Caren Kaufman 2024 Mini-grant program recipients announced
Grant program launched to honor Caren Kaufman in it’s second year.
Sustainable South Jersey (SSJ) this summer announced our second round of grant awards for the Caren Kaufman mini-grant program created to honor a former Board member, Caren Kaufman, a grassroots activist who was dedicated to sustainability and health. This second year of the grant program with generous fundraising support from the Kaufman family and friends increased funding – offering 2, $500 grants and 2, $1000 grants to students in grades 6 through graduate collegiate programs, grassroots community leaders and/or environmental organizations who are working to create cleaner, greener and healthier communities in the South Jersey area. Projects were to be implemented within 6 months after award announcement.
Cherry Hill Environmental Board
Lewis E. Gorman III, Executive Director of The Cherry Hill Environmental Board (CHEB) noted, “CEB is honored to receive the Caren Kaufman Memorial Grant of $1000 to expand pollinator gardens in Cherry Hill.
Increasing the area designated as pollinator friendly will help nature by providing a habitat to insects, birds and butterflies that depend on native plants that provide pollen and/or nectar, species that are sorely missing from today’s managed gardens that do not use native plants. We anticipate a fall planting.”
Neighborhood Collaborative Community Gardens
“Thank you so much for selecting NCCG’s proposal for funding through the Caren Kaufman Memorial Grant Program. We are honored and excited to receive this support from Sustainable South Jersey.
We are grateful for this opportunity and look forward to working together to advance sustainability and environmental awareness in our community.
We at Neighborhood Collaborative Community Gardens are deeply grateful to Sustainable South Jersey for their generous grant, which will enable us to complete our mission of fostering environmental awareness through the creative storytelling of our students. This support not only covers essential project needs but also empowers young environmental advocates to engage and educate the community on the importance of sustainability.
Thank you once again for your generous support.”
– Jacqueline Santiago, Executive Director
Sustainable Audubon
“This is fantastic news! We are very excited and grateful for the grant. It will help us achieve our goal for a second annual tree planting here in Audubon. We will certainly promote the award and Sustainable South Jersey on our social media channels.
The members of Sustainable Audubon are committed to increasing the tree canopy in our community, and we are thrilled that Sustainable South Jersey has joined us in supporting the second year of our tree planting initiative. The Caren Kaufman Memorial Grant will help us achieve our goal of making Audubon a greener community.
Our tree planting project will occur in the fall. Once again, many thanks for supporting our initiative. It is very much appreciated.”
– Aimee Bentley
Incredible Edible Merchantville – Joan Brennan, Executive Director
“Incredible Edible Merchantville is honored and excited to receive a Caren Kaufman Memorial Grant in furtherance of our efforts in community land stewardship and sustainable living. These monies will allow us to continue to develop and encourage community actions that promote a healthy culture and sustainable future.”
