Home Runs for Heroes Grants

Home Runs for Heroes Grants is a grant from OceanFirst Foundation, in partnership with the Jersey Shore BlueClaws and 92. 7 WOBM radio, that funds nonprofit organizations serving the emergency and basic needs of U.S. military veterans and active-duty service members in New Jersey. The program has awarded over $772,000 in its 17-year history.

Up to 18 nonprofit partners are selected per season (2 per inning). Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits demonstrating measurable impact within OceanFirst Foundation's 12-county New Jersey footprint, including Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Somerset, and Union counties.

Home Runs for Heroes Grants | OceanFirst Foundation General Operating/Flexible Support Grants Home Runs for Heroes Grants OceanFirst Scholarship Program Interactive Map of 2025 Partners Candy “Coated” Trunk or Treat Helpful Resources for Nonprofits PR Toolkit for Grant Partners Share a Volunteer Opportunity Each year, we team up with the awesome Jersey Shore BlueClaws and 92.

7 WOBM – Ocean County’s Best Variety to honor and provide support to the brave men and women who serve and protect our nation. In the past seventeen years of the program, $772,000 has been awarded to help our heroes. A big WIN!

OceanFirst Foundation welcomes grant requests for inclusion in the Home Runs for Heroes Program, which supports nonprofits dedicated to meeting the emergency and basic needs of U.S. military veterans and active‑duty service members. This program is designed to strengthen stability, dignity, and well‑being for those who have served our country.

Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that demonstrate a strong record of service and measurable impact within OceanFirst Foundation’s New Jersey footprint, including Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Somerset, and Union counties.

Organizations located outside this service area must contact the Foundation to confirm eligibility prior to submitting a request. Additional grant eligibility requirements may be found here ; applicants are encouraged to review all program guidelines carefully to ensure alignment. We will select a maximum of 18 charity partners (2 per inning) for the Home Runs for Heroes program.

We will prioritize the inclusion of the partners from the most recent season that have met all previous reporting requirements. If a spot(s) opens, we will select the nonprofit(s) that best demonstrate impact in meeting the emergency and basic needs of our heroes. Inquiries to the Foundation are welcome and nonprofits that have not previously been included in Home Runs for Heroes should call 732.

341. 4676 to be screened before applying. There is only one opportunity to apply for inclusion in the 2026 Home Runs for Heroes grant program.

Please plan ahead – the deadline to apply is March 13, 2026 and we do not consider requests submitted after the deadline. Each participating charity is assigned an inning at the beginning of the season. Each home run hit at ShoreTown Ballpark during the season by the Jersey Shore BlueClaws during the charity’s assigned inning scores a $1,000 donation.

The total amount awarded to each charity partner will be determined at the conclusion of the season and is based on the total of home runs hit during their assigned inning. For example, if Charity A is assigned the 1st inning and 5 home runs are scored in the 1st inning…$5,000 is donated at the end of the season to Charity A – $1,000 per home run.

If no home runs are scored during the charity partner’s assigned inning, a donation of $1,000 will be provided. Grants awarded must be used to meet the emergency and basic needs of veterans and members of the United States Armed Forces and a Use of Funds report will be required at the conclusion of the grant period.

Organizations that submit an application by the deadline will be notified of the decision on their request prior to the start of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws 2026 season. OceanFirst Foundation makes it easy for nonprofits to apply through our secure Grant Request Portal . We understand that technology access can be a barrier for some organizations.

If your nonprofit does not have access to the portal or requires special assistance, our team will work with you to ensure your application is submitted successfully – because every voice matters in building stronger communities.

Information for Grantseekers Before applying for a grant, confirm that your project aligns with one or more of OceanFirst Foundation’s priority areas: Improving Health and Wellness Supporting Housing Solutions Advancing Economic Stability and Mobility Investing in Higher Education Empowering the Next Generation Call us today to discuss your ideas. We’ll help you navigate the process and guide you toward the right opportunity.

Since 1996, OceanFirst Foundation has built a solid reputation as a good neighbor providing grants that help families, organizations, schools and communities in the OceanFirst Bank footprint. Designed and Developed by Netwave Interactive