Relocation signifies next step in the Dodge Foundation’s 50-year history, taking part in the economic revitalization of the state’s largest city
[Newark, New Jersey] – The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation (Dodge Foundation), a longstanding private foundation in New Jersey committed to supporting organizations and leaders addressing the root causes and repair of structural racism and inequity in the state, has today announced its plans to relocate from Morristown to Newark, New Jersey, at the Fidelco Realty Group’s historic 550 Broad Street building as it recognizes 50 years of impact in 2024.
Over the past few years, the Dodge Foundation has undergone a strategic transformation to center its work and funding priorities toward a vision of a just and equitable New Jersey. As part of aligning its operations with this new vision, the Dodge Foundation decided to relocate its headquarters to Newark in order to better engage with and learn from one of the communities where it already had numerous partners and where there is an active and shared commitment to dismantling systemic inequities.
Newark – with its vibrant diversity, dynamic community, and a rich history of being at the forefront of activism and the fight for racial justice – provides the ideal environment for the Dodge Foundation to immerse itself, strengthen its impact, and forge new collaborations while continuing to build upon its legacy of helping to strengthen the nonprofit ecosystem in New Jersey.
“Amid our transition to Newark, the Dodge Foundation remains dedicated to investing resources in and empowering communities across New Jersey to thrive,” said Tanuja M. Dehne, President & CEO of the Dodge Foundation. “In our 50th year, we look forward to joining the Newark community and embarking on this new chapter in our journey toward a just and equitable New Jersey.”
The office, located at the historic 550 Broad Street building, will sit across from the revitalized Harriet Tubman Square that inspires the continued efforts towards racial justice. The space will be developed by Fidelco Realty Group, a developer of many landmark renaissance projects in the city, and will include a shared conference space open to community partners, nonprofits, and grantee partners. The Dodge Foundation is also working with Newark-based and local architects, designers, vendors, and movers to bring the space to life and further collaborate with the local business community.
“It’s no wonder that the Dodge Foundation and the City of Newark share such a close bond: we reflect each other’s deepest aspirations for true liberty and boundless opportunity for all. We share a seamless vision of a future New Jersey built on equity, equality, and social justice,” said Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “It is an honor to have been chosen as the Foundation’s new home – and how fitting that their office overlooking Harriet Tubman Square will be energized by the hero’s fierce commitment to the conditions that cause freedom. Newark thanks the Dodge Foundation for its impact on countless lives, and we stand ready to move forward in lockstep through the next fifty years.”
With a 50-year history of supporting organizations across New Jersey, the move is another example of the Dodge Foundation’s strong commitment to community partnerships with an array of organizations, nonprofits, and community leaders actively engaged in achieving racial equity and justice for New Jersey communities. By supporting and strengthening the landscape of organizations engaging in racial justice and equity work, the Dodge Foundation will build a strong foundation helping future organizations addressing these complex issues to thrive.
“We are so proud to add the Dodge Foundation’s headquarters to our roster of tenants at 550 Broad Street,” said Kerri B. Levine, Vice President – Fidelco Realty Group. “As Fidelco continues to redevelop this historic building, we envision it filled with nonprofits and businesses that collaborate to strengthen the community and Newark’s resurgence. No organization better embodies this vision than the Dodge Foundation.”
To continue to honor the legacy of the Foundation’s benefactor, Mrs. Dodge, and the Foundation’s long-term commitment to the Morristown area, the Dodge Foundation is establishing a new grantmaking Fund, housed and operated at the Community Foundation of New Jersey (CFNJ) in Morris County. The Fund for a Just and Equitable Morris County will provide support to organizations in the county working towards the overall vibrancy of the region and will prioritize nonprofit organizations that intentionally serve and support historically underrepresented communities in Morris County.
For more information about the Dodge Foundation and the impact we strive to make, visit https://www.grdodge.org
About Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation
Established in 1974, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation envisions a just and equitable New Jersey where people of all races and communities have equitable access to opportunities to thrive. Over its history, the Dodge Foundation has distributed more than $500 million in grants and technical support to New Jersey nonprofits. Today, building on decades of learning, the organization focuses its support on those who are directly addressing the root causes and repair of structural racism and inequity to transform lives in New Jersey.
About Fidelco Realty Group
Fidelco Realty Group is an owner-developer of residential, commercial and industrial properties primarily located in New York, New Jersey, Florida, and Ohio. For over 45 years, Fidelco has been an active investor in properties which require rehabilitation, repositioning and/or environmental remediation, restoring these properties for the benefit of local communities. Recognized for its diverse portfolio of properties, Fidelco has been a leader in redevelopment as well as new construction projects, with those completed or under development encompassing millions of square feet of property.
With a focus in Newark, Fidelco renovated the 400,000-square-foot 1 Washington Park office tower and worked hand-in-hand with Rutgers University to build a world-class business school, housed within the high rise. Additionally, Fidelco developed award-winning projects like the 494 Broad Street office complex and parking garage in Newark, 15 James Street, and the state-of-the-art, 140,000-square-foot FreezPak freezer warehouse facility in Elizabeth/Newark. Currently, Fidelco is redeveloping its historic 550 Broad Street building, set to house a diverse roster of tenants and a wealth of world-class amenities for professionals, neighbors, community members, and more.