For Immediate Release
New York, NY — October 1st
Ascendus announced today that it has received a $15,000 grant from the OceanFirst Foundation to support its programmatic work in New York. This investment will strengthen Ascendus’ ability to provide one-on-one financial coaching, small business lending, and advanced impact measurement tools to entrepreneurs working to build credit, stabilize operations, and move their businesses forward.
On October 1st, representatives from OceanFirst Bank — including Kathy Durante, Head of OceanFirst Foundation; Stephanie Toal, Communications and Marketing; and Christopher Curcia, Market Manager — visited Ascendus in New York. The visit marked the delivery of the grant and the start of a new relationship between OceanFirst and Ascendus.
OceanFirst made its first grant to Ascendus in 2023. With this new commitment, the bank has continued its support for small business initiatives in New York.
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About Ascendus
For over 30 years, Ascendus has empowered small business owners as a national CDFI rooted in local communities. Through fair access to capital and personalized financial coaching, we help entrepreneurs achieve lasting financial health and build resilient businesses.
We have delivered over $420 million in financial support to more than 56,000 entrepreneurs—many from historically underserved communities. From corner bakeries in the Bronx to beauty salons in Miami, we’ve walked alongside small business owners as they transform their businesses, their households, and their communities.
At Ascendus, we support every step of the journey of financial ascension—together, for all.
Learn more: ascendus.org
About OceanFirst Foundation
Since its founding in 1902, OceanFirst Bank has built a solid reputation and legacy as a good neighbor and responsible corporate citizen. The Banks strong commitment to helping families, organizations, schools and communities throughout central and southern New Jersey has spanned generations reaching new heights in 1996 with the creation of OceanFirst Foundation. Made possible by a one-time endowment of $13.4 Million approved by OceanFirst Bank depositors, OceanFirst Foundation provides grants to nonprofits that meet community needs within the OceanFirst Bank footprint. Since inception, the Foundation has awarded more than $39 million in areas including Housing, Youth Development and Education, Health and Wellness, and the Arts.
Learn more at www.oceanfirstfdn.org.