Coccia Foundation
About Coccia Foundation
Founded in 1994 by Cavaliere Joseph Coccia, Jr., and his wife Elda, Coccia Foundation operates from Saddle Brook, NJ, with a mission encapsulated in their motto: "Passing the Torch" to future generations. This 501(c)(3) organization is driven by a fundamental commitment to not only promote awareness of Italian and Italian American culture, history, and societal contributions but to celebrate and preserve these areas for younger generations of Italian Americans in the United States and those of other backgrounds interested in discovering Italian heritage. The Foundation takes a holistic approach to community engagement, establishing associations and alliances among students while creating scholarships, study abroad opportunities, and cultural events that build lasting connections between young people and society. What distinguishes Coccia Foundation is its deep-rooted belief that education and cultural awareness empower emerging adults to embark on their adult lives with a sense of pride in their heritage and with meaningful goals to live by. The organization recognizes the importance of starting early, recently launching an initiative to reward K-12 students taking Italian, encouraging student appreciation for the language and culture through monetary awards distributed by participating schools. With partnerships extending across 25 universities and support reaching over 4,000 students since inception, Coccia Foundation demonstrates unwavering dedication to preserving Italian cultural legacy while fostering inclusive community engagement for all who wish to explore and celebrate Italian contributions to American society.