OceanFirst Foundation recently awarded $150,000 in grants to 18 local organizations, including Manasquan’s Algonquin Arts Theatre, through the 2009 Arts and Cultural Grant program.

Grants ranged from $1,000 to $15,000 and will provide general operating support.

Grant recipients were selected based on criteria including artistic excellence or the ability to enhance cultural richness within the OceanFirst service area; a broad benefit to the community; potential to increase participation in arts and cultural programs among under-served populations; collaboration with other community organizations that maximizes opportunities to reach larger and more diverse audiences and patrons; a fiscal and managerial ability to implement programming; and a successful track record of presenting programs and activities.

“Supporting local arts and cultural organizations is key to the growth and development of our economy, particularly here on the Jersey Shore where tourism is so important to maintaining the health and vitality of communities,” commented John R. Garbarino, chairman, president and chief executive officer of OceanFirst Bank and chairman of the OceanFirst Foundation.

“Each of the organizations awarded a grant have proven that they are a positive catalyst for bringing people and neighborhoods together while providing enriching arts and cultural opportunities for people of all ages,” Mr. Garbarino added.

Algonquin Arts was founded in 1992 as a nonprofit organization to provide cultural enrichment and educational enhancement of the highest quality for the residents of New Jersey’s central region.

Programming of Algonquin Arts is made possible as a result of the continued philanthropic support of private citizens and organizations, such as New Jersey State Council on the Arts, OceanFirst Foundation, New Jersey Cultural Trust, Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, PNC Foundation, Manasquan Savings Bank, Woman’s Club of Brielle, Bank of America, Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation, Investors Savings Bank Charitable Fund, Verizon Foundation, Janice & Jules Plangere III, as well as many generous individuals and local businesses.

Besides Algonquin Arts, the following organizations also received awards through the Arts and Cultural Grant program — Allaire Village, Farmingdale; Brick Children’s Community Theatre, Brick; Count Basie Theatre, Red Bank; Festival of the Atlantic, Brick; Garden State Philharmonic, Brick; Joseph P. Hayes Theatre, Beach Haven; Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences, Loveladies; Monmouth County Arts Council, Red Bank; Monmouth Museum and Cultural Center, Lincroft; New Jersey Museum of Boating, Bay Head; Ocean County Artists’ Guild, Island Heights; Ocean County Historical Society, Toms River; Ocean County Library Foundation, Toms River; Pine Shores Art Association, Manahawkin; Spring Lake Shakespeare in the Park, Spring Lake; Strand Ventures, Lakewood; and Two River Theater Company, Red Bank.

Founded in 1996, OceanFirst Foundation is the first foundation in the nation to be established by a bank as part of an initial public offering.

In 2008, OceanFirst Foundation donated approximately $1.8 million to community initiatives. OceanFirst Foundation has contributed nearly $20 million to over 600 local charities in Ocean, Monmouth and Middlesex counties since its inception. Its four priorities include housing, health and wellness, improving the quality of life, and youth development and education.

For more information about OceanFirst Foundation and the Arts and Cultural Grant Program, visit www.oceanfirstfdn.org or call 732-341-4676.