ABOUT MBF
The Montclair Bridge Fund was created to bring neighbors together to keep classrooms thriving and protect the socioeconomic diversity that makes Montclair home. It’s built on a simple belief: we’re better when we look out for one another.
In early 2026, we granted $20,000 to three local nonprofits addressing urgent affordability and education needs. These grants supported both households facing emergency financial hardship and students impacted by reductions in academic programming.
Right now, the Montclair Bridge Fund is focused on one urgent challenge: affordability.
While we continue to support long-term solutions for our schools alongside partners like the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence (MFEE), we know many of our neighbors are struggling with the rising cost of living today.
This summer, we are raising funds to help local families stay in their homes. Through our distribution partner, Montclair Helps—which works with trusted local nonprofits—every dollar donated will go directly toward helping neighbors facing housing insecurity.
OUR PARTNERS
In our first round of 2026 funding, the Montclair Bridge Fund awarded $20,000 to three local nonprofits addressing urgent affordability AND education challenges in our community.
A $10,000 grant to Montclair Helps will provide direct emergency assistance to households facing rising housing costs and financial hardship.
A $5,000 grant to the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence supports the launch of a multi-year math proficiency program for economically disadvantaged elementary age students.
An additional $5,000 grant to IMANI will fund SAT preparation scholarships for Montclair High School students after district budget cuts eliminated prior support.
These grants reflect our commitment to ensuring that strong public schools and affordability go hand in hand — and we are continuing to fundraise so we can expand this work and reach even more households and students.
OUR APPROACH
We started this effort because we recognized our community was in a moment of crisis and we felt a responsibility to act. We wanted to create something that could bring people together, offer practical support, and reflect the best of who Montclair is.
Our approach is inclusive, community-driven, and built to adapt as conditions change. This isn’t a top-down effort—it’s a collective one.
A community steering committee—with representation from across Montclair’s wards and neighborhoods—guides how funds are distributed to ensure decisions are made with transparency, equity, and have a meaningful impact.
Our guiding principles:
Local Impact: Via nonprofit partners, funds go to the community members and organizations directly experiencing hardship.
Equity at the Center: Reducing barriers and ensuring support reaches those without resources.
Responsible: Donations are made through our 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation.