TMF Names New Executive Director, Awards Fall Community Grants December 12, 2025 by eileen December 11, 2025 Kay Sarlin Wright (Photo: Montclair Foundation) The Montclair Foundation (TMF) has announced Kay Sarlin Wright as its new Executive Director. She succeeds Mark E. Packer, who departed earlier this year after five years at the helm. Following a six-month search that attracted a wide range of candidates, Sarlin Wright began her tenure on December 1. “We are delighted to welcome Kay Sarlin Wright as Executive Director of The Montclair Foundation,” said Montclair Foundation Chair Cathy Garrity. “Kay brings invaluable experience from both the private and public sectors and is a very active and dedicated member of our community. We look forward to the new connections she’ll bring.” “I’m honored to serve as the Executive Director of The Montclair Foundation and to continue its legacy of supporting impactful nonprofits and providing access to a world-class public space,” said Sarlin Wright. “As we continue to build on this strong foundation, I am committed to expanding programmatic opportunities and cultivating new connections to the Montclair community.” Sarlin Wright, a Montclair resident, comes to TMF with extensive experience across private and public sectors. Most recently, she led communications for the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY). She has also served as Head of Impact Communications at Audible and held key roles in city and state government, including positions at Empire State Development, the New York City Department of Transportation, and the Department of Consumer Affairs. She holds degrees from Hobart and William Smith Colleges and the Columbia University School of Journalism. Fall 2025 Grants Focus on Food Security, Housing, Mental Health Alongside this leadership transition, TMF announced its Fall 2025 Community Grant awards, supporting 13 nonprofit organizations serving Montclair and neighboring communities. The Foundation prioritized initiatives addressing food insecurity, homelessness, mental health, and well-being, reflecting its ongoing commitment to the most pressing community needs. Recognizing the sustained impact of certain organizations, TMF has committed multi-year, three-year grants to Human Needs Food Pantry and MESH (Montclair Emergency Services for Hope). “Our nonprofit partners are on the front lines every day, ensuring that families have food on the table, neighbors have a safe place to stay, youth have access to vital services, and seniors can age with dignity,” said Peggy Deehan, Grants Committee Chair and Board Member. “We are honored to support their work and to help build a stronger, more connected Montclair.” Fall 2025 Grant Recipients Addressing Food Insecurity City Green Human Needs Food Pantry Montclair Community Farms Toni’s Kitchen Supporting Mental Health & Well-Being Covenant House (Nancy’s Place) KinderSmile Foundation Montclair Gateway to Aging in Place (mGAP) Oaks Integrated Care/COPE We’ve Got Friends Strengthening Housing & Essential Services Family Promise MESH Montclair Helps Montclair Shared Housing Association (The Montclair Inn) A Commitment to Community Strength Through its grantmaking, public programming, and stewardship of Van Vleck House & Gardens, The Montclair Foundation continues to invest in the health and resilience of the local nonprofit landscape. “We see firsthand how deeply our nonprofit partners care about this community,” said Anita Peterson, Chief Development Officer. “Their work is a testament to what can happen when compassion, collaboration, and commitment come together.” TMF will continue its grantmaking in Spring 2026, with applications opening January 14. The Spring grant cycle will focus on education initiatives.
Kay Sarlin Wright (Photo: Montclair Foundation) The Montclair Foundation (TMF) has announced Kay Sarlin Wright as its new Executive Director. She succeeds Mark E. Packer, who departed earlier this year after five years at the helm. Following a six-month search that attracted a wide range of candidates, Sarlin Wright began her tenure on December 1. “We are delighted to welcome Kay Sarlin Wright as Executive Director of The Montclair Foundation,” said Montclair Foundation Chair Cathy Garrity. “Kay brings invaluable experience from both the private and public sectors and is a very active and dedicated member of our community. We look forward to the new connections she’ll bring.” “I’m honored to serve as the Executive Director of The Montclair Foundation and to continue its legacy of supporting impactful nonprofits and providing access to a world-class public space,” said Sarlin Wright. “As we continue to build on this strong foundation, I am committed to expanding programmatic opportunities and cultivating new connections to the Montclair community.” Sarlin Wright, a Montclair resident, comes to TMF with extensive experience across private and public sectors. Most recently, she led communications for the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY). She has also served as Head of Impact Communications at Audible and held key roles in city and state government, including positions at Empire State Development, the New York City Department of Transportation, and the Department of Consumer Affairs. She holds degrees from Hobart and William Smith Colleges and the Columbia University School of Journalism. Fall 2025 Grants Focus on Food Security, Housing, Mental Health Alongside this leadership transition, TMF announced its Fall 2025 Community Grant awards, supporting 13 nonprofit organizations serving Montclair and neighboring communities. The Foundation prioritized initiatives addressing food insecurity, homelessness, mental health, and well-being, reflecting its ongoing commitment to the most pressing community needs. Recognizing the sustained impact of certain organizations, TMF has committed multi-year, three-year grants to Human Needs Food Pantry and MESH (Montclair Emergency Services for Hope). “Our nonprofit partners are on the front lines every day, ensuring that families have food on the table, neighbors have a safe place to stay, youth have access to vital services, and seniors can age with dignity,” said Peggy Deehan, Grants Committee Chair and Board Member. “We are honored to support their work and to help build a stronger, more connected Montclair.” Fall 2025 Grant Recipients Addressing Food Insecurity City Green Human Needs Food Pantry Montclair Community Farms Toni’s Kitchen Supporting Mental Health & Well-Being Covenant House (Nancy’s Place) KinderSmile Foundation Montclair Gateway to Aging in Place (mGAP) Oaks Integrated Care/COPE We’ve Got Friends Strengthening Housing & Essential Services Family Promise MESH Montclair Helps Montclair Shared Housing Association (The Montclair Inn) A Commitment to Community Strength Through its grantmaking, public programming, and stewardship of Van Vleck House & Gardens, The Montclair Foundation continues to invest in the health and resilience of the local nonprofit landscape. “We see firsthand how deeply our nonprofit partners care about this community,” said Anita Peterson, Chief Development Officer. “Their work is a testament to what can happen when compassion, collaboration, and commitment come together.” TMF will continue its grantmaking in Spring 2026, with applications opening January 14. The Spring grant cycle will focus on education initiatives.
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