By Andrew Martins, Managing Editor
Several local non-profit organizations were recently awarded thousands of dollars in grant money, thanks to the Hillsborough Rewards Visa Credit Card Program.
Totaling $11,910.80, the grants that were given out during the Oct. 25 Township Committee meeting pushed the program’s total raised and donated funds count since its creation to over $60,000.
“We are able to continue this program as a result of the usage of the Affinity Hillsborough Reward Credit Card,” Mayor Frank DelCore said. “By using the card, you personally earn rewards and the grant fund earns rewards which accumulates and allows these grants to be issued to so many deserving organizations.”
Officials said the Hillsborough Rewards Visa Credit Card Program is conducted at no cost to taxpayers and is run through the not-for-profit Affinity Federal Credit Union, which is headquartered in Basking Ridge. Funds for the grants are raised through the use of the Hillsborough Visa Credit Card, since Affinity gives back a portion of the charge every time the credit card is used.
Patrick McDermott, assistant vice president of business development for Affinity, said the program was “very simple” in nature.
“Everyone of us has a piece of plastic in their wallet,” Mr. McDermott said. “My goal for the next 10 and 20 years is to keep this a very sustainable program…I expect we will be doing this for a very long time.”
The resulting grants are solely disbursed to non-profit local youth and senior citizen groups. The Township Credit Card Advisory Committee selects which organizations are chosen to receive the funds, though the committee has final approval.
Spring Reins of Life, a non-profit that utilizes horses to help combat veterans dealing with mental issues like post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as at-risk and homeless teens, received funding.
The Hillsborough Soccer Club received funding for new nets and sandbags. Safe + Sound Somerset received funding for capital improvements at their facility, while GiGi’s Playhouse received grant funds for a new tent for public events. The Hillsborough Senior Center received $1,000 for a new television.
Boy Scout Troop 489 received camping and cooking gear, while Boy Scout Troop 1776 received a laptop for their Pinewood Derby and the Cub Scout Pack 89 will receive new canopies, a new flag and a new sound system.
The Hillsborough Rockettes and Rocket will receive $1,900 for new costumes and a new sound system.
“I encourage everyone to engage, to control your destiny a little bit, get involved and reward your community through daily transactions,” Mr. McDermott said.
During the meeting, Mayor DelCore said the township recently re-entered into an agreement with the Affinity Federal Credit Union to allow for the program’s continuation.
“Thank you to all of the current cardholders utilizing their cards and we encourage all residents to obtain and use the Affinity Hillsborough Rewards Visa Credit Card so this program can continue to grow,” Mayor DelCore said. “It’s an easy way one can give back to our community while earning rewards at the same time.”
For information on how to get a card, call 800-325-0808 or stop at the credit union’s Hillsborough branch at in the Hillsborough Promenade off Route 206.
Recreation groups can apply for the spoils of the program. The next grants will be awarded in the fall. See information on the township website at hillsborough-nj.org.
