Conscious Kids

Mission

To support at-risk children and young adults, with a primary goal of providing educational support and a secondary goal of providing general support and life enhancement.

Annual application deadlines

June 15

Program areas

Education
Human services 

States served

New York
New Jersey 

Geographic Limitations

Grants are limited to select counties in New York and New Jersey.

New York:
New York (Manhattan)
Richmond (Staten Island)
Kings (Brooklyn)
Bronx
Queens

New Jersey:
Essex
Monmouth
Union
Middlesex
Morris

Types of Support

Grants are primarily focused on Program Support. There is limited funding available for General Operating Support and Capital Needs.

Population served

Children and families struggling in underserved communities, with a focus on children in foster care, homeless youth, and children with physical and/or developmental disabilities.

Conscious Kids awards grants to organizations to provide support services to children and families struggling in underserved communities, including but not limited to those experiencing homeless, living in or aging out of foster care, needing access to tuition assistance, tutoring and internships, or other basic services to improve their daily lives. Their goal is that the individuals who benefit from these grants will recognize these benefits and will be inspired to serve their community or society at large.

Requirements

• To be eligible, organizations must qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Grantmaking priorities

Preference will be given to requests for the following:

• Educational services, training, internships, tuition assistance for homeless youth, foster youth.
• Summer camps that provide cultural education (dance, voice, and arts of all kinds) with outreach to at-risk populations.

Average giving

Average grant size: $10,000 to $20,000
Average number of grants per year: 5
Average total giving per year: $100,000

Annual application period and deadlines

Applications are accepted year-round.  Applications must be submitted by June 15 to be reviewed at the annual grant meeting that occurs in September.

Communications

Applicants will receive an automated email confirming their submission. 

Required agreements and reports

Periodic progress reports and final reports may be required for funded projects.

Foundation Information

Marlee-Jo Jacobson was a successful businesswoman who held a seat on the commodities exchange.  She believed that people from all walks of life should have the opportunity for academic education, as well as cultural education.

Marlee-Jo loved kids and especially wanted to help disadvantaged children find the right opportunities.  She believed that these children have unique value that can provide society with enormous benefits.  It was her wish that literature, music, arts and crafts, gardening and other positive aspects of daily living be taught in addition to academics.