Lakeland Bank has been a part of the community since 1969 and we are proud of our deep-rooted commitment to giving back in the neighborhoods we serve.
“This year has highlighted the importance of corporate philanthropy and its role in providing support to the communities where they do business,” said Thomas J. Shara, President and CEO of Lakeland Bank. “Many of our neighbors will be struggling in the days ahead, and it is imperative that we help the non-profits that they will turn to in their moment of need as well as the organizations that work to create prosperous and healthy communities.”
While non-profits have traditionally demonstrated great resiliency in surviving major natural, economic and social crises, the global pandemic is raging a staggering test for many of them to serve the increasing number of people who need assistance while they also try to secure the financial resources they need to remain solvent. Check out these reports for the Hudson Valley and New Jersey for an in-depth look at how non-profits in our region are being impacted.
“Due to the ongoing effects of COVID, Lakeland Bank will make an additional $80,000 year-end donation which will be divided among the food banks we support throughout the year,” said Shara. “We truly value our partnerships with these non-profits and charity groups and we know that what they need most right now is additional funding."
Lakeland Bank Grant Program
Earlier this year, Lakeland Bank provided $100,000 in emergency COVID grants for food donations to support the Community Food Bank of NJ, the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley, Fulfill in Ocean County, and various food pantries in Bergen, Sussex, Morris, and Passaic counties. And year-to-date, we have provided Housing Impact Grants of $121,425 and Community Impact Grants of $100,000.
Some of those grants included the following:
- Madison Housing Authority – $10,000 to support affordable housing projects in Morris County
- Morris Habitat Roofs for Heroes – $25,000 to support a program to provide new or repaired roofs for low to moderate income (LMI) essential healthcare workers
- New Jersey Community Development Corp – $10,000 to purchase 40 laptops for LMI students in Paterson
“I have the honor of managing the Lakeland Grant program to help identify, select and present grants to organizations that have been nominated by our associates,” said Debra Zimmerly, Vice President, Community Reinvestment Act Officer. “It has been especially rewarding to see first-hand how the funds directly assist grant recipients to help those in need or improve the quality of life in a neighborhood.”
The Grant program is non-competitive with no public solicitations for applications. Prospective recipients and their programs are nominated for consideration for a grant based upon an internal nomination process designed specifically for this program. Eligible organizations that provide the following services within the Bank’s assessment areas are considered:
- Financial independence
- Homelessness solutions and affordable housing programs
- Education programs offering financial skill sets
- Youth programs and services including childcare and afterschool programs
- Emergency services including food, shelter and clothing
- Health and well-being services
2020 Community Service and Donations
Typically, our associates love to attend events throughout the year to support the community. But it was a bit different this year! However, we still supported our community service partners and quickly learned how to join and host virtual events or attended in-person when we could safely do so.
The Bank has hosted its Annual Scholarship Golf Outing since 1974 and the Sussex County Golf Classic for 39 years. We were not sure either would be able to be held this year, but a little luck was on our side and each outing was a successful event. We raised $160,000 for scholarships for local students and over $65,000 for charities in Sussex County.
This year we donated more than $550,000 and will be closing out the year with our Annual Share a Gift program. Here is a snapshot of some of the organizations and charities we supported:
Totowa Turkey Trot
Friends of Passaic Park
Bergen Performing Arts Center
Community Hope
Boys & Girls Club of Clifton
Father John’s Animal House
Oasis – A Haven for Women and Children
Chilton Memorial Foundation
Boy Scouts of America
SCARC Foundation
FBI Newark Citizens Academy Alumni Assoc. Inc.
Women's Rights Information Center
Department of Persons with Disabilities
Family Promise of Bergen County
Paterson Alliance
SUNY Orange Foundation
Teaneck Junior Soccer League
Girl Scouts of Northern NJ
Jackson PBA 168
Ocean County College Foundation
Boys & Girls Club of Paterson and Passaic
Kiwanis Club of Greater Toms River
Newton Medical Foundation
Metro YMCAs of the Oranges
Little Falls Public Library
United Way of Northern New Jersey
Push to Walk
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