Wilhelmina Holder believed that we all have a role to play in changing the world around us. As a Newark resident, education advocate, parent organizer, and co-director of an after-school college access and prep program, her no-nonsense and energizing approach made her a community mom to many. She encouraged those around her to live with purpose and nurture the brilliance of Newark’s youth.
In 2023, The Wilhelmina Holder Student Assistance Emergency Fund was created in honor of her life’s work. The Fund provides emergency support for Newark residents who are currently enrolled in post-secondary programs (including colleges, universities, and certification programs) to support the day-to-day and unexpected costs that financial aid does not cover. The fund is developed, maintained, funded, and distributed by Newark residents who value and embody Ms. Holder’s spirit of aspiring to greatness through postsecondary success and nurturing the community around them through advocacy. These mini grants can help cover the costs of books, fees, supplies, transportation, food and toiletries, housing and any unexpected emergencies that might derail students’ overall chances of earning a post- secondary degree or certificate. In addition to a one-time mini grant, students will benefit from connections to a family of Newark community partners dedicated to providing counseling, workshops, and civic engagement.
If your home address is in Newark, New Jersey, you may apply here.
The Wilhelmina Holder Student Assistance Emergency Fund is made possible by generous donations from Newark community members. A cash gift made with a credit card, check, or wire transfer is the simplest way to give to the Fund.
Click here to donate
Additionally, cash contributions may be made by check payable and mailed to:
Community Foundation of New Jersey
Post Office Box 338
Morristown, New Jersey 07963-0338
All donation checks should be made out to the “Community Foundation of New Jersey/Wilhelmina Holder Student Assistance Fund”
For wiring instructions for cash contributions, please contact: Lydia Gracey at (973) 828-2959 or lgracey@cfnj.org.
If you are a student who is a Newark resident and interested in emergency assistance, please click here. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and awards are given 4 times per year in January, May, August, and November. Students may apply for any amount up to $5,000 and must demonstrate a documented need.