Help Us Help Others

What People Are Saying

“On behalf of the YMCA Union County, we would like to thank you and your volunteer staff for hosting a Cookies & Cocoa Party for the children in our residential programs on January 14, 2017. The families had a wonderful time at the event. The Build-A-Bears made the day extra special for all the children. Thank you for thinking of the families we serve.”

YMCA Union County

“On behalf of our womens shelter, we deeply appreciate the William J. Dowdy Foundation participating in our Adopt-A-Room Program. Through your efforts, you have made Room #7 warmer and more welcoming to a woman as she flees domestic violence. Please know that your act of kindness will bring comfort to a survivor staying in our emergency shelter as she begins the healing process.”

Women's Shelter

“I want to thank the William J. Dowdy Foundation for awarding me the $1,000.00 Maldine C. Dowdy Scholarship Award. Knowing that there are people who have a sincere interest in the education of young students in the greater Newark area is really gratifying. Because the William J. Dowdy Foundation is helping me achieve my goals, I will ensure that I will do the same for other students in my neighborhood.”

Chinedum Christine Nwaigwe

Dartmouth College Class of 2019

Our Organization

The William J. Dowdy Foundation is a 501c (3) tax-exempt, non-profit organization established in 2006. Our primary objective is to provide children in the greater Newark, NJ area increased opportunities for exposure in the areas of the arts and culture, science and athletics. Furthermore, we look to empower our youth by providing scholarship benefits to assist in laying a strong foundation for their future. Our organization is working diligently to provide the financial opportunities necessary for their success.

How We've Helped

  • To date, the William J. Dowdy Foundation has raised over $125,000 towards college scholarships and community programs. Here are some of the schools attended by our past scholarship winners:

  • College of New Jersey
    Dartmouth College
    Drew University
    Emory University
    Haverford College
    Howard University
    Lehigh University
    New York University
    Penn State University
    Ramapo College of New Jersey
    Rowan University
    Rutgers University
    Seton Hall University
    University of Pennsylvania

  • We know with your help we can do a lot more to assist the needs of these children and others in the greater Newark area.

Raising Community Awareness

Each year, the foundation holds several activities to support our children. Our largest fundraiser, the William J. Dowdy Foundation Charity Golf Outing, hosts over 100 golfers annually for a day of fabulous golf play alongside networking with friends, colleagues and business associates. We also hold our annual Easter Egg Hunt in the spring and numerous other events during the year for the purpose of raising awareness of the foundation as well as funds.