The Provident Bank Foundation announced Thursday that its most recent grant cycle was its largest ever, with $385,000 awarded to organizations in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
The grants bring the foundation’s 15-year total of giving to more than $25 million for not-for-profits in the two states. Its Major Grants support organizations that serve an immediate need in the community in one of three funding priorities: community enrichment; education; and health, youth & families.
“The Provident Bank Foundation is honored to help further initiatives that are making such a difference in the lives of residents in our local area,” Jane Kurek, executive director, said in a prepared statement. “We are pleased to support organizations that contribute to a sense of community and offer a diverse set of programs that make people healthier, happier and safer.”
This year’s Second Cycle recipients from New Jersey include:
- Essex County: Clara Maass Foundation, Elizabeth Development Co., Jewish Vocational Service of MetroWest, Sanar Wellness Institute, Sierra House, South Orange Performing Arts Center, YMCA of Montclair and Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center;
- Hudson County: Good Grief Inc., New City Kids and Northern New Jersey Council, Boy Scouts of America;
- Hunterdon County: Hunterdon Helpline;
- Middlesex County: Make-A-Wish New Jersey, New Jersey Institute for Disabilities Inc. and United Way of Central Jersey;
- Monmouth County: 180 Turning Lives Around, Affordable Housing Alliance, Covenant House New Jersey, HABcore Inc. and Reach Out and Read New Jersey;
- Morris County: Cornerstone Family Programs;
- Ocean County: Ocean Medical Center Foundation and Preferred Behavioral Health Group;
- Somerset County: Community Hope Inc. and Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity;
- Union County: Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless and JFK Medical Center Foundation.
Executive promotions
Robert Vivo of Provident Bank.
In other news, Jersey City-based Provident Bank said three executives had been promoted on its regional banking team.
Robert Vivo was named senior vice president, regional director, while Darleen Gillespie and Paula Palermo were both named first vice president, regional manager, reporting to Vivo.
Vivo, based in Iselin, has more than 30 years of retail banking experience. He had previously been a regional manager in the bank’s Northeast region. Gillespie and Palmero had been market managers.
“Since joining Provident Bank, Robert has been a true team leader, clearly communicating goals while maintaining a strong focus on company values, succession planning, risk management and process improvement,” Josephine Moran, executive vice president, director of retail banking, said in a prepared statement. “I am pleased to have him lead our team of regional managers based on his deep knowledge of bank policy and procedures and valuable interpersonal skills.”
