The Jay and Linda Grunin Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $6,230,161 (2023)
• Number of Grants: 78 awards (2023)
• Grant Range: $170 - $710,500
• Geographic Focus: Ocean and Monmouth Counties, Central Jersey Shore, NJ
• Application Method: Structured process with open calendar for introductory meetings

Contact Details

Website: https://gruninfoundation.org

Phone: (732) 244-4010

Email: info@gruninfoundation.org

Executive Director: Heather Barberi (calendar available for introductory meetings)

Overview

The Jay and Linda Grunin Foundation Inc, established in 2013 by Jay and the late Linda Grunin along with their son Jeremy, is a private family foundation based in Toms River, New Jersey. With total annual giving of over $6.2 million in 2023 and cumulative grants exceeding $28.9 million since 2016, the foundation has evolved from traditional pillar-based philanthropy (arts, education, healthcare) to a more holistic, outcomes-focused approach. Following a comprehensive strategic planning process completed in 2024, the foundation now centers its mission on providing holistic support through funding, capacity building, and coalition building to organizations working toward an equitable, just, and vibrant Central Jersey Shore. Major gifts include $5.75 million to Ocean County College for the Jay & Linda Grunin Center for the Arts and $3 million to Hackensack Meridian Health.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation has transitioned to six outcome-focused areas:

• Promoting Holistic Well-Being: $170 - $710,500 (addressing physical, mental, emotional, and social health)
• Igniting Youth Changemakers: Variable amounts (fostering youth leadership development)
• Promoting Economic Opportunities and Pathways: Variable amounts (supporting prosperity initiatives)
• Reducing Systemic Barriers to Self-Determination: Variable amounts (promoting individual empowerment)
• Investing in BIPOC Leadership: Variable amounts (advancing equity through leadership development)
• Coalition Building and Advocacy: Variable amounts (addressing systemic issues regionally)

The foundation prioritizes general operating support over restricted programmatic funding.

Priority Areas

• Organizations serving Ocean and Monmouth Counties exclusively
• Work positively impacting marginalized communities affected by inequities based on race, age, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, or immigration status
• Equity-centered initiatives addressing historical inequities
• Capacity building for organizational strengthening
• Collaborative and coalition-based approaches

What They Don't Fund

Organizations outside Ocean and Monmouth Counties, New Jersey. Projects not aligned with their six outcome areas or equity framework.

Governance and Leadership

Jay Grunin - Co-Founder and Chairman, NYU School of Law graduate (1967), established successful law practice in Ocean County, major philanthropic supporter of NYU's Grunin Center for Law and Social Entrepreneurship.

Jeremy Grunin - President, actively engaged throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties, Chairman of Count Basie Center Board, appointed to New Jersey Governor-elect's Interdisciplinary Advisory Task Force.

Heather Barberi - Executive Director, over 20 years nonprofit experience. Quote: "Together, they are prioritizing transparency and trust-based philanthropy—fostering strong, accountable relationships with grantees and community partners."

Don Crocker - Executive in Residence, former CEO of Support Center/Partnership in Philanthropy, provides capacity building support to grantees.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation recently implemented a structured application process (2024):

• Visit https://gruninfoundation.org/funding-process/
• Review the six outcome focus areas for alignment
• Must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit or fiscally sponsored
• Must serve Ocean and/or Monmouth Counties
• Schedule introductory meeting with Executive Director Heather Barberi (open calendar policy)
• Webinars and office hours available for questions

Decision Timeline

Specific timelines not publicly documented. The foundation's relational approach suggests individualized timelines based on organizational needs.

Success Rates

78 awards made in 2023. Specific application numbers not disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Not explicitly documented. Multi-year funding and renewal grants appear common based on repeat recipients featured in foundation communications.

Application Success Factors

• Geographic requirement: Must serve Ocean or Monmouth Counties - non-negotiable
• Outcome alignment: Clearly connect to one or more of the six outcome areas with explicit equity impact
• Equity framework: Address how work impacts historically marginalized communities
• Request general operating support rather than restricted funding when possible - foundation explicitly prefers this
• Build relationship first: Schedule introductory meeting before applying - foundation describes itself as "relational grantmaker"
• Demonstrate community connections: Show deep roots and connections to those most impacted
• Express openness to capacity building: Foundation offers organizational development support through Executive in Residence
• Highlight collaborative work: Coalition participation and partnerships are strategic priorities

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Schedule a meeting first - Take advantage of Executive Director's open calendar policy before applying
• Request general operating support - Foundation explicitly shifted toward flexible, unrestricted funding
• Demonstrate equity impact - Clearly articulate addressing historical inequities in Ocean/Monmouth Counties
• Frame within outcome areas - Connect to six outcomes rather than traditional categories
• Show collaborative spirit - Highlight partnerships and willingness for collective impact work
• Be transparent about capacity needs - Express openness to organizational development alongside funding
• Study their grantee partners - Review grants directory and blog spotlights to understand funding patterns

References

• Grunin Foundation Official Website - https://gruninfoundation.org (accessed March 3, 2026)
• National Center for Family Philanthropy Case Study, August 22, 2024 - https://www.ncfp.org/2024/08/22/how-the-grunin-foundations-transparent-strategic-planning-process-led-to-deeper-relationships-with-community/
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - EIN 45-3988913
• Instrumentl 990 Report - Jay And Linda Grunin Foundation Inc
• Foundation Directory/Candid Profile
• GuideStar Profile - EIN 45-3988913
• Cause IQ - Jay and Linda Grunin Foundation
• Multiple Grunin Foundation Blog Grantee Partner Spotlights (2025-2026)