Jersey City’s Newport celebrates 40th anniversary with $1 million philanthropy initiative to support 40 Jersey City non-profits

Jersey City, NJ Marking four decades of investment in Jersey City, the Newport Associates Development Company — a partnership of the LeFrak and Simon families — have made known a major philanthropic initiative to celebrate the 40^th anniversary of Newport, a live-work-play community on the waterfront. LeFrak and Simon will donate $1 million in charitable contributions to 40 Jersey City-based non-profits, underscoring their long-standing and continued commitment to the community.

Through the initiative, Newport will award grants to dozens of Jersey City-based nonprofit organizations, with funding ranging from a minimum of $10,000 to cornerstone awards of $100,000 or more. Eligible nonprofits may apply online between February 25 and April 10, 2026, at www.newportnj.com/newport40.

“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,” said James LeFrak, vice chairman of LeFrak. “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. These awards are in addition to our ongoing annual planned giving, which remains a core part of how we engage with the community.”

“At a time when public resources are increasingly strained, partnerships with responsible private sector leaders like Newport are more important than ever,” said mayor James Solomon. “Newport’s 40^th anniversary philanthropy initiative reflects a deep commitment to Jersey City and a clear understanding of the moment we’re in. I’m grateful for their continued investment in our community and for stepping up to support the organizations that serve our residents every day.”

Once derelict industrial land along the Jersey City waterfront, Newport, under the stewardship of LeFrak and Simon, has transformed more than 600 acres into a mixed-use community. Today, Newport is home to 20,000 residents, supports 50,000 workers, and welcomes millions of visitors each year. Over the past 40 years, abandoned rail yards and heavy industry have given way to 25 residential buildings, eight office towers, two hotels, and the Newport Centre Mall. Complementing this development, Newport has delivered nearly 20 acres of public park space and a mile of the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway — anchored by Jaume Plensa’s Water’s Soul sculpture — creating accessible, world-class public spaces along the Hudson River. 

“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,” said David Simon, chairman and CEO of Simon Property Group.

Governor Mikie Sherrill said, “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. This philanthropy initiative, on their 40^th anniversary, reflects the same long-standing commitment to Jersey City and New Jersey that has guided Newport from the beginning.”

The early success of Newport spurred essential state and regional investments in mass transit infrastructure, which continue to benefit the region today. Additionally, Newport made foundational investments in major utilities that paved the way for further housing, office, and retail development across Jersey City’s waterfront neighborhoods. Together, these investments created lasting economic engines that have supported both the city and the state. Over the past 40 years, Newport has generated tens of millions of dollars in local tax revenue and hundreds of millions in state tax revenue.

U.S. representative Rob Menendez praised Newport’s history of philanthropic leadership: “Congratulations to Newport on 40 years of philanthropy and supporting nonprofits in our communities. Development should always go hand-in-hand with true investment in our communities. Such investments are not possible without supporting the local organizations that provide assistance to those who need it most, and we are appreciative of Newport’s continuing philanthropic work in Jersey City to fulfill this important principle.”

Hudson County executive Craig Guy noted Newport’s role as an economic engine: “Newport was the catalyst for Jersey City’s transformation into the modern, thriving city it is today. The visionary investments by LeFrak and Simon helped create a model for sustainable, 21^st-century growth. Beyond development, Newport’s role in enhancing mass transit infrastructure has been pivotal for the region, improving connectivity and supporting economic growth throughout Hudson County and beyond. The lasting impact of Newport’s investments continues to shape not only Jersey City but the broader metropolitan area’s future.”

Jersey City Council president Denise Ridley celebrated Newport’s commitments to public spaces and the Jersey City community: “Newport’s decades-long work in Jersey City has been instrumental in revitalizing our waterfront. Through thoughtful investments in housing, parks, and shared public spaces, Newport has played a key role in transforming downtown Jersey City. I am thrilled that they are contributing to local non-profits as part of their celebration. Giving back to the city is an integral part of being a strong community partner.”

The Newport philanthropy initiative will award grants to 40 IRS 501c3 certified organizations that principally and directly serve the Jersey City community. Applications will be submitted online www.newportnj.com/newport40 between February 25 – April 10, 2026. The minimum award will be $10,000. Non-profits may also be eligible for one of several cornerstone awards beginning at $100,000 depending on their record of success in supporting Jersey City community. All the non-profits who receive donations will be invited to the Newport 40^th community awards gala on September 24, 2026, at the Westin Hotel in Jersey City.