Care Closet Grants
Introduction
The Salem Health and Wellness Foundation (SHWF) is seeking applications from Salem County elementary schools to launch or sustain a Care Closet for students. The purpose of this project is to provide necessities, such as health and hygiene products, healthy snacks, clothing, etc., to Salem County elementary school aged youth. More specifically, the desired long-term goal of the Care Closet project is to alleviate stressors related to basic needs experienced by families, ultimately boosting protective factors around child abuse prevention.
Awarded applicants will receive $2,000 in flexible funding to purchase supplies needed to launch or sustain a Care Closet in their school. The application is open to any elementary school in Salem County serving youth ages 5 to 12. Schools from any Salem County school district are welcome to apply. Finalists will be selected based on merit, not location – awarded applicants will span the County and not be limited to any particular district.
Background
The Salem Health and Wellness Foundation was founded in 2002 for the purpose of promoting the health and wellness in Salem County, New Jersey residents. The Foundation has made over $59 million in grants, contributions, and scholarships to more than 50 organizations, all with the specific requirement that the funds address health problems in our county.
The Foundation seeks to invest in nonprofit organizations providing services to Salem County that promote health and wellness, as defined by the Social Determinants of Health. Each grant we fund must have the greatest possible impact on improved health or wellness for individuals in the county. Click here to learn more about the SDOH.
In 2024, the Foundation began working alongside its community partners to transform “determinants” into “drivers” of health and wellness, building on opportunity and Salem County community strengths, and acknowledging the role that poverty and race play in health disparities. We believe that an individual’s zip code or neighborhood should not determine their current or future well-being.
At the heart of the Salem Health and Wellness Foundation is our commitment to invest in initiatives and projects that enhance the overall health and wellness of Salem County residents. We provide grants, foster partnerships and support organizations that address the health equity, safety and the well-being outcomes of the Salem County community.
The Salem Health and Wellness Foundation aspires to play a leading role in supporting organizations that address the health equity, safety and well-being opportunities for Salem County residents. We will do this through robust community partnerships and investments designed to make Salem County the healthiest place to live in New Jersey.
Care Closet Grant Opportunity
In 2023, the Salem Health and Wellness Foundation launched its initiative, Salem Smart Start for Parents and Children. As part of this effort, The Cooperative surveyed Salem County parents with children aged 0-3 to hear firsthand what their most pressing needs are. Survey results found that Salem County parents overwhelmingly note the need for access basic necessities to best support families and children.
According to recent KidsCount data, nearly 11,200 school aged students live in Salem County. Yet many families struggle due to rising costs for school supplies and other basic necessities. Without these items, students might not be able to attend school safely, play outside, or socialize with friends. With increased absences, kids miss out on learning time, nutritious school meals, and other crucial benefits to attending school. Being properly equipped for the school year is important to helping kids thrive in the classroom and beyond.
Many schools across the country have implemented Care Closets to alleviate some of the stress basic necessities bring to families in underprivileged areas. Research shows that School Care Closets help students succeed academically by providing access to essential items, including personal hygiene products and school supplies. Good personal hygiene prevents the spread of illness, while poor hygiene can create educational barriers. Care Closets are an effort to ensure that all students have equal access to essential items.
Eligible applicants for this project should submit an online application to the SHWF by Friday, May 30th, 2025. Awarded applicants will be notified in Summer 2025, with grant payments being sent prior to the beginning of the school year of September 2025. The Salem Health and Wellness Foundation would also like to conduct a site visit during the duration of the grant to learn more about the awarded school, their needs, etc.
Please see below for an example of the questions asked in the application.
- School Name
- School District
- How many children do you anticipate will be impacted by your care closet?
- What are the accomplishments you hope to achieve with this project?
- Tell us more about your students, including demographics, the need, etc.
- What are the most pressing needs that your students face outside of school?
- How would a $2,000 gift impact your students?
- Current or potential community partners – do you have community partners? How do you plan to engage potential partners to sustain this project long-term?