New Jersey Shelters Receive $120,000 in Grants
Housing and shelter nonprofits in New Jersey should watch corporate grant cycles as utility foundations expand these programs.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Philanthropy
Live Poll
Should local nonprofits helping homeless and domestic violence survivors receive more community funding?
The FirstEnergy Foundation awarded $120,000 in grants to 10 New Jersey nonprofit organizations through its Shelter, Safety and Stability initiative, announced in connection with Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October. The initiative expanded in 2026 to $500,000 across 38 organizations in FirstEnergy's five-state service territory, which affects New Jersey nonprofits working on housing and shelter.
Why it matters
The grants target housing insecurity and shelter needs, a funding stream that nonprofits in the state rely on to sustain services. Five of the recipients serve Warren, Sussex and Morris counties, so the awards put money into northern New Jersey's shelter network.
The foundation's contributions to housing and shelter organizations total more than $1.6 million since 2020, with $850,000 donated in 2026. Employees contributed approximately 28,500 volunteer hours in 2025, valued at about $1 million.
The players
FirstEnergy Foundation
The charitable arm of FirstEnergy, a regulated electric utility holding company operating across five states, which funds community programs in its service territory.
DASACC
A New Jersey nonprofit in Warren County serving individuals affected by substance abuse and domestic violence.
Samaritan Inn Family Shelter Program
A family shelter program in Sussex County, New Jersey, providing temporary housing to homeless families.
The details
Grants were awarded through the foundation's Shelter, Safety and Stability initiative to nonprofits addressing housing insecurity, shelter needs and domestic violence. Recipients named in the announcement include DASACC in Warren County, the Samaritan Inn Family Shelter Program in Sussex County, and Homeless Solutions, JBWS, and Visions and Pathways in Morris County. FirstEnergy also encourages employees to volunteer with these organizations and provides volunteer time-off hours.
Timeline
Since 2020: FirstEnergy Foundation began its housing and shelter funding.
2025: Employees contributed approximately 28,500 volunteer hours.
2026: The Shelter, Safety and Stability initiative expanded to $500,000.
October: Grants were announced during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Market Landscape
Corporate utility foundations increasingly fund housing and shelter nonprofits alongside their core operating footprint. The FirstEnergy Foundation's expansion of the Shelter, Safety and Stability initiative to 38 organizations and $500,000 places its giving in that pattern.
Nonprofits serving housing and shelter needs in New Jersey should track corporate grant cycles, since foundations such as FirstEnergy's are expanding these programs. Operators in these organizations may want to review grant eligibility and application timing with their development staff.
The takeaway
Nonprofits and small businesses that partner with community programs should note that corporate shelter funding is growing, with the FirstEnergy initiative now at $500,000. Operators seeking similar grants should review eligibility criteria and application deadlines with their development or grants staff.
Further reading
For more on how companies fund community causes, see Philanthropy coverage in the business section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WRNJ Radio.
Live Poll
Should local nonprofits helping homeless and domestic violence survivors receive more community funding?
