N.J. Governor’s Foundation Continues Grants, Despite Critics

The governor of New Jersey continues to give money through his private foundation, despite coming under criticism for some of his gifts, reports The Star-Ledger.

The Jon S. Corzine Foundation has awarded $45-million in grants over the past eight years to support the arts, black churches, health care, Jewish organizations, and urban groups. The foundation’s 2006 tax return shows it gave $4.3-million.

The governor’s support of black churches has drawn the most criticism, with accusations that donations have garnered campaign endorsements.

But Mr. Corzine’s press secretary says the governor’s gifts show a pattern of consistent and appropriate support: “I think it’s fair to say these are the causes that are important to him. I don’t think that’s changed, she said. “This is the pattern that you see throughout the years.”