Albert Payson Terhune Foundation
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting educational initiatives, particularly in the areas of libraries, journalism, and community programs. Its mission emphasizes the promotion of education and literature, as well as assistance for disadvantaged populations, including children and individuals with disabilities. The foundation primarily funds projects that enhance library resources, support educational programs, and provide community services. It operates mainly within New Jersey, focusing on counties such as Passaic, Essex, and Bergen, and favors projects that memorialize the name of Albert Payson Terhune.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A small to mid‑size nonprofit based in northern New Jersey (Passaic/Essex/Bergen counties) working in education, libraries, youth programs, animal welfare, or projects that memorialize A.P. Terhune.
Good Fit
- • Organization is located in or primarily serves Passaic, Essex, or Bergen counties in New Jersey.
- • Programmatic focus on libraries, educational programming, children/youth services, or animal welfare.
- • Request is for a discrete project or modest program costs consistent with prior grants (typical awards under $5,000).
- • Application is submitted as a detailed mailed letter by the stated annual deadline.
Geography
Giving is heavily concentrated in New Jersey (about 95% of 2024 dollars) with explicit county-level restrictions noted in the application instructions, so the observed footprint is narrowly local/regional.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funded eight distinct, independent recipients in 2024 and supported a wider set across prior years (10–17 recipients), mainly libraries, educational groups and small local charities, indicating a moderate spread of beneficiaries for a micro foundation.
New Applicants
A clear letter-based application route and prior years that included new grantees suggest entry is possible, but 2024 funded only returning recipients and the program appears relationship- and place-focused, so openness to unfamiliar applicants is plausible but not clearly high.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
