BUSINESS BRIEFS

The Provident Bank Foundation has announced a request for proposals (RFP) for a $100,000 grant open to nonprofits located within Provident Bank’s service area that offer community enrichment programs that drive economic development, contribute to a more well-rounded community experience and provide increased access to information and specialized learning opportunities.

This RFP is geared toward the first of up to three $100,000 Signature grants — one in each of its three funding priority areas of community enrichment, education and health, and youth and families — that the foundation will make in 2015.

Organizations that meet the criteria are invited to submit a letter of inquiry to the foundation via its website by Feb. 16. The letters of inquiry will be reviewed by the foundation’s team, which will inform grantees as to whether they are invited to proceed with an application. Organizations will receive constructive feedback as to why their project is ineligible for funding or, when appropriate, how to strengthen their request.

Once approved to proceed, the grantee applicant is invited to complete a full, detailed application by April 1.

The foundation will notify applicants of the results on April 27.

Additional details are available at www.providentnjfoundation.org/Site/rfps.as px.

The Monmouth-Ocean County Dental Society will promote good oral hygiene and dental awareness in honor of National Children’s Dental Health Month in February by sponsoring a poster contest for all fourththrough eighth-grade students in both counties.

A free Children’s Dental Health Month Fair will take place 1-3 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Ocean County Mall and the Monmouth Mall. Posters will be on display, and contest winners will receive awards.

Local dentists and staff members will provide information and answer questions. Representatives from organizations such as the local health department and vocational school will also be present.

There will be entertainment, contests with prizes, and giveaways.

For more information, contact Dr. Miriam T. Furlong at Jackson Orthodontics, 186 West Veterans Highway, Jackson, at 732-942-8400 or at [email protected]; or visit www.m-ocds.org.