Paterson Impact Grant

The Paterson Impact Grant Program is a community-focused funding initiative launched through a partnership between Wellpoint New Jersey and the Andre Sayegh Civic Association. Wellpoint New Jersey, a Medicaid and Medicare Managed Care Organization, has served vulnerable populations in the state for over three decades with a mission centered on improving health outcomes and addressing social determinants of health. The Andre Sayegh Civic Association complements this mission through its local engagement efforts, supporting civic participation, youth development, and essential services across the Greater Paterson area. Together, these organizations aim to strengthen neighborhoods by investing directly in grassroots leadership and locally driven solutions. The purpose of the Paterson Impact Grant Program is to empower nonprofit organizations and community-based leaders who are actively working to improve quality of life in Paterson and surrounding communities. The program emphasizes funding for innovative, community-centered initiatives that strengthen neighborhoods, promote health and well-being, and build long-term community capacity. Projects may span a wide range of areas including social services, cultural programming, recreational opportunities, and other initiatives that deliver measurable benefits to local residents. Funding for this program ranges from five hundred dollars to five thousand dollars per award, allowing for flexible support of small-scale but impactful projects. Allowable uses of funds include programmatic activities that directly benefit the community, while certain restrictions apply. Funds may not be used for purely religious activities, political campaigns supporting candidates for elected office, or capital expenses such as purchasing real estate or making major property improvements. The funders retain full discretion to approve, modify, or deny applications based on alignment with program goals and compliance with funding guidelines. Eligibility for the program includes nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, and faith-based organizations that are actively serving the Paterson community. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a clear connection to the local area and the population they intend to serve. Faith-based organizations are eligible provided that funded activities are not exclusively religious in nature. The program is designed to support organizations of varying sizes, particularly those embedded within the community and capable of delivering direct impact. The application process requires submission of key organizational and project information, including a contact name, organization name and tax identification number, project name, funding purpose, requested amount, description of the population served, geographic focus within Paterson, and an estimate of the number of individuals who will benefit. While specific evaluation criteria are not explicitly outlined, applications are implicitly assessed based on their potential to deliver measurable community impact, alignment with program priorities, and feasibility of execution. At the conclusion of the funded project, grantees are required to submit a report detailing how funds were used, the number of individuals served, and the outcomes achieved. Applicants are also encouraged to provide success stories that highlight the positive impact of their work. The funders reserve the right to audit financial expenditures and verify appropriate use of funds, ensuring accountability and transparency. For the Winter 2026 cycle, applications have already closed, indicating that the program operates on a recurring basis with periodic funding rounds. While specific future deadlines are not provided, the structure suggests seasonal cycles. Contact information for inquiries includes an official organizational email address, and the program is administered locally from Totowa, New Jersey. The initiative reflects a continued commitment to strengthening Paterson through collaborative investment in grassroots innovation and community leadership.