(RED BANK | JUNE 11) The Count Basie Center for the Arts today announced it has received a grant from The Provident Bank Foundation (PBF) for

its work in area schools.

The $7,500 grant is just one of PBF’s First Cycle 2018 Major Grants, which give more than $200,000 across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, funding projects and/or programs that address one or more of the foundation’s funding priority areas – community enrichment, education and health, and youth and families.

“The level of diversity and depth of the organizations and programs selected for this year’s first cycle of Major Grants truly amazes us and we are so proud to invest in these initiatives,” said Jane Kurek, Executive Director, The Provident Bank Foundation. “The Foundation looks forward to further developing such collaborative partnerships which will give way to happier, healthier and safer communities.”

The Basie grant will benefit the organization’s arts education and community outreach for 1,000 students attending Red Bank Primary School, Joseph R. Bolger Middle School in Keansburg and Long Branch’s Amerigo A. Anastasia Elementary School. This outreach places Basie teaching artists in classrooms to address the New Jersey State Learning Standards for arts education, including dance, music, theater and visual arts to foster academic achievement, creativity, communication, functional performance, and self-confidence.

“The Basie Center is so proud to have the support of The Provident Bank Foundation,” said Maria Sorensen, Vice President, Count Basie Center for the Arts. “Through their generous grant, we can ensure that students from some of our most underserved communities in the region have access to engaging, diverse arts education and outreach programming.”

The Provident Bank Foundation was established in 2003 with the intent of supporting not-for-profit groups, institutions, schools and other 501(c)(3) organizations that provide valuable services to the communities served by Provident Bank. PBF is committed to strengthening and sustaining its relationships with communities in the bank’s marketplace. The Foundation has granted more than $23 million to not-for-profit organizations and institutions working toward stronger communities.

 

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ABOUT THE PROVIDENT BANK FOUNDATION

The Provident Bank Foundation was established in 2003 by Provident Bank to enhance the quality of life in the region through support of not-for-profit groups, institutions, schools and other 501(c)(3) organizations that provide services in communities served by the Bank. Since inception, the Foundation has granted more than $23 million to not-for-profit organizations and institutions working toward stronger communities. For more information about The Provident Bank Foundation, visit www.theprovidentbankfoundation.org or call (862) 260-3990