Foundations on the Hill
Hosted by United Philanthropy Forum, in partnership with the Council on Foundations and Independent Sector, Foundations on the Hill (FOTH) is an annual opportunity for foundation executives, staff, and board members, philanthropy-serving organizations, and other philanthropic and social sector leaders to meet with their federal lawmakers, talk about issues of interest to philanthropy, and strengthen relationships with their representatives.
The overall purpose of Foundations on the Hill is to:
- Inform and educate Congress about philanthropy
- Advocate on issues affecting foundations
- Build CNJG’s relationships with lawmakers and their staff
- Create visibility for foundations and philanthropy on Capitol Hill
- Encourage Congress to view foundations as resources on key public policy issues
CNJG Makes Strong Showing at Foundations on the Hill 2024
The Council of New Jersey Grantmakers joined colleagues nationwide at Foundations on the Hill (FOTH) from February 25th to 28th. This premier policy conference, hosted by the United Philanthropy Forum in partnership with the Independent Sector and the Council on Foundations, brought together the philanthropic sector for advocacy and education.
The CNJG delegation, led by our President and CEO Theresa Jacks, included a diverse group of foundation leaders representing various regions and interests across New Jersey. Notably, Linda Czipo, President and CEO of New Jersey Center for Nonprofits, also participated, providing valuable insights from the nonprofit perspective.
FOTH offered a rich program beyond meetings with legislators. Attendees participated in pre-conference sessions, learned about key national trends in philanthropy, and engaged with experts on critical issues like election infrastructure support, donor-advised funds, and the potential impact of recent Supreme Court rulings on the ability of donors to give in ways that align with their values.
The CNJG delegation met with all New Jersey Congressional and Senate offices, including meeting directly with Congressmen Gottheimer and Kean, along with a photo meet-up with Senator Booker. They advocated for important legislation, including the Charitable Act, H.R.3435/S.566, the Nonprofit SEAT Act, H.R.3245, and the Streamlining Federal Grants Act, H.R.5934/S.2286. These bills aim to increase individual giving incentives, strengthen nonprofit infrastructure, and simplify federal grant processes.
Beyond policy discussions, FOTH provided valuable networking opportunities. The annual CNJG dinner fostered connections within the delegation, while a moonlight tour of Washington, D.C. offered informal interaction.
Overall, CNJG's participation in FOTH proved successful. By advocating for key legislation, educating Congress, and building relationships, CNJG helped ensure the voice of New Jersey philanthropy is heard on Capitol Hill.
CNJG Delegation:
William Engel, President, The Union Foundation
Sharnita Johnson, Vice President of Strategy, Impact and Communications, Victoria Foundation
Melissa Litwin, Early Childhood Program Director, The Henry and Marilyn Taub Foundation
Jessica Nugent, Senior Program Officer, Burke Foundation
Jonathan Pearson, Executive Director, The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey
Renee Woodside, Senior Program Officer, The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey
Danielle Scott, President and CEO, Pincus Family Foundation
Bruce Rubin, Trustee, Pincus Family Foundation
Kortney Swanson Davis, President and CEO, Forman S. Acton Educational Foundation
Catherine Wilson, President and CEO, United Way Greater Newark
Alana Vega, Program Officer, Princeton Area Community Foundation
Hellen Zamora-Bustos, Leonard Lieberman Philanthropy Fellow/Program Associate, Fund for New Jersey
Nelida Valentin, Vice President - Grants & Programs, Princeton Area Community Foundation
Lucy Vandenberg, Executive Director, Schumann Fund for New Jersey
Linda Czipo, President and CEO, New Jersey Center for Nonprofits
Theresa Jacks, President and CEO, Council of New Jersey Grantmakers