The Maplewood Foundation

09/06/2026

We'll be at Porchfest TODAY! Thank you to ZooS and "Elliot & Friends Concession Stand.

While you're rockin' out to ZööS at Maplewood Porchfest, be sure to stop at the "Elliot & Friends" Concession Stand. Location #26 (779 Prospect Street) on your event map. Popcorn, Water, Juice, and treats for your furry four-legged friends. All proceeds going to benefit The Maplewood Foundation.

Maplewood Porchfest

☀️🎸 TODAY IS THE DAY! 🎸☀️

Maplewood Porchfest 2026 is officially here, and it is an absolutely beautiful day for live music! Grab your bikes, scooters, or walking shoes, and head down to the Hilton neighborhood for an incredible afternoon of music and community!

Here is everything you need to know for today:

🎺 12:30 PM KICKOFF: We’re starting the day with the Honk Parade! Meet at the DeHart Community Center at Noon for a quick rehearsal, then we march at 12:30. Bring an instrument or just bring yourself—everyone is welcome!

🗺️ PLAN YOUR ROUTE: Access the digital map and schedule here: https://www.maplewoodporchfest.com/schedule
(Prefer paper? Print the PDF from our site, or look for physical flyers hung up at every participating porch!)

🚌 CATCH A RIDE: The free Maplewood Jitney is running a continuous loop from 1 PM to 5 PM to help you maximize your day. Check the map for the official stops!

🏡 PORCH ETIQUETTE: Please be courteous to our amazing volunteer porch hosts and follow their lead on where to sit or stand on their property. Some seating/canopies are provided, but feel free to bring your own lawn chairs!

💸 TIP THE BANDS: Show your appreciation to the performers by dropping cash in the hat or scanning their Venmo QR codes!

📸 SHARE THE LOVE: We want to see your Porchfest POV! Tag us in your pics and use , , or so we can reshare your photos!

photo courtesy of Tracy Sham Photography

09/01/2026

Join us for Neighbors Helping Neighbors: The Unique Impact of Our Local Nonprofits on Thursday, September 10, from 6:00–8:30 p.m. at [words] Bookstore.

🟣Admission is free, but registration is required. Reserve your spot today: https://themaplewoodfoundation.org/news-and-events/

Whether you're a longtime resident, volunteer, donor, or simply curious about what makes our community thrive, you'll leave with a deeper understanding of the power of local giving—and how each of us can make a difference.

Featuring Fred Profeta, President of The Maplewood Foundation, and Robin Peacock, Executive Director of Meeting Essential Needs with Dignity, moderated by Mary Mann, Founder & Editor of The Village Green.

The conversation will explore local philanthropy, community leadership, and how grassroots organizations are meeting critical needs and strengthening Maplewood and South Orange.

W**e and savory bites will be served.



MEND is Meeting Essential Needs with Dignity The Village Green Words Maplewood's Bookstore

08/20/2026

Thank you to everyone who stopped by The Maplewood Foundation table at National Night Out on August 4th! We loved talking with neighbors, creating art together and sharing more about our mission.

Inspired to make a difference? Our 2026 grant application is open for nonprofits serving Maplewood and South Orange, with applications due September 1.

💙Learn more: https://themaplewoodfoundation.org/grants/
South Orange Police Department South Orange Village

07/31/2026

Please join us in welcoming Stephanie Scott to The Maplewood Foundation Board of Trustees! Stephanie will serve on the Foundation’s Events Committee.

Stephanie may be new to the Board, but she is certainly not new to Maplewood, having called our community home for 24 years.

When asked what she loves most about Maplewood, Stephanie shared:

"Maplewood has been the perfect community for my family to build our lives. Parenting, volunteering, and enjoying the many resources our town has to offer – whether that be the arts and culture, recreation, or local causes – have given me a unique opportunity to create ‘family from friends’ and give back. As someone who grew up in small towns, I find it a rare treat to live in a community with such warmth and inclusion."

🔴Learn more about our Board of Trustees: https://themaplewoodfoundation.org/about/

07/29/2026

Join us for National Night Out at Floods Hill on Tuesday, August 4!

Stop by The Maplewood Foundation table between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. for a fun art activity and connect with members of our Board of Trustees. Learn more about The Maplewood Foundation and discover ways to get involved.

Bring the whole family and enjoy an evening of free food, games, inflatables, a dunk tank, music by DJ Lou Smith, a first responder meet-and-greet, giveaways, and more. The outdoor movie, The Bad Guys 2, begins at 8:00 p.m.

We hope to see you there!

South Orange Police Department South Orange Village

Attention non-profit organizations serving Maplewood/South Orange: Grant applications are due on September 1, 2026! https://themaplewoodfoundation.org/grants/

07/28/2026

Do you know a nonprofit making a difference in Maplewood or South Orange? Our 2026 grant cycle is accepting applications through September 1, 2026.

🟣Learn more and submit your application at:
https://themaplewoodfoundation.org/grants/

The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC)’s Arts Education Program is using a $10,000 grant to expand access to arts learning for SOMA students whose programs were impacted by district budget cuts. Through performances, residencies and exhibitions, SOPAC engages students in music, dance, and visual arts experiences that meet state learning standards and foster creativity, confidence and cultural appreciation.



South Orange Performing Arts Center

Photo: Julia Maloof Verderosa Photographer

07/23/2026

Meet Susan Profeta, Recording Secretary and Chair of the Grants Committee for The Maplewood Foundation.

Dr. Susan Profeta is a retired primary care physician and has proudly called Maplewood home for 57 years.

"Maplewood and South Orange is a special community, and it has been wonderful to get to know and support so many of our nonprofit organizations that make such a difference in people's lives."

The Maplewood Foundation's 2026 grant cycle is now open! Applications will be accepted through September 1, 2026.

🟠Submit your application: https://themaplewoodfoundation.org/grants/

07/21/2026

Is your nonprofit working to improve the quality of life in the Maplewood/South Orange community?

The Maplewood Foundation's 2026 grant cycle is now open. Applications will be accepted through September 1, 2026.

🔴Learn more and submit your application:
https://themaplewoodfoundation.org/grants/

The impact of these grants can be seen throughout our community. The Durand-Hedden House & Garden, in partnership with the SOMA Community Coalition on Race, used the grant to support Maplewood’s annual Juneteenth Celebration, combining history, art, and culture to honor Black heritage and educate the community.



Durand-Hedden House & Garden

07/15/2026

Meet Becky Scheer, Corresponding Secretary for The Maplewood Foundation Board of Trustees and a member of our Grants and Events Committees.

"There are so many incredible people in our two towns with original ideas for serving our community and supporting all residents. I love that The Maplewood Foundation can be a resource to help turn those ideas into action."

🟠Learn more about our Board of Trustees: https://themaplewoodfoundation.org/

The Maplewood Foundation's 2026 grant cycle is now open. Applications will be accepted through September 1, 2026.

🟠Learn more and submit your application at: https://themaplewoodfoundation.org/grants/


Rebecca Scheer

07/14/2026

Meet Becky Scheer, Corresponding Secretary for The Maplewood Foundation Board of Trustees and a member of our Grants and Events Committees.

"There are so many incredible people in our two towns with original ideas for serving our community and supporting all residents. I love that The Maplewood Foundation can be a resource to help turn those ideas into action."

🟠Learn more about our Board of Trustees: https://themaplewoodfoundation.org/

The Maplewood Foundation's 2026 grant cycle is now open. Applications will be accepted through September 1, 2026.

🟠Learn more and submit your application at: https://themaplewoodfoundation.org/grants/

Rebecca Scheer