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Welcome to the new year! It was wonderful seeing so many members at the 2022 Annual Meeting & Holiday Luncheon on December 14, and the accompanying virtual workshop on December 16. Both our luncheon keynote speaker, Bridgit Antoinette Evans, Pop Culture Collaborative, and workshop facilitator, Chantal Forster, Technology Association of Grantmakers, helped us explore philanthropy’s role in narrative change. You can find resources from the event, including slides and workshop recording, on the resource tab of the Annual Meeting page. You must be logged in to access resources. (Forgot your password – click here.)
As part of the meeting, we elected three new board members for their first 3-year term, as well as re-electing board members for a second term. Welcome and congratulations to new board members Marcy Felsenfeld, The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey, Jeremy Grunin, the Grunin Foundation, and Maria Spina, PSEG Foundation. And we said good-bye to Michael Unger, Atlantic Foundation, and Diane Hagerman, New Jersey Health Initiatives. We’re grateful for your service.
Following the annual meeting of members, the board elected their officers for 2023: Jeff Vega, Chair, (Princeton Area Community Foundation), Craig Drinkard, 1st Vice Chair, (Victoria Foundation), Christine Healey, 2nd Vice Chair, (The Healey Education Foundation), Maisha Simmons, Secretary, (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation), and Catherine Wilson, Treasurer, (United Way Greater Newark). Congratulations!
We also introduced the 2023 – 2025 Strategic Plan to the membership. CNJG envisions a healthy, thriving, and civically engaged New Jersey where people of all places, racial identities, socio-economic backgrounds, abilities, and identity expressions are valued for their gifts and talents, and we all can reach our full potential and participate generously in the common good. Our mission supports and elevates New Jersey’s philanthropic community through shared learning, collaborative and trusting relationships, network building, and leadership.
Board committees, working in concert with the CNJG team, will move forward the strategic plan. And while the four goals outlined in the strategic plan will play a pivotal role in the work of all committees, the Member Engagement Committee will reflect on an expanded definition of philanthropy as part of goal 1. The Racial Equity Task Force will consider how we embed an organizational commitment to equity and power building as part of goal 2. The Leadership and Policy Committee will create a policy agenda as part of goal 3. Our overall partnership work with the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits and Doing Good Better clearly falls within the realm of goal 4, expanding and establishing partnerships and collaborations that unite NJ’s social sector. I’m thrilled to announce the Signature Programs Committee has identified Doing Good Better as the theme for our Conference for New Jersey’s Social Sector on May 23.
This is an important and exciting time to serve on the Council’s various committees. If you are interested in joining a committee, please reach out to me. You’ll be in good company! CNJG is an extraordinary organization that grows in terms of its impact and partnerships, year after year. I’m thrilled about the future, and where the strategic plan will take us.
I want to end with gratitude for the CNJG Board of Trustees, our committee and affinity group chairs, our partners, and you – our members. You are truly our champions. And another thank you to our Annual Meeting sponsors for their generous support, Prudential, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, and the Devils Youth Foundation.
Happy New Year!
Theresa Jacks, President and CEO
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers
The Finance & Investment Affinity Group brings together grantmakers of all types and sizes to discuss financial market trends and to exchange strategies to help ensure the greatest endowment growth. At each meeting, the latest market performance reports and commentaries are also discussed.
Cost: Free for CNJG Members; $75 for Non Member Grantmakers (includes full breakfast)
I can’t believe October began last weekend. I honestly don’t know where the time goes. Before you know it, the new year will be here.
Before that, I’m looking forward to our annual gathering of members – the CNJG 2023 Annual Meeting & Holiday Gathering.
On Thursday, December 14, over 150 Council members and special guests will gather at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Edison to celebrate the holiday season, welcome new CNJG members, convene a brief business meeting to elect new trustees, feature a dynamic discussion related to the vital work of philanthropy, and provide an excellent opportunity to connect with your colleagues and friends – both old and new.
This year’s overall theme is Philanthropic Collaboratives: Driving Impact and Opportunity.
Together we’ll explore the collaborative process, surface opportunities and challenges, and uncover how to create sustainable partnerships for lasting impact. We’re thrilled to have FSG lead the morning workshop, Tools for Funder Collaboration. The morning workshop will share real life examples of how funders have actively engaged in collaborative efforts, used data for continuous learning, and ensured momentum and buy-in among partners.
Thank you to the Signature Programs Committee, led by co-chairs Christine Healey, President of the Healey Education Foundation, and Atiya Weiss, Executive Director of the Burke Foundation, for their commitment to bring this important topic to CNJG members. The 2023 - 2025 Strategic Plan uplifts collaborations as a way to create more value for member-organizations and the social sector, and catalyze other partnerships in support of all our communities.
The Annual Meeting is the one time per year when many CNJG members come together in one place, at one time, to convene, connect, and celebrate together. And as the “annual meeting of members,” I invite you to consider sponsorship of the event. Even if you’ve never sponsored this gathering before, this is an excellent opportunity to support our work, while also increasing visibility for your own organization and philanthropic efforts. We have a number of outstanding sponsorship opportunities for this event - all outlined here.
We hope you’ll consider supporting the Annual Meeting this year with a sponsorship.
Please call me at (609) 414-7110 extension 805, or email me if you need more information or require an online application to secure your sponsorship. We can also customize a sponsorship package for you.
Thank you to our sponsors to date – we could not do this without you: Signature Sponsor – Prudential, and Contributing Sponsors - Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Devils Youth Foundation.
We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at the CNJG Annual Meeting & Holiday Gathering. In the meantime, happy fall.
With all good wishes,
Theresa Jacks, President and CEO
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers
Newark’s 40th Mayor Ras J. Baraka (pictured, second from right) invited the Newark Funders Group to hear his vision for the city at special August meeting. Just 30 days into his term, the Mayor called on the Newark Philanthropic Liaison Jeremy Johnson (far left) to organize a convening with the Newark group, co-chaired by Etta Denk of Bank America (second from left) and Barbara Reisman of the Schumann Fund for New Jersey (third from left). Irene Cooper-Basch (far right), Chair of the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers and Executive Officer at the Victoria Foundation, introduced the Mayor to more than 50 grantmakers who attended the session at the PSEG headquarters in downtown Newark. Rick Thigpen (not pictured), Vice President, State Government Affairs at PSEG, welcomed the Mayor and Grantmakers to the company’s conference center.
Mayor Baraka talked about new interventions for youth at risk and targeting crime in hot spots in the city. He said increased “literacy” would help get to the core of many of Newark’s problems. During the questions and answer period, the Mayor elaborated on his proposed response to the budget, the arts, downtown development, prisoner reentry, early childhood education and the city’s relation to Newark Public Schools. He thanked grantmakers for their contributions to “The Blueprint for a New Newark,” a document of transition recommendations.
The Newark Funders Group is an affinity group of CNJG and meets quarterly. The group’s activities include an active Education Subcommittee, Early Learners Funders Group, and College Access and Success committee.
Catalyzing New Jersey Communities: Building Local Coalitions
Save the Date for CNJG’s 2025 Annual Meeting & Holiday Gathering.
CNJG is pleased to partner with the Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth (OCIG) within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration at the U.S. Department of Commerce on this series to help the funding community know about the federal government’s investment into broadband access, and how communities, residents and organizations can take advantage of these funding opportunities.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the New Jersey Office of Broadband Connectivity are hosting a series of public virtual roundtable meetings, which will take place once per month from February through July 2023. Join us to learn more about Internet for all, Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) and the Digital Equity Grant funding planning in New Jersey.
These meetings are intended to create open communication and collaboration on BEAD and DE projects. This first meeting is an introduction to these programs, explains the coordination between NTIA and the NJ Office of Broadband Connectivity, and outlines upcoming important upcoming dates.
Inspiring Change through Leadership: Maximizing Philanthropic Impact
Wednesday, December 11, 2024 - 9:00am to 3:00pm
Luncheon, Keynote Presentation & Workshop
Location: APA Hotel Woodbridge, 120 Wood Ave S, Iselin, NJ 08830
The Council of New Jersey Grantmakers thanks everyone who attended our 2024 Annual Meeting & Holiday Gathering. On Wednesday, December 11, over 130 Council members and special guests gathered to celebrate the holiday season, welcome new CNJG members, convene our annual business meeting, and feature a dynamic discussion related to the vital work of philanthropy.
The Council’s 2024 Annual Meeting & Holiday Gathering was the place where CNJG members and New Jersey’s philanthropic community came together to share ideas about the important work they’re doing. It also provided a valuable opportunity to connect with colleagues.
This year’s theme, Inspiring Change through Leadership: Maximizing Philanthropic Impact, featured keynote speaker Amalia Brindis Delgado of the Panta Rhea Foundation.
The Annual Meeting included a workshop that explored the New Jersey Principles for Philanthropy. An overview of the Principles was presented, followed by a panel of fellow CNJG members who discussed how they are already using the Principles within their organizations. Attendees also had time to discuss how they could leverage the New Jersey Principles for Philanthropy to make changes within their own organizations.
Annual Meeting Photos
These resources are from CNJG's 2016 Annual Meeting & Holiday Luncheon where the topic of shifting demographics was explored. Research by the Pew Research Center shows that New Jersey, and the nation, is experiencing the most striking social, racial, economic, and demographic shifts that have not been seen in more than a century. Funders will need to address the new challenges this “next America” will face, including an increasing aging population, greater racial tapestry, the influence of religion and technology, and more.
The Grunin Foundation, in partnership with CNJG, invites you to our planning meeting for our inaugural PEEP (Party to Enhance Equity in Philanthropy) scheduled for Tuesday, July 23rd at the Jersey Shore BlueClaws!
COST: Free for CNJG Members and Non Member Grantmakers
Open to grantmakers who fund in Ocean and Monmouth counties.
Please Log In to view resources from this event.
Reimagining Philanthropy: Data for Social Impact
Held:
Monday, December 7 - 2:00 to 3:30 pm -- Skill-Building Workshop
Tuesday, December 8 - 12:30 to 2:00 pm -- Business Meeting & Keynote Presentation
Thank you to everyone who attended CNJG’s first ever virtual Annual Meeting & Holiday Gathering. This year’s meeting focused on the many ways philanthropy can use data for social impact.
Data science is a powerful tool to address housing and food insecurity, education inequality, health disparities, civic injustice, and other longstanding social issues that continue to intensify during the pandemic. Building data capacity equips local leaders with information to develop and advocate for more effective policies. New evaluation strategies can outperform outdated processes that reinforce inequities and slow progress. Research and technology that fuels innovation in the private sector can help nonprofit and government organizations drive impact in New Jersey communities..
On Day 1, the Annual Meeting Workshop focused on evaluation and learning practices that center equity and social impact. And on Day 2, Keynote panelists shared how data science can help connect people to services, address racial inequity, and create greater impact in our communities during the pandemic and beyond..
Philanthropy can’t go back to “normal,” because normal wasn’t good enough. During this year’s Virtual 2020 Annual Meeting & Holiday Gathering we explored how we can reimagine philanthropy by harnessing the full power of data for social impact.
The Council of New Jersey Grantmakers would like to thank our sponsors for their generous support: Signature Sponsors – Novartis and PSEG; Sustaining Sponsors – Prudential and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey; Collaborating Sponsor – Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; and Performance Sponsor – The Provident Bank Foundation.
Thank you to everyone who attended CNJG’s 2019 Annual Meeting and Holiday Luncheon.
The theme for the 2019 Annual Meeting and Holiday Luncheon was “Challenging Power Dynamics to Build Strong Partnerships,” and focused on how philanthropy can forge more transparent, trusting, and dynamic relationships with nonprofits and the communities they serve.
The pre-meeting workshop, “Finding Balance: Addressing Grantmaker-Grantee Power Dynamics Head-On” was led by Linda Czipo of the Center for Non-Profits and Tim Delaney of the National Council of Nonprofits. The workshop explored ways in which funders could overcome power dynamics. Tim and Linda discussed strategies to create more powerful partnerships, such as multi-year funding, advocacy, and unrestricted general operating support, and shared hero and horror stories to remember when working with nonprofits.
To close out our event, Phil Buchanan, President of the Center for Effective Philanthropy gave a captivating keynote address entitled “Giving Done Right: The Challenge and Opportunity.” During his presentation, Phil discussed the current critique of philanthropy, reminded us of the importance of working with and reflecting the communities we serve, and left attendees with seven different ways in which we can work more effectively with our partners in the new year.
Together, the social sector has the power, resources, and know-how to respond to our communities’ urgent and long-term needs. Thank you for joining us for this year’s critical conversation on breaking down power dynamics and building strong partnerships.
AGENDA
10:00 am to 11:30 am Pre-Meeting Workshop
11:30 am to 12:00 pm Networking and Registration
12:00 pm to 2:30 pm Luncheon and Business Meeting
Pre-Meeting Workshop: “Finding Balance: Addressing Grantmaker-Grantee Power Dynamics Head-on"
Presenters: Linda Czipo, President & CEO, Center for Non-Profits and Tim Delaney, President and CEO, National Council of Nonprofits
Linda Czipo, President & CEO of the Center for Non-Profits, and Tim Delaney, President and CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits, will present this year’s workshop on how to overcome power dynamics between funders and nonprofits. This workshop will explore ways in which funders can create trusting and transparent relationships with grantees, and further engage nonprofits in their grantmaking strategies. Among other things, we will explore strategies to incorporate full cost funding that strengthens the effectiveness of your grantees' work. Join us for a discussion on how philanthropy can move towards a system of truly partnering with nonprofits in order to maximize the beneficial impact for your community.
The Council thanks our generous event sponsors: Novartis - Signature Sponsor, The Prudential Foundation – Sustaining Sponsor, New Jersey Health Initiatives – Speaker Sponsor, Princeton Area Community Foundation – Gift Sponsor, Devils Care Foundation and Sixers Youth Foundation – Pre-Meeting Workshop Sponsors, Novo Nordisk – Program Sponsor, The Provident Bank Foundation – Performance Sponsor, Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey – Contributing Sponsor, and The Jay and Linda Grunin Foundation – Supporting Sponsor. Additional support provided by NJM Insurance Group.
Annual Meeting Photos
Watch Everyone Deserves a Fair Slice from the Human Services Council.
Thank you to all that attended CNJG’s 2023 Annual Meeting & Holiday Gathering - Philanthropic Collaboratives: Driving Impact and Opportunity on December 14.
Both our fireside chat speakers, Nidhi Sahni, Bridgespan, and Lucy Vandenberg, Schumann Fund for New Jersey, and pre-meeting workshop facilitators John Harper, Chirlie Felix, and Waheera Mardah from FSG, helped us to gain a better understanding of the nuance and benefits of collaboration. Please check out the program book, and you’ll find additional information on the Annual Meeting Resources page.
We elected two new Board trustees for their first 3-year term: Jasmyne Beckford, Prudential Foundation, and Paul DiLorenzo, Salem Health and Wellness Foundation, as well as re-electing several trustees for another term. We also said goodbye to 3 trustees rotating off, including 2023 Board Chair, Jeff Vega. Thank you, Jeff, for your leadership and commitment to CNJG. Following the annual meeting of members, the Board elected their officers for 2024: Craig Drinkard, Chair, (Victoria Foundation), Christine Healey, 1st Vice Chair, (The Healey Education Foundation), Justin Kiczek, 2nd Vice Chair, (F. M. Kirby Foundation), Maisha Simmons, Secretary, (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation), and Catherine Wilson, Treasurer, (United Way Greater Newark). Congratulations!
Approved by the Board in October, we were thrilled to introduce CNJG’s first-ever policy agenda to the membership (see pages 9 – 11 of the program book). Among the policy agenda’s priorities are advancing racial equity and justice, a well-resourced nonprofit sector, civic engagement, and a healthy democracy.
Also adopted at the October Board meeting, we shared the New Jersey Principles for Philanthropy, our equity principles, with the membership (see pages 12 – 15 of the program book). CNJG’s last revision of Guiding Beliefs and Principles was in 2007. These revised Principles use a developmental framework and understand that each organization has its own starting point. Next year we’ll create tools and resources to help members on their own equity journeys.
Both of these important items are included as part of our 2023 – 2025 Strategic Plan, unveiled to the membership at last year’s Annual Meeting. CNJG envisions a healthy, thriving, and civically engaged NJ where people of all places, racial identities, socio-economic backgrounds, abilities, and identity expressions are valued for their gifts and talents, and we all can reach our full potential and participate generously in the common good. Our mission supports and elevates New Jersey’s philanthropic community through shared learning, collaborative and trusting relationships, network building, and leadership.
We also highlighted the importance of committee participation to drive CNJG’s work. Committees focus on a specific function or assignment. Our committees include: Audit, Finance, Governance, Member Engagement, Policy, Racial Equity, Signature Programs, and Strategic Plan Implementation. Thank you to everyone that submitted a committee interest card. If you are interested in serving on a committee, please email me. This is an exciting time to be involved in committee work.
The Council of New Jersey Grantmakers thanks our Annual Meeting sponsors for their generous support: Signature Sponsor – Prudential; Collaborating Sponsor – Victoria Foundation; Contributing Sponsors – Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Devils Youth Foundation; and Supporting Sponsors – Grunin Foundation, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Princeton Area Community Foundation, and WSFS Bank. Thank you also to NJM Insurance Group for an additional donation to support the event.
The CNJG offices will be closed from December 25, 2023 to January 1, 2024.
2023 was a terrific year – thank you to the Council membership for making it so. Our membership is truly an exceptional group of leaders that care deeply about the communities they serve, and their nonprofit partners. On behalf of the entire CNJG team, we wish you happy holidays and a joyful new year! We look forward to seeing you in 2024!
With Gratitude,
Theresa Jacks, President and CEO
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers
CNJG is pleased to partner with the Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth (OCIG) within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration at the U.S. Department of Commerce on this series to help the funding community know about the federal government’s investment into broadband access, and how communities, residents and organizations can take advantage of these funding opportunities.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the New Jersey Office of Broadband Connectivity are hosting a series of public virtual roundtable meetings, which will take place once per month from February through July 2023. Join us to learn more about Internet for all, Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) and the Digital Equity Grant funding planning in New Jersey.
These meetings are intended to create open communication and collaboration on BEAD and DE projects. This first meeting is an introduction to these programs, explains the coordination between NTIA and the NJ Office of Broadband Connectivity, and outlines upcoming important upcoming dates.
Resources
Webinar Recording
BEAD Info Sheet
Digital Equity Act Info Sheet
Ways to Get Involved – Local Governments
Ways to Get Involved – Tribal Entities
Ways to Get Involved – Community Based Organizations
Ways to Get Involved – Communities of Color
Ways to Get Involved – Industry
CNJG is pleased to re-convene the South Jersey Funders Consortium for a lunch meeting at the Forman Acton Foundation office in Salem. Join your fellow South Jersey funders for lunch and a round-robin discussion on what your organization is funding and any new initiatives that you are working on -- with a particular focus on any work happening in Salem city.
Any funder located in or funding in the eight southern counties of New Jersey is welcome to attend (Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland, Cape May, Atlantic, and Ocean). Although Camden city is located in south Jersey, and because we already have a Camden funders affinity group, the topics of discussion of the South Jersey Funders Consortium should focus on south Jersey, outside of the city of Camden.
Cost: Free for CNJG Members and Non Member Grantmakers
Lunch provided.
Thank you to the Forman Action Foundation for hosting and underwriting the cost of lunch!