Karma Foundation Autism Grants in New Jersey

Karma Foundation Autism Grants in New Jersey is sponsored by Karma Foundation. New Jersey nonprofits running autism-related programs and services can access funding through the Karma Foundation for capacity building, equipment, operating support, start-ups, and special projects. While they consider local, national, and international groups, there are specific New Jersey county priorities.

Established in 1996 to provide grants in support of organizations engaged in activities and programs in the areas of Arts & Culture, Autism, Education & Literacy, Health & Human Services and Development & Enrichment of Jewish Life 26th Annual Rutgers Jewish Film Festival The 26th Annual Rutgers Jewish Film Festival, sponsored by the Karma Foundation, brought ten remarkable films to the Regal Cinema in North Brunswick from November 6–16.

As the festival’s founding sponsor, the Karma Foundation once again helped make possible one of New Jersey’s most distinctive cultural events, organized each year by the Allen and Joan Bildner Center for the Study of Jewish Life at Rutgers University. This year’s festival drew enthusiastic audiences, with numerous screenings selling out and several films shown in two theaters to accommodate demand.

The program featured a compelling mix of films representing diverse facets of Jewish life and creativity. Among the major highlights was Eleanor the Great starring June Squibb and directed by Scarlett Johansson, which quickly emerged as a festival favorite.

The Floaters, a warm and funny coming-of-age comedy centered on the Jewish summer camp experience, delighted audiences, while A Letter to David, winner of the Israeli Academy Award for Best Documentary, left a lasting impression with its emotional power and sophistication. Most films were screened twice, and many showings sold out, reflecting the community’s deep engagement with the festival.

Special guests enriched the experience with thoughtful conversations and behind-the-scenes insights. Visitors included Nancy Spielberg, producer of A Letter to David; filmmaker Ilana Trachtman, director of Ain’t No Back to a Merry-Go-Round; and Dana Modan, director of The Property. As always, the festival’s success was made possible not only by its sponsors but also by the dedicated team behind it.

Special thanks and recognition go to Karen Small, Professor Nancy Sinkoff, and Sarah Portilla of the Bildner Center, as well as the festival’s film selection committee, its hard-working volunteers, and its generous donors. The Karma Foundation’s long-standing partnership with the festival reflects its commitment to supporting meaningful Jewish cultural experiences.

Sharon Karmazin, President of the Karma Foundation and the festival’s founding sponsor, has played an essential role in sustaining and enriching the festival over more than two decades. Middlesex County Aging Out Conference On Friday, October 24, the Middlesex County “Aging Out” Conference welcomed nearly fifty young people to the College Center at Middlesex College’s Edison campus for a full day of learning, connection, and support.

Designed for youth preparing to transition out of foster care, the conference brought together a powerful network of organizations dedicated to helping participants step confidently into adulthood.

The event was sponsored by the Karma Foundation, alongside co-sponsors from across the county and state: the New Jersey court system, the New Jersey Department of Children and Families, the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender, United Way of Central Jersey, Coordinated Family Care, and CASA of Middlesex County.

The day opened with warm welcomes from the Family Court judges, setting an encouraging tone and reminding participants that the community stands behind them. One of the highlights of the conference was the wide array of workshops. The Youth Council led a compelling panel discussion that offered firsthand insight into the challenges and triumphs of the transition to independence.

Participants also took part in engaging sessions including Creative Dramatics, Kickboxing, and Stress Management, each offering practical tools for self-expression, empowerment, and well-being. Additional presentations came from the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Department, which led an impactful session on impaired driving, and from Professor Doug Cantor, who spoke about navigating the transition to college and adulthood.

The Karma Foundation played a special role in enhancing the day’s programming and spirit. The Foundation arranged for the Creative Dramatics workshop led by the George Street Playhouse, providing an artistic and expressive outlet that quickly became a participant favorite.

The Foundation also supplied gift cards used as raffle prizes, as well as festive Halloween goodie bags for every attendee—small touches that added both excitement and a sense of being cared for. Breakfast and lunch were served to all, and the College Center buzzed throughout the day with activity around the many information tables offering resources on education, health, employment, housing, and legal support.

Sharon Karmazin, President of the Karma Foundation, served as a dedicated member of the organizing committee, helping shape a day that was both meaningful and memorable for the young people it aimed to uplift. Feeding Hope: The Karma Foundation’s Mission to End Hunger in New Jersey For years, the Karma Foundation has believed that true progress begins with compassion in action.

Their latest initiative focused on one of New Jersey’s most pressing issues: food insecurity . Far too many families, students, and seniors still face empty cupboards. The Foundation saw an opportunity to make a lasting impact by partnering with organizations deeply rooted in their communities—those who know their neighbors, understand their needs, and provide not just food, but dignity.

The Foundation funded, the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, Replenish (formerly the Middlesex County Food Organization and Outreach Distribution Services). In Mercer County , two vital community anchors— HomeFront and Mercer Street Friends At Rutgers University , The Karma Foundation recognized that food insecurity affects students too—young people striving for a better future but sometimes skipping meals to afford rent or tuition.

The Foundation extended its support to the Rutgers food pantries across all three campuses— Newark , Camden , and New Brunswick —ensuring students have access to fresh produce, essential groceries, and the reassurance that their community cares. For the Karma Foundation, these partnerships weren’t just about giving; they were about investing in resilience .

Each dollar represented a shared belief that no one in New Jersey should have to choose between paying bills and buying food.