Newport Waterfront Celebrates 40 Years with $1 Million in Grants to 40 Jersey City Non-Profits

The LeFrak and Simon families are donating $1 million to support local organizations as part of Newport's 40th anniversary milestone.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Newport neighborhood in Jersey City, the developers behind the waterfront community - the LeFrak and Simon families - are donating $1 million to 40 local non-profit organizations. The funds will be awarded at a special community ceremony in September 2026, with a minimum grant of $10,000 and potential for $100,000 cornerstone grants.

Why it matters

The Newport development has transformed Jersey City's waterfront over the past four decades, driving major public and private investments that have fueled economic growth across the region. This philanthropic initiative reflects the developers' long-term commitment to the city and its residents, providing critical support to local non-profits at a time of strained public resources.

The details

What was once an abandoned industrial area along the Hudson River is now a thriving mixed-use community with 8 office towers, a mall, 20 acres of public parks, 25 residential buildings, and 2 hotels. The $1 million in grants will be distributed to 40 IRS-certified 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that directly serve the Jersey City community. The application window is open until April 10, 2026.

  • Newport was first developed over 40 years ago.
  • The 40th anniversary community awards ceremony will be held on September 24, 2026.
  • The application window for the $1 million in grants is open until April 10, 2026.

The players

Newport Associates Development Company

A partnership between the LeFrak and Simon families that has overseen the development of the Newport neighborhood in Jersey City over the past four decades.

James LeFrak

Vice Chairman of LeFrak, one of the development partners behind Newport.

David Simon

Chairman and CEO of Simon Property Group, the other development partner behind Newport.

James Solomon

Mayor of Jersey City.

Mikie Sherrill

Governor of New Jersey.

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What they’re saying

“As we mark 40 years in Jersey City, we're proud to reaffirm the commitment that has defined Newport from the very beginning – investing not only in buildings and public spaces, but in the people and institutions that make a city thrive. This $1 million philanthropy initiative will further strengthen our neighborhood, serve the community, and help ensure the city's continued success for generations to come.”

— James LeFrak, Vice Chairman of LeFrak (jerseydigs.com)

“We're proud of our long-standing investment in Jersey City, where Newport has created meaningful economic opportunities, inclusive places to gather, and a sense of civic pride. This philanthropy initiative is our way to say thank you to the city and its people.”

— David Simon, Chairman and CEO of Simon Property Group (jerseydigs.com)

“At a time when public resources are increasingly strained, partnerships with responsible private sector leaders like Newport are more important than ever. Newport's 40th anniversary philanthropy initiative reflects a deep commitment to Jersey City and a clear understanding of the moment we're in.”

— James Solomon, Mayor of Jersey City (jerseydigs.com)

“Newport has demonstrated what is possible when a long-term vision, private investment, and public purpose come together. From reclaiming dilapidated land to creating a thriving, inclusive community, Newport has helped move Jersey City forward.”

— Mikie Sherrill, Governor of New Jersey (jerseydigs.com)

What’s next

The application window for the $1 million in grants is open until April 10, 2026. The 40 non-profit recipients will be announced at a special Newport 40th community awards ceremony on September 24, 2026.

The takeaway

This philanthropic initiative by the developers of Jersey City's Newport neighborhood demonstrates the power of public-private partnerships to drive long-term, sustainable growth and community investment. By supporting local non-profits, the LeFrak and Simon families are ensuring the benefits of the Newport development are felt across the entire Jersey City community.