What is the Montclair Bridge Fund?

The Montclair Bridge Fund is a nonpartisan, neighbor-led effort to keep our schools strong and our community inclusive. We are convening a representative committee of community members to inform grant making decisions.

Why was the fund created?

Montclair is facing a school budget and affordability crisis that could impact both students and residents. The Montclair Bridge Fund helps ensure that strengthening our schools doesn’t unintentionally strain those least able to absorb a tax hike. It’s about keeping Montclair’s tradition of diversity and mutual care alive.

IS MY GIFT TAX DEDUCTIBLE?

Yes! The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation (NNJCF) is the fiscal sponsor of the Fund, ensuring all donations are tax deductible and managed transparently.

NNJCF’s EIN number is 22-3603171.

My company matches my donations. what org should i list?

Please list the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation (NNJCF) as the charitable organization. In any field for “project,” “comment,” “fund,” or “memo,” please write Montclair Bridge Fund so your matching gift is directed correctly.

CAN I WRITE A CHECK?

Yes! Checks should be made out to the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation with “Montclair Bridge Fund” in the memo. Checks can be mailed to: The Northern NJ Community Foundation, 1 University Plaza Drive, Suite 102, Hackensack, NJ 07601.

How can i help?

Two simple but powerful ways:

1. Donate – Every gift, big or small, brings us closer to keeping our schools strong and our community inclusive.

2. Spread the word – Share our message with your friends, neighbors, and networks. The more people who know, the more families we can reach.

This is Montclair at its best — neighbors lifting neighbors, schools staying strong.

whAT IS THE ROLE OF THE NORTHERN NJ COMMUNITY FOUNDATION (NNJCF)?

The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation (NNJCF) serves as the fiscal sponsor for the Montclair Bridge Fund — a crucial role that ensures the Fund operates legally, transparently, and in full compliance with applicable tax law.

As a registered 501c3 public charity, NNJCF has formally approved the purpose of the Montclair Bridge Fund as advancing its charitable mission. That means all donations to the Fund are fully tax-deductible and held in a restricted account designated solely for this project.

NNJCF retains legal and fiduciary responsibility for the funds, including oversight of how they are received, managed, and distributed. The Montclair Bridge Fund decides how funds are used with NNJCF’s oversight through the Montclair Bridge Fund’s reporting to NNJCF. NNJCF provides the legal and administrative framework — including financial management, compliance, and reporting — that protects both donors and the community effort.

This partnership ensures that all funds are distributed appropriately and transparently. The details of this arrangement are outlined in our Charter with NNJCF, which formalizes shared governance and accountability.

who runs the fund?

The Fund was started by a group of Montclair residents concerned about the potential of a newly created hardship for our neighbors. NNCJF is the fiscal sponsor.

The Fund planning committee includes Johannah Chase-Coates, Laura Davies, Kate Lewis Yalniz, Julie Neuspiel Warner, Shelby Moser, Rachel St. Fleur, and Shira Zamir.