Summer is Over
I think we all say this every year, but it is hard to believe the summer is over. Students going back to school. Leaves will soon begin to fall. Jackets will replace short sleeves. And of course, the end of summer always signals the gearing up of new programming and opportunities to connect at CNJG.
In partnership with the Grunin Foundation, we’re delighted to present the CNJG Fall 2022 Advocacy Series for Funders featuring Bolder Advocacy, a program of Alliance for Justice.
There’s no denying it - one of the most effective and far-reaching strategies grantmakers have in their philanthropic toolbox is supporting nonprofit partners in their advocacy efforts. Too often, foundation leaders, including trustees, are unsure and unclear of - not only the legal rules permitting support for advocacy - but the outsized impact advocacy can have on achieving their own missions. The Fall 2022 Advocacy Series for Funders will explore exactly how and why grantmakers can and should support advocacy.
Advocacy Basics for Funders on October 6, provides an overview including roles for foundations, definitions for advocacy and lobbying, and rules for foundations. The November 1st session, Foundation Trustees and Advocacy, outlines strategies to make a successful case to interested parties and trustees. We end our series with Evaluating and Strengthening Advocacy Capacity from a Funders Perspective on November 17.
So much of our work is about partnerships. I hope you’ll register for the NJVOAD & Governor's Office of Volunteerism Virtual Conference – Inspiring Engagement: From the Ground Up on October 19. Many of you know that a staple of our family foundation programming is offered via our partnership with the National Center for Family Philanthropy. The monthly Fundamentals of Family Philanthropy webinar series provides guidance on the core tenets of effective family philanthropy. Our event calendar lists upcoming sessions for CNJG members. Special thanks to the F. M. Kirby Foundation for their annual leadership grant to support our Partner Subscriber.
And looking further ahead, please save the date for CNJG’s Annual Meeting & Holiday Luncheon on Wednesday, December 14 at the Sheraton Edison. This will be the first time we’ve been in person for our Signature event since 2019. Therefore, we’re building in extended time for networking! You won’t want to miss it! Registration will be available soon.
As part of the Annual Meeting & Holiday Luncheon, we will welcome new CNJG Board members.
If you are interested in serving on the Board or know someone who would make a good trustee, please complete and submit this form, and separately email me a brief bio of the nominee no later than September 16, 2022. You can self-nominate or nominate another member.
Thank you to the Prudential Foundation and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for sponsoring this event. If you are interested in sponsoring the Annual Meeting & Holiday Luncheon, please contact me.
While summer generally gives us time to slow down and recharge our batteries - now that we’re rested up – autumn awaits us filled with opportunities to learn and connect with colleagues. I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event.
Sincerely,
Theresa Jacks, Acting President and CEO
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers