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Overlook Foundation

Annual Giving
$12.1M
Grant Range
$2K - $0.0M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $12.1 million (primarily to Overlook Medical Center; community grants program separate)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Not specified
  • Grant Range: $2,000 - $10,000 (community grants typically $2,000-$5,000)
  • Geographic Focus: Union County, NJ and neighboring communities

Contact Details

Overview

Founded in 1976, the Overlook Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity with total assets of $133.9 million that primarily serves as the philanthropic arm of Overlook Medical Center (part of Atlantic Health System) in Summit, NJ. The foundation distributes approximately $12.1 million annually, with the vast majority supporting the medical center's facilities, equipment, and programs. However, they also operate a Community Grants Program that awards modest grants to external nonprofit organizations serving health needs in Union County and neighboring communities. The foundation holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator with a perfect 100% score. Their mission is to develop, manage, and distribute resources to advance high-quality healthcare delivery at Overlook Medical Center while inspiring others to help touch, change, and save lives.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • Community Grants Program: $2,000 - $5,000 (average $3,500; maximum $10,000 with preference for grants under $10,000)

Priority Areas

  • Social determinants of health
  • Older adult care
  • Mental health services
  • Oral health services
  • Health-related programming for Union County communities
  • New programs and necessary equipment (preferred over operating expenses)

What They Don't Fund

  • Operating expenses
  • Endowments
  • Organizations more than once in any 12-month period
  • Any single program for more than 3 consecutive years
  • Organizations outside Union County and neighboring communities
  • Non-health related initiatives

Governance and Leadership

Board Leadership:

  • Liz Peck - Board Chair
  • Eric Shick - Vice Chair
  • Frank Perier Jr. - Treasurer
  • Karina Calzadilla - Secretary

Key Staff:

  • Clelia Biamonti, Ph.D. - Chief Philanthropy Officer (25 years in bio-pharmaceutical management consulting, former board chair)
  • Kerry Mowry - Director, Corporations and Foundations
  • Eileen Weiss - Director, Principal Gifts

The board includes multiple medical professionals including physicians and dentists, reflecting the foundation's healthcare focus and connection to Overlook Medical Center.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Organizations must complete the Community Grant Application form with all required attachments and submit as a single PDF to overlookgrants@atlantichealth.org. Applications are reviewed by the Board of Trustees. Past grantees must submit a grant report within one year of receiving funds before being eligible to reapply.

Decision Timeline

Applications are reviewed by the Board of Trustees following submission deadlines. Specific notification timeframes are not publicly disclosed.

Success Rates

Not publicly available. In 2024, the foundation awarded community grants to 12 organizations including Alzheimer's New Jersey, The Arc of Union County, United Way of Greater Union County, and several mental health and social service organizations.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations cannot receive funding more than once in any 12-month period. The foundation will not fund any single program for more than 3 consecutive years. Past grantees must submit a grant report within one year before reapplying.

Application Success Factors

Based on recent funding patterns and stated priorities, successful applications should:

  • Clearly demonstrate alignment with the Community Health Needs Assessment priorities
  • Focus on new programs or necessary equipment rather than operating expenses
  • Serve residents of Union County and the medical center's catchment area (approximately 21-27 towns)
  • Address specific health challenges in the community
  • Request modest amounts appropriate for a $2,000-$5,000 grant range
  • Submit complete applications with all required attachments as a single PDF

Recent successful grantees in 2024 included organizations addressing Alzheimer's care, women and family services, youth fitness programs, grief support, emergency medical services, mental health, and services for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Dual Purpose Foundation: Primarily supports Overlook Medical Center directly; community grants are a smaller secondary program
  • Strict Geographic Limits: Must serve Union County and neighboring communities in the medical center's catchment area
  • Health Focus Required: All funded projects must be health-related or address social determinants of health
  • Modest Funding Available: Expect grants in the $2,000-$5,000 range; not suitable for major capital campaigns or large programs
  • New Programs Preferred: Foundation prioritizes funding new initiatives and equipment over ongoing operations
  • Limited Repeat Funding: Cannot fund same organization within 12 months or same program for more than 3 years
  • Reporting Obligations: Past grantees must complete reports before reapplying, demonstrating accountability focus

References

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