PATERSON, NJ (APRIL 27, 2026) – New City Parks (NCP) has selected ten community organizations in the City of Paterson as recipients of its summer 2026 Stewardship Mini Grants.  

Following the renovation and reopening of Barbour and Vera Ames Community Parks, these grants enable local organizations to offer structured programming to engage residents in their newly renovated open spaces.   

“Last year’s grant program at Barbour was a great success, funding four activities through Paterson Cares and bringing over 400 people into the park,” said Chanda Bennett, NCP’s Programs & Partnership Director. “With summer right around the corner, NCP is proud to fund ten incredible organizations—a dynamic mix of returning partners and new collaborators—who will bring inspiring projects to life in these two well-loved neighborhood parks.”  

This year's recipients are Muture Sisters, Paterson Cares, St. Luke CDC, Grace Gospel Church, William H. Butler Help Center, Chosen Generation Community Corp, SOLID Foundation Youth Outreach, Street2Street, JumpStart, and Circle of Care.  

With activities ranging from basketball clinics to artistic performances, mental health awareness workshops to intergenerational events, the funded projects aim to strengthen the connection between the community and their parks and provide opportunities to celebrate community unity. An NCP-supported Community Park Ambassador will be on hand this summer at Vera Ames Community Park to help make the newly completed park a welcoming and enjoyable green space.  

NCP executive director and founder Rose Harvey said, “We are excited to see how each project contributes to our ongoing efforts to make these parks vibrant, welcoming spaces for all.”   

Bennett added, “This summer is shaping up to be one of creativity, connection, and community-building in Barbour and Vera Ames.”

The New City Parks Mini-Grant Program has been made possible by support from the Henry and Marilyn Taub Foundation.   

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