Wealthy Wishes: New Jerseyans’ Top Philanthropic Cause Is Protecting the Jersey Shore’s Coastal Ecosystems, Finds Survey

• Survey asks New Jerseyans which cause they would support if they became wealthy.
• Other choices included enhancing the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, and supporting the revitalization of historic Asbury Park.
• Infographic showing survey results. 

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Sandy Hook NJ, Many billionaires turn to philanthropy after stepping away from the businesses that built their fortunes. But for the average New Jerseyan, that reality often feels out of reach. Most people simply don’t have the financial resources or time to support the causes they care about. But what if that changed overnight? If they suddenly became wealthy, how many would choose to give back to their communities rather than lead a life of luxury?

LotteryTexts set out to explore this question, surveying 3,000 ‘everyday’ people to discover which local causes they would support if they had the means. The study offers a heartwarming glimpse into the aspirations of people across the nation, showing a strong desire to give back when given the opportunity.

New Jerseyans’ top 3 causes they would support were:

#1 Protecting the Jersey Shore’s Coastal Ecosystems
The Jersey Shore is a vital part of the state’s identity. New Jerseyans polled said theyir number one cause would be to invest in protecting beaches and wetlands, supporting sustainable tourism, and funding programs to educate the public about coastal conservation.

#2 Enhancing the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City
The Liberty Science Center is a major educational attraction, and New Jerseyans said they would invest in expanding its exhibits, funding STEM education programs, and creating initiatives to make science accessible to underserved communities.

#3 Supporting the Revitalization of Historic Asbury Park
Asbury Park has a unique cultural and musical history, and residents’ wealth would go towards restoring historic venues like the Stone Pony, support local artists and musicians, and develop tourism initiatives to celebrate the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Some of the other standout findings from across the country include:

Californians would want to direct their wealth to fund conservation efforts for redwood and sequoia forests, support sustainable tourism, and develop educational programs that teach about the ecological importance of these ancient trees.

Montanans leaned toward preserving traditional Native American languages and customs, by supporting cultural centers and educational programs that celebrate indigenous heritage.

In New Hampshire, where small historic towns abound, locals said they would focus on restoring historic buildings, bolstering local businesses, and developing tourism initiatives that highlight the state’s colonial past.

Michiganders, proud of their state’s abundance of lighthouses, said their top priority would be to restore these historic structures. They also emphasized supporting lighthouse tourism and funding educational programs about the role of lighthouses in guiding ships on the Great Lakes.

Lastly, Missourians were passionate about preserving the legacy of St. Louis blues and jazz. Their investments would go toward supporting local musicians, maintaining historic music venues, and funding music education programs to celebrate the city’s significant contribution to American music.

Infographic highlighting the top philanthropic choice in each state

“It’s heartwarming to see that, given the means, so many Americans would prioritize making a meaningful difference in their local communities rather than indulging solely in personal luxuries,” said Melissa Brown of LotteryTexts. “Whether it’s preserving cultural heritage or protecting the environment, this study shows a deep desire to give back when the opportunity arises.”