Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mission of the Fund?

HK Community Fund is a community focused 501(C)(3) charitable institution assisting with the important educational and cultural elements of the Maplewood/South Orange community, including the support of organizations that have insufficient financial support to carry out their mandates.

The Community is the focus of everything the Fund attempts to accomplish. Any and all members of the community should be able to feel like they belong, i.e., to enjoy that warm and secure feeling that they are part of group that share some connection. People who are active participants in a religion have this feeling as do most of us when we ban together after a disaster of some kind such as 9/11 or Katina. The element that is present that invokes this communal feeling is a common cause, a common goal, or a sense of togetherness and community. The Fund seeks to make the well being of the community itself that common cause.

Does HKCF serve more than one community?

HK Community Fund, Inc. was set up to serve multiple communities. The original chapter was formed to serve the New Jersey community of Maplewood/South Orange, but as the Fund grows we expect other chapters to form that will serve their respective communities.

What types of community service opportunities are available?

The purpose of the Teenage Volunteer program is to provide an opportunity for local teenagers to be involved in the different organizations and events within their communities. The types of community service opportunities are unlimited. However, typical community service activities will include: volunteering to assist with cultural events such as concerts, plays and festivals, assisting local charitable organizations, volunteering at local food banks and shelters, community clubs such as garden clubs and chambers of commerce and many others.

Is HKCF involved with local politics? Educational curriculum?

No. The Fund operates by adhering to the following philosophy: “The Community Knows Best!” When assisting the members of a community, the Fund will not take a position on the community’s political system, budgetary priorities, school curriculum choices or its laws. It is the goal of the Fund to operate within these guidelines to assist the members of the community.

The Fund will not, however, engage in, or assist, any activity where the Board of Trustees believes doing so would violate the spirit or mission of the Fund, or the civil liberties or rights of any person. In addition, the Fund will not engage in any activity that the Board of Trustees believes is a violation of any federal, state, or local law, ordinance or regulation.

What does “HK” stand for?

When deciding on a name, the founder, Tom Kerns, wanted something that was generic enough that it would not be associated with just one community, but diverse enough that it would not be confused with the names of other organizations. H & K are the initials of Tom’s and his wife’s, (Jeanmarie Hargrave), last names. These names are also the hyphenated last names of their children, “Hargrave-Kerns”. So the name HK Community Fund serves two purposes: provides a unique brand name and is a tribute to the founder’s children.

How do I sign up to be a volunteer?

Currently you can sign up by emailing us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). In the very near future we will be updating the web site to have an on-line volunteer registration.

If I donate to the Fund, how will these funds be used?

It is anticipated that approximately 95% of all donated funds will go towards the charitable programs of the fund. These include: the education initiatives including the HK Community Fund Scholarship programs, supporting local culture and artistic events, supporting the teenage programs and maintaining an emergency relief fund for members of the community who may need emergency services. The remaining amount (approximately 5%) will go towards the administration of the fund.