FOLSOM – South Jersey Industries (NYSE: SJI) has announced the recipients of the company’s bi-annual Social Investment Program grants awards. A total of 11 grants were awarded to a number of diverse New Jersey nonprofits, totaling nearly $70,000.
“South Jersey Industries is honored to provide financial assistance to this year’s deserving grant recipients,” said Michael J. Renna, President and CEO, South Jersey Industries. “Each nonprofit demonstrates a passion for the betterment of the communities they serve around the state, as well as the enrichment, education and support of its residents, regardless of age and circumstance. Their efforts are truly commendable – we are proud to partner with each organization and support them in their endeavors.”
The Fall 2017 recipients include CONTACT Cape Atlantic, Egg Harbor Township Police Activities/Athletic League, Habitat for Humanity Atlantic County, Jersey Shore Children’s Museum, Junior Achievement of New Jersey, MudGirls Studios, The Nature Conservancy, New Jersey Agricultural Society, Operation Homefront, Volunteers of America Delaware Valley, Your Choice the People’s Choice / Community Harvester Church.
Each year through the Social Investment Program, SJI provides funding to qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that demonstrate the ability to positively impact communities, while addressing needs that align with the company’s four strategic pillars of social investment:
- Community Enrichment – improving quality of life through investments in the community to promote economic development, cultural appreciation and heritage resources.
- Environmental Stewardship – protecting our environment and natural resources through conservation, wildlife protection, environmental education and awareness programs.
- STEM and Vocational Career Development – encouraging and preparing students to pursue careers in STEM; eligible technical training with the potential to impact the utility/energy industry, job growth and development.
- Health and Social Services – providing access and financial support to improve the health and wellbeing of the elderly, developmentally and/or physically disabled, veterans and at-risk families, individuals and/or youth.
The applications received during this latest grant cycle were diverse and the selection process highly competitive. The selected pool of grant awardees represents nonprofit organizations that are either headquartered, based in and/or serving residents within the regions SJI and its subsidiaries serve.
The Social Investment Program will be offered again in the Spring of 2018 – applications will be accepted from February 1 to March 1, and the next round of award recipients will be announced in April. Program information, eligibility guidelines and applications are available on the South Jersey Industries website at www.sjindustries.com/community.
