William J. Dowdy Foundation

Community impact

Education reaches beyond the classroom.

Scholarships are the focus, and community programs create more ways for young people and families to thrive.

Books and Fellowship program

Literacy and learning

Literacy and learning

Books and Fellowship with St. James Social Service Corporation shared books and a meal with area residents. The foundation has also supported reading initiatives and recognized students in Orange for their reading accomplishments.

Volunteers at the Community FoodBank of New Jersey

Community care

Community care

The foundation joined Kean University student group N.O.M.A.S. for a February 2023 service day at the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. Its documented work also includes Adopt-A-Room projects in a local women’s shelter, clothing drives, and other community support.

Central Ward Cougars youth program

Youth programs

Youth programs

The foundation has supported the Central Ward Cougars football and cheer program, youth athletics, school arts programs, and activities that introduce children to learning beyond the classroom.

Children and families at an Easter egg hunt

Bringing families together

Bringing families together

Annual Easter egg hunts, scholarship breakfasts, and community gatherings have brought families and supporters together. The foundation’s gallery also documents Kids Who Cook, reading room, and senior events.

View photo gallery

Additional documented support

The foundation’s activity archive also records these initiatives and contributions:

  • Marion P. Thomas Charter School cheerleading, gifted scholars’ movie day, and athletic mats
  • Bloomfield Tech summer basketball camp and Newark Pop Warner football
  • Harriet Tubman School Nutcracker Suite Theatre Program
  • Readers Corner and room renovation initiatives at the Newark YMCA
  • Cookies and Cocoa, Adopt-A-Room, and Thanksgiving support for local women’s shelters
  • Clothing drives, a senior citizens’ luncheon, and support for Jerseyland Community Center
  • Contributions to Go the Distance for Autism, the Shakil Williams Memorial Fund, the American Cancer Society, and the Red Cross
  • Support for the Phi Beta Sigma alumni scholarship luncheon and a student track and field meet