Throughout December, we are highlighting each of the organizations featured in our Jersey Give-Back Guide, an online portal for year-end giving that makes it easy to donate to some of New Jersey’s most effective nonprofits. Today we feature Greater Newark Conservancy.
Organization name: Greater Newark Conservancy
Connect: Website | @CityBloom87 | Facebook
Communities served: Newark/North Jersey
Founded: 1987
Make a year-end donation: Click here
WHAT WE DO: Greater Newark Conservancy provides environmental programs to help improve the quality of life in New Jersey’s urban communities, including Newark and the surrounding area.
Our leadership and job training programs for youth, Clean & Green transitional jobs for ex-offenders, environmental education programs, and farming and greening initiatives offer a holistic approach to caring for and sustaining the environment. By learning about the environment, and how it impacts their health, life, community, and larger world, people are empowered to take charge of their own health and environment, both locally and globally.
WHY WE’RE GREAT: We don’t just build a garden and leave. We work with the community to ensure that it is sustainable. The Conservancy staff rolls up their sleeves to work alongside community member to plant trees, build urban farms, create new pocket parks and green spaces that connect people with nature.
We provide educational opportunities about issues that affect neighborhoods, so communities can advocate for what’s important. This year our urban farms produced over 56,000 pounds of organic produce which is then made available below market cost to the community and at our Youth Farm Stands throughout the city. We educate children about healthy eating and environmental issues through programs in math, science, and literacy. We give young people opportunities to be leaders and green job training. With our transitional job programs ex-offenders and those at risk are given a second chance, gaining marketable skills in landscaping and horticulture while holding down a job and improving the environment.
HOW YOUR DONATION WILL HELP: Your donation will enable us to plant more seeds, grow community, and change lives! We will be able to extend our growing season by completing two new hoop houses at our urban farms, send our high school interns on college visits as they prepare for their future, give more men and women a second chance by learning about landscaping and horticulture, and teach more youngsters where food comes from about eating healthier.
Greater Newark Conservancy earned a coveted, 4-star rating for sound fiscal management from Charity Navigator so you can be sure that your donation will be used for the programs you believe in.
ADDITIONAL NEEDS: Volunteers are always welcome at our Outdoor Learning Center, community & school gardens, and our two large Urban Farms located on Court Street and Hawthorne Avenue. No gardening experience necessary!
Individuals and groups of all sizes are welcome. Call Michele at 973-642-4646, ext. 30 for information.
Additionally, donations of tools, fencing, non-treated seeds, work gloves, and other supplies always come in handy.
People have said we’re “the best kept secret in Newark.” We don’t want to be a secret —please help us spread the word about the Conservancy and the work that we do!
MORE ON GREATER NEWARK CONSERVANCY:
— Robin Dougherty, Greater Newark Conservancy Executive Director
GO TO THE JERSEY GIVE BACK GUIDE NOW.
The Dodge Foundation is offering $1,000 challenge grants to each of the organizations featured in the Jersey Give-Back Guide. To be eligible, each organization must receive at least 50 donations through the Guide by December 31st. Help them reach their goal and get that extra $1,000!