Upper Clinton Hill in Newark’s South Ward is a vibrant community where culture thrives through its artists, murals, and legendary music and comedy scenes.
Thriving Neighborhoods Initiative
All of our work at the Victoria Foundation flows
through the Thriving Neighborhoods Initiative.
We partner in the neighborhoods of Fairmount Heights, Lower Broadway, and Upper Clinton Hill – communities with immense cultural pride and powerful work already underway; where we have trusting, longstanding relationships.
In 2024, we kicked off the renewed effort with nearly $2.5 million in grants to core partners with deep neighborhood presence, supporting systemic change through our strategic priority areas: Strengthening Community Power, Fostering Economic Justice, and Promoting Youth Self-Determination.
Since 2025, we’ve gathered with community members, nonprofit organizations, and partners for a series of sessions focused on deep listening and learning across the Thriving Neighborhoods Initiative neighborhoods, with learning grants to support these activities and the expertise of the people and organizations we are tapping.
With a rich tapestry of cultural complexity and a dedicated focus on economic prosperity, Upper Clinton Hill exemplifies resilience and innovation that is rooted in community priorities. The neighborhood boasts local control of its school district, indicative of a community invested in the future of its youth.
Victoria Foundation’s investment builds on these strengths, enhancing local prosperity and unity, and addressing the community’s priorities to unlock further investments from key partners.
When Victoria Foundation kicked off the Thriving Neighborhoods Initiative, we held a series of conversations with our neighbors in each community. The energy in the room was electric as residents, both familiar and new, came together to share their hopes and ideas for the neighborhood. Their insights reinforced a simple truth: people want to be connected, they want community, and they are ready to work together to make it happen.
8
Meetings
255
Participants
“Victoria Foundation is no stranger in leading bold, innovative new approaches to long-standing challenges facing the city. We are excited to help the Foundation write its next chapter as we focus on resident power-building and collaboration to drive sustainable change in the Clinton Hill neighborhood.”
– Khaatim Sherrer El, Executive Director, Clinton Hill Community Action