Named for the seventh bishop of the Diocese, the fund was established to present annual grants for special projects. Any entity, apostolate, individual, special ministry or organization attempting to provide services for the vulnerable and/or poor population within their community is eligible to apply for the grant. The $10,000 grant total represents the annual interest earned by the fund over 12 months.

Recipients were selected by the Bishop George W. Ahr Endowment Fund Committee from a pool of applicants who provided a detailed plan for distributing their requests. Announced in mid-July, the recipients this year are as follows:

• CYO of Mercer County, Trenton ($3,700) • To assist with Broad St. Trenton After School Program tutoring and enrichment, responding to greatly increased need of students following COVID-19 school closures

• Collier Youth Services, Marlboro ($2,500) • To fund scholarships for Kateri Day Camp, which has increased its educational enrichment programs in the wake of COVID-19

• Interfaith Hospitality Network of Ocean County, Toms River ($1,500) • To assist with shelter expenses for families hosted for dinner and overnight shelter, educational and lifestyle programs

• Mount Carmel Guild, Trenton ($1,500) • To purchase fresh produce for its Summer Feeding Families project

• St. Vincent de Paul, Holy Eucharist Parish Chapter, Tabernacle ($500) • To provide gasoline cards for clients who might otherwise miss job interviews or doctor appointments because of high fuel prices

• New Jersey State Prison, Trenton ($300) • For purchase of Bibles, religious literature and media for the instruction, enrichment and spiritual development of inmates serving long-term sentences