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The needs of the more than 40,000 people living in our two towns are multifaceted and many. And they are ever-evolving.

The Maplewood Foundation taps into the collective spirit of generosity and dedication to our community to ensure the needs of all our residents are met today and in the future.
 

We solicit donations, large and small, and use them to create a growing fund to support the nonprofit organizations working tirelessly on our behalf. Annual grant opportunities are accessible to everyone, from established organizations to aspiring nonprofits that need support to bring their new initiatives to life.

The Foundation belongs to all of us. We are investing in Maplewood and South Orange together.

Why a community foundation? Why here?

People in Maplewood and South Orange share a passion for ensuring our community remains one of the best places to live. You can see it in the dozens of nonprofits focused on serving our residents, and the countless hours our neighbors dedicate to volunteerism.

Today, those nonprofits rely on annual giving and public funds, both of which can ebb and flow. And new ideas are difficult to launch for people who have great vision, but no access to capital or the know-how to form a nonprofit.

How do we put donations to work?

A donation to The Maplewood Foundation is invested into a fund for a longer-term and wider impact within the community. Through its grant-giving process, The Maplewood Foundation aims to give away at least 5% of its investments each and every year, focusing public attention on programs that improve the quality of life for our neighbors. A single gift keeps giving forever.

Interested in where we’re headed?

DOWNLOAD OUR LONG TERM VISION

BOARD OF TRUSTEEs

 Our board represents the diversity of our community. If you’re interested in joining as either a board or committee member, email us at info@themaplewoodfoundation.org.

FRED PROFETA, President

Attorney, Appellate Litigation; Former Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Maplewood

“Maplewood is a beautiful town with beautiful people - diverse, engaged, entertaining, and caring.”
73 years in Maplewood

VEDA TRUESDALE, 1st VP, Events Committee Chair, Grants Committee

Environmental and Social Science Researcher

“Maplewood is a beautiful town full of generous and interesting people who really engage with their neighbors.”
13 years in Maplewood

FRANK MCGEHEE, 2nd VP, Development Committee Chair, Events Committee

Senior Analytical Marketing Executive at Disney; Former Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Maplewood

“I love the people of Maplewood, our robust arts community and culture.”
13 years in Maplewood

SUSAN PROFETA, Recording Secretary, Grants Committee Chair

Internal Medicine Physician

“Maplewood is its people - diverse but working together to create what Dr. King called the beloved community.”
56 years in Maplewood

BECKY SCHEER, Corresponding Secretary, Grants & Events Committees

Research Scientist, NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission

“I love that there are so many different ways to get involved in Maplewood! There’s a spirit of helpfulness and kindness.”
9 years in Maplewood

GREG LEMBRICH, Treasurer, Investments Committee

New York Life Insurance Company; Former Maplewood Township Committee Member

"Maplewood boasts the best of urban sophistication and vibrant culture with the close-knit camaraderie of a small-town community.”
19 years in Maplewood

ROSEMARY OSTMANN, Communications Director, Communications Committee Chair, Events Committee

Founder & CEO, RoseComm

“What I love about Maplewood is you never stop meeting interesting people and they come here because they want to be part of a strong, caring community.”
14 years in Maplewood

CAROL FARDIN, Development & Events Committees

Realtor at Keller Williams Midtown Direct

“Maplewood is a hidden gem. There is something for everyone, the village is so charming, the homes are unique, and the people embrace progression and culture.”
25 years in Maplewood

EMILY-JANE FINIGAN, Development Committee

Communications Strategist

“Maplewood is a captivating blend of urban energy and small-town warmth, cultivating an authentic sense of community that beautifully reflects its rich diversity.”
3 years in Maplewood

RYAN FLANAGAN, Development Committee

Managing Director, IPO Advisory and Investor Relations, ICR Inc.

“It’s a delightful hidden secret, Maplewood, with passionate small-town spirit and a sense of community that permeates every block.”
11 years in Maplewood

RICK GREENBERG, Grants & Communications Committees

CEO, Torch/Amplify

“What I love about Maplewood is its diversity, sense of community, and beautiful trees.”
21 years in Maplewood

CHRISTIE HUUS, Development & Events Committees

Chief Events Officer for FIFA 2026 World Cup New York/New Jersey

"Being fairly new to Maplewood, I was immediately taken with the sense of community and the spirit of the people. It's a very special place to live and raise a family."
6 years in Maplewood

PETER IBARRA, Grants & Development Committees

The Trade Desk, GM Audience Partnerships

“We've called Maplewood our home since early 2020. What felt like a big risk at that time, turned out to be one of the most rewarding decisions we've made. Our compassionate neighbors, active community and gifted local businesses are among the highlights. We couldn’t ask for a better place to build our family.”
6 years in Maplewood

CRAIG KLINE, Development Committee

Partner and Founder of Renewable Energy Practice, Troutman Pepper, LLP

“You can throw a stone in Maplewood and hit a fun and caring person -- but people in Maplewood don’t throw stones.”
25 years in Maplewood

KRISTY RANIERI, Communications Committee

Ranieri Communications

“What I love about Maplewood is the creative and vibrant people and place.”
20 years in Maplewood

LISA STAMM, Development & Events Committees

Marketing Consultant; Co-Founder Hipsturbia LLC

"I love that Maplewood is a town where people choose acceptance and for all to co-exist; building a supportive community of individuals, local organizations and businesses who care for one another and strive to help their neighbors flourish."
24 years in Maplewood

JOHN SULLIVAN, Events Commitee

Partner/Attorney McElroy Deutsch Mulvaney & Carpenter, Executive Board Member of Hilton Neighborhood Association and Member, Maplewood Twp. Planning Board

“It has brought great joy with my wife to raise our three daughters in such an inclusive town. We love Maplewood.”
25 years in Maplewood

 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a community foundation?

A community foundation raises money from the public to provide grants to nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the lives of people in a specific geographic area. It is supported by a broad base of individuals, families and businesses and provides an established administrative and grant-making structure. All donations to The Maplewood Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by the IRS.

How many grants will The Maplewood Foundation give each year and at what levels?

The number and amount of the grants given will depend on the assets available and the quality of the grant applications. As a public community foundation, our goal is to award 5% or more of our assets as grants

Is The Maplewood Foundation affiliated with the town of Maplewood in any way?

No, The Maplewood Foundation does not receive money from the town of Maplewood, NJ. The Maplewood Foundation is an independent nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status.

What percentage of my donation covers administrative costs?

The percentage will depend on the amount of the Foundation’s invested assets and will decrease as the fund grows. Our expenses are kept at a minimum and include investment management fees and limited overhead costs, such as accounting, legal counsel, development consulting and website maintenance and hosting. We have one part-time employee who assists with operations. The remainder of the administrative work and grant-making are done by volunteer trustees. We have no commercial rent.

Who decides which organizations get grants?

Members of the Board of Trustees make up the Grants Committee, which reviews the applications and selects finalists. The entire Board of Trustees then votes on and decides the final grant recipients.

Who manages the Foundation’s assets and how is their performance monitored?

The Maplewood Foundation has a Finance Committee that broadly oversees our investment fund.  The fund is managed by Corient, a New Jersey firm that successfully manages $190 billion in client assets. The Foundation Board has adopted an investment philosophy of investing to achieve conservative growth, so that, over the long term, our fund appreciates to meet the expanding needs of the nonprofits serving Maplewood and South Orange residents.

Do your trustees have term limits and how can I become a trustee?

Board members serve staggered three-year terms and there are no term limits. If you’re interested in joining as either a board or committee member, email us at info@themaplewoodfoundation.org.

Do you have to be a 501(c)(3) to apply for a grant?

Program grants will only be given to organizations that are 501(c)(3)s.  Aspiring nonprofits are eligible for our Seed grants. See our grant eligibility requirements for more information.

How do you ensure grants are used as intended?

Applicants for grants from The Maplewood Foundation will be required to state specific objectives and measurable goals upon which their success will be measured. The Grants Committee requires progress reporting three times during the two-year grant period and a final report at the end of the period. This final report will include accounting of disbursements.

Why give to The Maplewood Foundation and not directly to a nonprofit?

We strongly encourage people to continue giving directly to their favorite causes. Giving to The Maplewood Foundation is a different kind of gift. A donation today ensures a sustainable source of grant funding for years to come, enabling us to meet our community’s ever-changing needs.