empower children from all backgrounds to reach their full potential. Their vision revolves around a community where every child has an equitable opportunity to thrive, succeed and gain a love of learning!