Jessica Norton The Jersey Shore is home to more than just beautiful beaches, boardwalks, and local businesses; it’s also filled with organizations that work every day to support the people, animals, and environment that make this area so special. Nonprofit organizations play an important role in strengthening communities by addressing needs that might otherwise go unmet, from providing food and housing assistance to protecting natural resources, supporting the arts, and creating educational opportunities. Across Monmouth and Ocean counties, these nonprofits are making a meaningful impact through programs, services, advocacy efforts, and community outreach. Whether you’re looking to donate, volunteer your time, attend an event, or simply learn more about local causes, these organizations are worth knowing and supporting. Read on to learn more about nonprofit organizations at the Jersey Shore.
American Littoral Society
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The American Littoral Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that works along the New Jersey coast and throughout the Mid-Atlantic region to protect coastal habitats and promote healthy shore ecosystems. The organization’s work spans habitat restoration, community science projects, environmental education, and shoreline stewardship initiatives designed to improve and preserve coastal environments. From restoring dunes and marshes to engaging residents in hands-on conservation efforts, the American Littoral Society helps communities play an active role in protecting local waterways. Readers can support its mission by volunteering at restoration projects, participating in educational programs and community science initiatives, attending events, or making a donation to help fund ongoing conservation work.
Asbury Park Music Foundation
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The Asbury Park Music Foundation is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 2011 and uses music as a tool for education, mentorship, and community connection in Asbury Park and throughout the Jersey Shore. It was created to help preserve Asbury Park’s rich musical legacy while expanding access to music education. The organization provides programs that give local youth opportunities to learn, create, and perform. Through initiatives like youth music education, instrument access, community performances, and support for local musicians, the Asbury Park Music Foundation works to make music more accessible and inspire the next generation of artists. Those looking to get involved can support its mission by making a donation, volunteering, attending benefit concerts and community events, sponsoring music education programs, or sharing professional skills that can help grow its impact.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey is a nonprofit organization that serves youth across multiple New Jersey counties, including communities throughout the Jersey Shore, by creating meaningful one-to-one mentoring relationships between young people and caring adult mentors. Through community-based mentoring, school-based programs, and youth development initiatives, the organization helps kids build confidence, develop life skills, and reach their full potential with the support of a trusted role model. Community members can support its mission by becoming a mentor, making a donation, attending fundraising events, or partnering through corporate sponsorships to help expand mentorship opportunities for local youth
Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County
Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping local kids and teens thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Serving communities across Monmouth County, the organization provides year-round opportunities for young people through after-school programs, summer camps, academic support, leadership development initiatives, and mentorship. Its goal is to create safe, supportive spaces where youth can build confidence, develop new skills, and prepare for future success. Those looking to support the organization’s work can volunteer as mentors or tutors, make a donation, sponsor programs, contribute professional expertise, or attend fundraising events that help expand resources for local students and families.
Clean Ocean Action
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Clean Ocean Action is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the waters and beaches of the Jersey Shore and the greater New Jersey coastline. Through a combination of advocacy, education, and grassroots action, the organization works to improve water quality, reduce marine debris, and safeguard coastal ecosystems. Some of its most well-known initiatives include its statewide Beach Sweeps program, environmental education efforts, and campaigns focused on water-quality protection and pollution prevention. Those looking to support the organization can participate in beach cleanups, make a donation, attend educational events, or get involved in advocacy efforts that help protect the Shore’s coastline for future generations.
Count Basie Center for the Arts
Count Basie Center for the Arts is a nonprofit arts organization serving Monmouth County and communities throughout the Jersey Shore, with a mission to make the performing arts more accessible through live entertainment, education, and community programming. Beyond hosting performances, the organization supports arts education through student programs, educational outreach, and initiatives that connect local audiences of all ages with creative experiences. Readers can support the Count Basie Center by attending shows and events, making a donation, volunteering at performances and community programs, or sponsoring arts education initiatives that help bring more opportunities to students and families across the region.
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Fulfill NJ (FoodBank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties)
Fulfill NJ (FoodBank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties) is a nonprofit organization working to end hunger across Monmouth and Ocean counties by providing food, resources, and support to neighbors in need. Through its network of food distribution programs, community partnerships, nutrition initiatives, and support services, Fulfill helps individuals and families access the resources they need while addressing the root causes of food insecurity. The organization works with local partners, volunteers, and donors to provide meals and essential services to thousands of residents throughout the Jersey Shore. Locals can support Fulfill’s mission by making a donation, volunteering at its food distribution programs, organizing food drives, contributing needed items, attending fundraising events, or helping spread awareness about hunger in the community.
Garden State Equality
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Garden State Equality is New Jersey’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights and advocacy organization, working to advance equality, protect rights, and support LGBTQ+ communities across the state. Through advocacy and policy efforts, the organization works to promote inclusive laws, monitor legislative developments, and push for protections that ensure equal treatment for LGBTQ+ residents. Garden State Equality also provides community resources, including an Affirming Healthcare Map to help individuals find LGBTQ+-friendly medical providers, along with initiatives focused on creating safer environments for youth, supporting seniors, and assisting vulnerable community members. Supporters can help advance its mission by making a donation, volunteering, attending community events, participating in advocacy campaigns, or using their skills to help further LGBTQ+ education and outreach efforts
Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore
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The Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore is a nonprofit youth development organization serving girls throughout the coastal region of New Jersey, with a mission to help young people build confidence, leadership skills, and a strong sense of community. Through programs focused on leadership development, STEM, outdoor experiences, entrepreneurship, and community service, the organization creates opportunities for girls to learn new skills, explore their interests, and make a positive impact. Readers can support its mission by volunteering as troop leaders or mentors, making a donation, sponsoring programs, attending fundraising events, or helping provide local girls with access to meaningful leadership experiences.
Interfaith Neighbors
Interfaith Neighbors is a nonprofit community benefit organization focused on strengthening neighborhoods across the Jersey Shore through community development, affordable housing, nutrition programs, and neighborhood revitalization efforts. Based in Asbury Park, the organization founded and manages the Business Development Center, which supports local entrepreneurs and small businesses while helping create economic opportunities within the community. Interfaith Neighbors also operates Kula Farm in Asbury Park, a community-focused urban farm that promotes healthy food access, sustainability, and hands-on education through growing fresh produce and connecting residents with local agriculture. Readers can support its mission by making a donation, volunteering with community programs, supporting Kula Farm initiatives, attending events, or helping contribute skills and resources that strengthen local neighborhoods.
KYDS
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KYDS is a nonprofit organization serving youth, schools, and communities through holistic practices designed to support personal growth, wellness, and connection. Based in Asbury Park, the organization’s Konscious Community Space provides a welcoming environment for youth and community members through programs focused on mindfulness, wellness, creative expression, and personal development. Through its educational initiatives and community programming, KYDS works to help young people build confidence, strengthen relationships, and develop tools for emotional well-being. Readers can support KYDS by making a donation, volunteering, attending community events and programs, supporting initiatives at the Konscious Community Space, or sharing professional skills that can help further its mission.
Lunch Break
Lunch Break is a community nonprofit organization located in Red Bank that has been serving individuals and families in need throughout Monmouth County for more than 40 years. The organization provides essential resources including free hot meals, a client-choice food pantry, clothing through Clara’s Closet, life skills training, and social support services designed to help neighbors facing difficult circumstances. Through its programs and community partnerships, Lunch Break works to address food insecurity, provide basic necessities, and create pathways toward stability and independence for local residents. Readers can support its mission by making a donation, volunteering, contributing needed food and clothing items, attending fundraising events, or helping provide resources that support community members in need.
Market Street Mission
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Market Street Mission is a nonprofit organization that provides hope, help, and healing to individuals and families impacted by homelessness, poverty, and addiction. Through its programs and services, the organization offers support including meals, shelter, recovery resources, community outreach, and opportunities for individuals to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose. Serving communities throughout New Jersey, Market Street Mission works to meet immediate needs while helping people move toward long-term stability and independence. Readers can support its mission by making a donation, volunteering their time, contributing needed supplies, attending fundraising events, or sharing professional skills that can help strengthen the organization’s programs and services.
Mary’s Place by the Sea
Mary’s Place by the Sea is a nonprofit organization located in Ocean Grove, New Jersey that provides support and healing services for women impacted by cancer. Through restorative retreats, wellness programs, and virtual services, the organization creates a space where guests can focus on their emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being while surrounded by compassion and community. Mary’s Place by the Sea offers supportive programs designed to nourish the mind, body, and soul, helping women feel less alone during their cancer journey and providing opportunities to connect with others who understand their experience. Readers can support its mission by making a donation, volunteering their time, attending fundraising events, contributing needed supplies, or helping provide retreats and services that bring comfort, hope, and healing to women facing cancer.
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Mercy Center
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Mercy Center is a registered nonprofit social services organization serving individuals and families in Asbury Park and surrounding communities, with a mission to help neighbors overcome socioeconomic challenges and build brighter futures. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy, the organization provides a range of support services, including emergency assistance through its food pantry, clothing and personal care programs, and temporary utility assistance. Through its Family Resource Center, Mercy Center also offers advocacy, support, and community resources for vulnerable families, while its Sisters Academy of New Jersey provides a tuition-free independent middle school for girls focused on education and breaking the cycle of poverty. Readers can support its mission by making a donation, volunteering, contributing needed supplies, attending fundraising events, or helping provide resources and opportunities for local families and students.
Monmouth County SPCA
Monmouth County SPCA serves Monmouth County and surrounding Jersey Shore communities, providing animal rescue, sheltering, adoption services, cruelty prevention efforts, and humane education programs. In addition to helping pets find loving homes through its adoption and foster programs, the organization also supports local animals and pet owners through humane law enforcement assistance and community pet support initiatives. Those looking to get involved can foster animals, volunteer their time, donate needed supplies, attend fundraising events, or help sponsor veterinary care for animals in need.
Surfrider Foundation Jersey Shore Chapter
The Surfrider Foundation’s Jersey Shore Chapter is a nonprofit environmental organization serving coastal communities along the Jersey Shore, with a mission focused on protecting oceans, waves, and beaches through conservation, advocacy, and community action. The local chapter works on issues including clean water, beach access, coastal preservation, and reducing pollution through programs such as beach cleanups, water-quality monitoring, environmental advocacy campaigns, and community education. Readers can support its efforts by joining beach cleanups and volunteer events, becoming a member, making a donation, attending educational programs, or getting involved in local campaigns that help protect the Shore’s coastal environment.
The Arc of Monmouth
The Arc of Monmouth is a nonprofit organization serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families throughout Monmouth County. The organization works to promote inclusion, independence, and opportunities for people with disabilities through a variety of programs, including residential services, employment support, family resources, recreation programs, and community-based initiatives. Through advocacy and direct services, The Arc of Monmouth helps individuals build skills, connect with their communities, and pursue their personal goals. Readers can support its mission by volunteering, making a donation, attending fundraising events, or partnering with the organization to create employment opportunities and support inclusive workplaces.
The Center in Asbury Park
The Center in Asbury Park is a volunteer-based nonprofit organization that has been supporting individuals and families in Monmouth and Ocean counties since 1992. Located in Asbury Park, the organization provides vital services for people living with HIV/AIDS and other at-risk community members, including housing assistance, nutritional support, healthcare navigation, and access to community resources. Through its programs and partnerships, The Center works to improve quality of life, promote stability, and ensure neighbors have access to the care and support they need. Readers can support its mission by making a donation, volunteering, attending fundraising events, contributing needed supplies, or sharing professional skills that can help expand its services.
YMCA of the Jersey Shore
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YMCA of the Jersey Shore is a nonprofit organization serving communities throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties with a focus on youth development, healthy living, and community support. Through programs designed to strengthen individuals and families, the organization provides opportunities for children, teens, adults, and seniors through youth programs, health and wellness initiatives, community resources, and recreational activities. The YMCA’s work centers around creating welcoming spaces where people of all ages can learn new skills, stay active, and build connections with their neighbors. Readers can support its mission by making a donation, volunteering, participating in community programs, attending fundraising events, or helping provide access to YMCA programs for local families.
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