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Victoria Foundation Announced the expansion of its Thriving Communities Initiative, taking a place-centered approach to strengthening the power and self-determination of Newark communities.
The Thriving Communities Program is the Victoria Foundation’s long-term commitment to community well-being, focusing on the three communities of Fairmount Heights, Lower Broadway, and Upper Clinton Hill.
“Newark has a rich cultural heritage and vibrant Black and Brown communities,” said Craig Drinkard, executive officer of the Victoria Foundation. “We look forward to working with residents and community organizations to bring the Victoria Foundation’s investment and voice to work with them to make their vision for their homes and communities a reality.”
The Victoria Foundation’s commitment to these communities reflects its commitment to amplifying community voices and addressing the consequences of historical underinvestment.
As a long-time funder of Newark and one of the oldest foundations in New Jersey, this place-centered approach builds on the Victoria Foundation’s long-standing relationship with the community. LISC-Greater Newarkwhich began in 2016, focuses on Fairmount Heights and Upper Clinton Hill.
This announcement marks the expansion of the program to Newark’s Lower Broadway neighborhood, which is home to a significant community of Latinos, the fastest growing ethnic group in the city and a driving force behind Newark’s population growth since 2010. By prioritizing this neighborhood, the Victoria Foundation aims to leverage critical resources to support the priorities of Newark’s growing Latino community.
The Foundation believes that a community-centered approach allows for larger, bolder investments in deep relationships with community partners, fostering change that has lasting impact and ripple effects throughout the city.
“The Victoria Foundation’s primary goal is to empower communities and ensure that institutions and policies reflect and uphold the needs and visions of Newark residents,” said Frank Alvarez, Victoria Foundation Board Chair. “Our goal is to foster an environment where stability, well-being, and long-term community strength are not only supported, but actively pursued through our actions and investments. By making larger, more targeted investments, we believe our support will further achieve these goals.”
Since 2016, the Victoria Foundation has invested $3 million in thriving communities initiatives in Fairmont Heights and Upper Clinton Hill, and has secured more than $18 million in investments from partners including the Maher Philanthropic Foundation, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the Area Foundation. LISC has been a key partner in this effort, bringing its expertise in community engagement and community-led development to these investments. They will continue to play a vital role in this work.
This year, the Victoria Foundation also celebrates its 100th anniversary and its deep relationships and partnerships with local leaders, organizations, and residents. In October, the Victoria Foundation will host the Newark Futures Forum, which will delve into topics such as youth self-determination, economic justice, and power building with local leaders, community experts, and national field leaders.
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