BUILD Grant

BUILD Grants are funding sources intended to meet the dynamic needs of units to execute community-level initiatives and projects aligned to the NAACP's enduring commitments (health and well-being, inclusive economy, education innovation, race and justice, and environmental and climate justice) and our 'DNA' (racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions). These funds can also be used to support activities to build the strength and effectiveness of the unit, pilot new solutions that have the potential to be scaled for broad impact, and/or expand membership and participation of all units in the State/State-area Conference. We are proud to say that our branch applied and was subsequently awarded one of these grants in February 2026!

Oranges & Maplewood C.A.R.E.S. (Community Advocacy & Restorative Education Support). Project "Oranges & Maplewood C.A.R.E.S." seeks to provide community advocacy and restorative education support in an effort to improve overall health & wellness through civic engagement in the New Jersey communities we serve which include: Belleville, Bloomfield, East Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Millburn, Nutley, Orange, South Orange, Verona, & West Orange.

Project "Oranges & Maplewood C.A.R.E.S." will be implemented through a series of events (i.e. in-person workshops, town halls, seminars, and site visits) in each of the aforementioned communities we serve. Each of these series will be used to educate, engage, and empower residents to lead the charge in creating new or advancing existing policy and legislation that impacts their environmental, mental, and/or physical health and wellness.