By: Richard L. Smith
The Victoria Foundation, a pillar in Newark's philanthropic landscape and one of New Jersey's oldest charitable organizations, today unveiled plans to celebrate its 100th anniversary.
With a legacy of distributing over $380 million to support non-profits focused on aiding families, children in Newark, and tackling environmental challenges statewide, the foundation is not just looking back on its achievements but also setting the stage for the future of philanthropy.
Craig Drinkard, the foundation's executive officer, emphasized the foundation's commitment to ushering in a new era of philanthropy that prioritizes community-informed initiatives.
“We are envisioning a future where our efforts, in collaboration with our partners, foster a movement driven by the needs and aspirations of the community, ensuring their well-being is at the forefront of every action we take," Drinkard stated.
2024 stands as a pivotal year for the foundation, marking a significant transition in its grantmaking approach.
Historically centered on youth and family programs, education, neighborhood development, and environmental sustainability, Victoria Foundation is now focusing on empowering Newark’s residents and community-based organizations.
This strategic pivot aims to address the city’s most pressing issues as identified by its inhabitants.
The foundation has also revamped its board structure to include community leaders, a move that deviates from traditional family-founded philanthropic organizations.
Frank Alvarez, president of the board of trustees, highlighted the foundation's readiness to leverage its resources, relationships, and influence to tackle the underlying causes of poverty and inequality in Newark. He remarked,
"Building on our century-long legacy, we are prepared to reimagine our approach to philanthropy, focusing on eradicating intergenerational poverty and inequality."
The Victoria Foundation's origins date back to the philanthropic era of the Rockefellers and MacArthur Foundation, founded in 1924 by Hendon Chubb with a $20,000 personal contribution.
Named after his mother, Victoria Eddis Chubb, the foundation aimed to make a positive impact worldwide, starting with a $2,000 grant to address housing conditions in Orange, New Jersey, in 1925.
To commemorate this significant anniversary, Victoria Foundation is launching a year-long campaign featuring community events, signature grants, and a symposium with local, state, and national leaders.
This initiative aims to bolster community power, promote economic justice, and support youth self-determination, culminating in a celebratory event in December 2024.
For more information on the Victoria Foundation's centennial celebrations and future initiatives, visit www.victoriafoundation.org.