WESTFIELD — February 2026 Building on the momentum of its milestone 50th anniversary year—during which the Foundation invested more than $1.7 million across the community— The Westfield Foundation awarded more than $96,000 in Q1 grants to seven nonprofit organizations, including two new grantees, marking the first round of 2026 Quarterly Grant funding. These awards reflect the Foundation’s mission to foster positive change and elevate Westfield and the surrounding communities through strategic partnerships and impactful grantmaking.
“Our goal is to serve as a catalyst for meaningful change by investing in programs that strengthen our community and expand opportunity for all,” said Katie Curran Darcy, Executive Director of The Westfield Foundation. “Through thoughtful grant making, we remain committed to advancing our vision of a vibrant, inclusive community.”
Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center – Outdoor Performance Infrastructure & Accessibility Enhancements Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center produces both indoor and outdoor theatrical performances, including its popular “Porch Plays” at the duCret Center of Art in Plainfield. Funding supports professional wireless communication headsets, a secure road box for stage lighting equipment, and wireless microphones to enhance production quality, improve backstage coordination, and ensure audiences— particularly seniors and those attending outdoor performances—can fully experience performances. These upgrades strengthen access to high-quality arts programming while supporting future expansion of community based performances. duCret Center of Art – Ceramics Studio Safety &Accessibility Improvements New to The Westfield Foundation, the duCret Center of Art will improve the safety and accessibility of its year-round ceramics studio, located in the historic George A. Strong House in Plainfield. Funding supports repair and resurfacing of the studio’s aging concrete floor, reducing airborne dust, improving accessibility, and creating a safer environment for students and instructors. These upgrades strengthen a vital community arts space and expand access to hands-on arts education for residents of all ages.
JCC of Central New Jersey – Music and Reminiscence Program for Older Adults The JCC of Central New Jersey will enhance its Adult Enrichment Program through a series of music-centered experiences designed to promote connection, emotional well-being, and cognitive engagement among older adults. The program combines live performances, educational lectures, and facilitated storytelling to reduce isolation, stimulate memory, and strengthen social bonds. By using the arts to support health and wellness, the initiative enhances quality of life and fosters meaningful community connection.
Jewish Family Service of Central New Jersey – Community-Based Psychotherapy Services in Westfield Jewish Family Service of Central New Jersey will establish a community- based psychotherapy office in Westfield to expand access to affordable mental health services for residents and surrounding communities. The initiative responds to growing demand for outpatient care and supports individual, family, and group therapy services. By reducing barriers to care and strengthening partnerships with local schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations, the program enhances access to essential behavioral health services and supports overall community well-being.
Junior Achievement of New Jersey – Financial Literacy & Career Readiness Programs for Union County Youth Junior Achievement of New Jersey will expand financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship programming for approximately 500 low to middle-income students across Union County. Through hands-on experiences in budgeting, workforce readiness, and career exploration— supported by trained corporate mentors— students gain essential skills for long-term financial stability and career success. By connecting classroom learning to real-world experiences, the program promotes economic mobility, confidence, and future opportunity for local youth.
Literacy New Jersey – High School Equivalency (GED) Scholarships for Union County Adults Building on the over 20- year partnership, Literacy New Jersey will expand its Path to a Diploma program by providing GED preparation and scholarship support for up to 100 adult learners. The initiative removes financial barriers to earning a high school equivalency credential, strengthening workforce readiness, supporting career advancement, and expanding access to further education. With many Union County adults lacking a high school diploma, the program addresses a critical community need while promoting long-term financial stability and economic mobility.
New Jersey Theatre Alliance – Theatre & Health Bridge Project at Overlook Medical Center Anew grantee, the New Jersey Theatre Alliance, will expand its Theatre and Health Bridge Project, an initiative that integrates the arts into healthcare settings to promote healing and well-being. Funding supports interactive theatre workshops and storytelling programs for healthcare workers at Overlook Medical Center, one of our historic community partners, during National Nurses Week and National Hospital Week. These programs use creative expression to reduce stress, address burnout, strengthen teamwork, and foster connection, advancing the role of the arts as a catalyst for community wellness.
The mission of The Westfield Foundation is to support nonprofit organizations that foster positive change and elevate Westfield, New Jersey, and surrounding communities. Through purposeful investments in Education, the Arts, Community Development, and Health and Social Services, the Foundation is committed to addressing critical community challenges, fostering opportunities for growth and equity, and cultivating strong, collaborative partnerships to create lasting impact.
