Newport Announces $1 Million Grant Program for 40 Jersey City Nonprofits

Newport Associates Development Co. launched a $1 million philanthropic initiative this week to celebrate four decades of waterfront development in Jersey City, according to company officials.

The partnership between the LeFrak and Simon families announced Feb. 25 that it will distribute grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 or more to 40 local nonprofits. Organizations can apply online between Feb. 25 and April 10, 2026, with details available at newportnj.com/newport40.

“Investing not only in buildings and public spaces, but in the people and institutions that make a city thrive,” said LeFrak Chairman James LeFrak, describing the company’s community commitment since Newport’s inception.

LeFrak noted the anniversary grants supplement the company’s ongoing annual charitable giving programs, which he called “a core part of how we engage in the community.”

Newport transformed more than 600 acres of abandoned industrial land starting in 1986 into what officials describe as a bustling mixed-use community housing 20,000 residents and 50,000 workers while welcoming millions of annual visitors.

The master-planned development includes 25 residential buildings, eight office towers, two hotels and Newport Centre Mall, according to Newport Associates Development Co. Construction began in 2025 on 20 Long Slip, a 47-story luxury rental tower that will expand the community further.

Jersey City Mayor James Solomon praised the initiative as particularly timely given current budget constraints facing local governments.

“At a time when public resources are increasingly strained, partnerships with responsible private sector leaders like Newport are more important than ever,” Solomon said. “I’m grateful for their continued investment in our community and for stepping up to support the organizations that serve our residents every day.”

The waterfront development features Manhattan views, playgrounds, art installations and programming along its length, creating what officials call shared public spaces that have activated both Newport and the broader downtown area.

David Simon, chairman and CEO of Simon Property Group, emphasized the company’s local ties in announcing the grant program.

“We’re proud of our long-standing investment in Jersey City, where Newport has created meaningful economic opportunities, inclusive places to gather, and a sense of civic pride,” Simon said. “This philanthropy initiative is our way to say thank you to the city and its people.”

Newport’s development success helped attract state and regional mass transit investments that continue drawing residents, investors and employers to the area, according to company officials. The project also funded major utility infrastructure improvements that enabled additional development.

Grant recipients will receive invitations to Newport’s 40th anniversary community awards gala scheduled for Sept. 24 at the Westin Hotel in Jersey City.

The development has generated tens of millions of dollars in local tax revenue and hundreds of millions in state tax revenue over four decades, according to Newport officials. The area recently emerged as a popular filming location for the state’s expanding television and movie production industry.

Gov. Mikie Sherrill highlighted Newport’s broader impact on regional development patterns.

“Newport has demonstrated what is possible when a long-term vision, private investment, and public purpose come together,” Sherrill said.

Hudson County Executive Craig Guy credited Newport with catalyzing Jersey City’s modern transformation.

“Newport was the catalyst for Jersey City’s transformation into the modern, thriving city it is today,” Guy said. “The visionary investments by LeFrak and Simon helped create a model for sustainable, 21st-century growth.”

The grant application period runs through April 10, with awards expected to be announced before the September gala celebration.