Giving Tuesday, December 1, 2026, is an opportunity to celebrate generosity and support the causes that make our region stronger. The Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce encourages residents, businesses and visitors to give locally—and recognize the lasting difference that donations, volunteer service and community participation can make.

Coastal resilience means more than preparing for storms. It also means helping families remain stable, protecting natural resources, expanding educational opportunities and sustaining the cultural institutions that bring people together. A thriving coastal community depends on both a healthy environment and a strong network of people ready to support one another. 

Give where you live. Together, we can support healthier families, protect our coastal heritage and build a more connected, resilient Southern Ocean County. The following nonprofits, educational institutions and community resources contribute to that shared strength in distinct and meaningful ways:

Habitat for Humanity of Southern Ocean County: Helps families build stability through access to safe, decent and affordable housing. hfhsoc.wixstudio.com

Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh, Ocean County: Celebrates Irish heritage while supporting local charities through fundraising, community events and outreach. oceanfsos.org

Community Foundation of South Jersey: Connects donors with community needs and manages charitable funds that support lasting improvements throughout the region. www.communityfoundationsj.org

Reynolds Family Foundation: Funds practical, caring responses to local concerns, including health and welfare needs, emergencies, homelessness and scholarships. www.reynoldsfamilyfoundation.org

Southern Ocean Medical Center Foundation: Raises support for hospital programs, equipment and services that strengthen care for local patients and families. www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org

Jewish Community Center of Long Beach Island: Provides a year-round gathering place for Jewish religious life, educational programs, cultural activities and community connections. jccoflbi.org

Lighthouse Center for Natural Resource Education / Natural Resource Education Foundation of New Jersey: Promotes environmental stewardship through hands-on learning about Barnegat Bay and its coastal habitats. naturalresourceeducationfoundation.org

Lighthouse International Film Festival: Connects audiences and filmmakers through independent cinema, diverse perspectives and conversations that encourage understanding. www.lighthouseff.com

Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts + Sciences: Enriches community life through arts programming, science education and experiences that connect people with the coastal environment. lbifoundation.org

Long Beach Island Historical Association and Museum: Preserves and shares LBI’s history through artifacts, archives, exhibits and educational programs. www.lbihistoricalmuseum.org

New Jersey Maritime Museum: Preserves maritime artifacts and supports research and public education about New Jersey’s maritime history. njmaritimemuseum.org

Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen’s Museum: Keeps Jersey Shore maritime traditions, artistry, heritage and environmental knowledge alive through exhibits and community programs. tuckertonseaport.org

Barnegat Bay Maritime Museum, Toms River: Preserves the maritime heritage of Toms River and Barnegat Bay through historic watercraft, collections and boat restoration. www.barnegatbaymaritimemuseum.org

Murray Grove Retreat and Renewal Center: Offers an inclusive setting for rest, learning and connection through hospitality, the arts, nature and social justice. murraygrove.org

New Jersey Coastal Coalition: Helps shore communities address flooding and build resilience through shared expertise, policies and practical solutions. njcoastalcoalition.com

Scouting America, Jersey Shore Council: Builds young people’s leadership, citizenship, confidence and practical skills through outdoor experiences and community involvement. www.jerseyshorescouts.org

Save Barnegat Bay: Protects Barnegat Bay and its watershed through environmental education, advocacy and community outreach. savebarnegatbay.org

Soroptimist International of Long Beach Island: Helps women and girls pursue economic empowerment through education awards, career-focused programs and community support. www.sioflbi.org

St. Francis Community Center: Serves residents through counseling, food assistance, childcare, senior services, educational opportunities and recreation. www.stfranciscenterlbi.org

St. Mary Academy: Provides Catholic school education in Manahawkin, contributing to the region’s educational community. dioceseoftrenton.org

Stafford Township Historical Society: Preserves and interprets Stafford’s history, historic places and cultural heritage for residents and future generations. www.staffordnj.gov

Strong Grounds Foundation: Supports children’s and families’ well-being through movement, confidence-building and lifelong healthy habits. stronggrounds.us

The Super Hero’s Social Club: Helps teens and young adults with disabilities build social skills and lasting friendships while connecting their caregivers. thesuperherossocialclub.org

FACES 4 Autism: Provides education, resources and social opportunities that support autistic individuals, their families and a more inclusive community. faces4autism.org

David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation: Offers financial assistance, wellness resources and patient support to New Jersey families affected by cancer. davidsdreamandbelieve.org

Brody’s Crew: Honors Brody John Peak’s memory by helping Ocean County families facing pediatric cancer with everyday needs, including groceries, gas and comfort items. brodyscrew.com

The Wildcat Shack: Teaches service and compassion through community engagement while providing practical assistance to local individuals and families facing hardship. business.visitlbiregion.com

WWN Educational Radio Corporation / WBNJ 91.9 FM: Provides volunteer-powered nonprofit radio programming and free public service announcements for local organizations and events. wbnj.org

The Maximilian Foundation: Supports youth prevention programs that strengthen character, confidence and life skills to help young people make healthier choices. themaximilianfoundation.org

Sea Change Recovery Community Organization: Provides peer recovery support, harm reduction services and community education for people and families affected by substance use. seachangerco.org

Surflight Theatre: Presents professional live theatre while training emerging performers and technicians and inspiring audiences of all ages. Surflight

Stafford Township Arts Center (STAC), Stafford Township Board of Education: Provides a performing arts venue for student events, community gatherings and cultural experiences serving the surrounding region. stacnj.com

Albert Music Hall: Preserves Pinelands cultural heritage through live bluegrass, country, folk, Americana and traditional music, sustained by volunteers. alberthall.org

Lizzie Rose Music Room: Brings audiences and musicians together through intimate live performances at a volunteer-run nonprofit venue in Tuckerton.Lizzie Rose Music Room  

Ma Deuce Deuce (MA22): Connects military veterans with supportive activities, resources and no-cost restorative programs to reduce isolation and address challenges related to PTSD and other disabilities. Ma Deuce Deuce

Meals on Wheels of Ocean County: Delivers nutritious meals, wellness checks and friendly connections that help older adults maintain independence and remain in their homes. Meals on Wheels of Ocean County

HOPE Sheds Light: Provides addiction education, family support and recovery resources that bring hope, strengthen connections and encourage long-term recovery. hopeshedslight.org

Family Promise of the Jersey Shore: Helps local families overcome homelessness and work toward the security and stability of a home. Housing Help in New Jersey

Community Options: Develops housing and employment supports that help people with disabilities build independence and participate in community life. 

Find all of our members and resources online. The Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce and its charitable affiliate Southern Ocean Chamber Association celebrates the staff, volunteers, educators, artists, experts and donors whose commitment strengthens our region throughout the year.