A Historic Week in New Jersey
We’re coming off a historic week for New Jersey. As we went to the polls for the November elections – including voting for governor, we witnessed democracy in action, a reminder that leadership and civic participation shape not only policy but the everyday realities of our communities.
Nationally, it’s been historic as well. The lapse and confusion of federal funding for SNAP, due to the government shutdown, continues to leave many families uncertain about their next meal. Multiple lawsuits have been filed demanding support for SNAP, including one led by the National Council of Nonprofits. On Friday, Governor Murphy announced that the NJ Department of Human Services would “immediately process” full SNAP benefits for November, followed by a Trump administration memo on Saturday directing states to "immediately undo" any actions they have made to provide SNAP benefits. The disruption underscores the importance of a government that functions for all the people, and solid, trustworthy safety nets. More than 800,000 New Jerseyans rely on these critical benefits, and even brief interruptions create ripples that reach food pantries, schools, local nonprofit organizations, and our overall economy. And while the shutdown may end soon, it’s not only SNAP recipients hurting. As federal workers are missing paychecks, they are having to make difficult choices between buying food or paying the mortgage.
Throughout this crisis, we’ve seen the social sector stepping up. In response to these challenging times, CNJG members are taking action. We’ve heard from several funders that have already - or are planning to - disburse emergency supplemental grants. Several members of the Newark Funders Affinity Group quickly responded to the loss of SNAP benefits by opening a fund with the United Way of Greater Newark to directly support Newark residents. The fund will prioritize resourcing five community hubs opened by Mayor Baraka and staffed by nonprofit partners from around the city. The Tepper Foundation is creating a pooled fund to help address rising food insecurity across the state and will match donations up to $2.5 million. Donations will be routed through the Community Foundation of New Jersey to a network of emergency providers, including food banks and pantries. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Rose Rodriguez. More broadly, The Community Foundation of South Jersey launched the South Jersey Resiliency Fund “to enable individuals and organizations to pool resources to support nonprofits facing increased demand and reduced resources.” This fund joins others formed earlier this year to strengthen the nonprofit sector.
The power of coming together is no more evident than in times of crisis. Last week the CNJG CEO listserve generated a great deal of response when a member asked, “what are you doing in response to SNAP?” That is exactly the purpose of the CNJG listserves, and I encourage you to connect with your colleagues actively and often. Beyond planned programs and affinity group meetings, CNJG members can also connect virtually on a monthly basis via First Fridays for Philanthropy and CEO to CEO Conversations. And please continue to share your stories with Manager of Communications Shakirat Odunsi, about how you are changing and/or adapting your grantmaking in response to today and tomorrow’s challenges.
Next month, CNJG members will gather in person for the CNJG Annual Meeting & Holiday Gathering on December 10, where we will explore our theme: Catalyzing New Jersey Communities: Building Local Coalitions, and our opening workshop will explore the New Jersey Philanthropy Hub, a first-of-its-kind data platform that brings together a clear, comprehensive view of giving across our state.
While the theme of the Annual Meeting and focus of the opening workshop could not be timelier, the Annual Meeting & Holiday Gathering is also a space to connect, reflect, and renew our shared commitment to the people and places we serve. If you haven’t yet registered, I encourage you to do so.
Another underlying theme evident at every Annual Meeting is gratefulness. Thank you to our generous sponsors, whose partnership makes this convening possible: The Prudential Foundation, Devils Youth Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Pincus Family Foundation, The Campbell's Company, Grunin Foundation, and WSFS CARES Foundation. Please reach out to me or Development Associate Fortunata Cuomo if you are interested in sponsoring the Annual Meeting & Holiday Gathering. Our sponsors’ commitment reflects the very spirit of coalition-building.
It’s good to be back from my much-needed sabbatical earlier this fall. The pause reminded me of the importance of renewal and perspective. I return with a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude for this community and the collective work that binds us together. Thank you for the work you do every day, often quietly, always purposefully, to advance the well-being of New Jersey’s communities.
Once again, I hope you will join us on December 10 for the CNJG Annual Meeting & Holiday Gathering. It’s our one opportunity each year to come together as peers and a community of funders to reflect, connect, and build momentum for the work ahead. Please register today and add your voice to the conversation.
With gratitude for all you do,
Theresa Jacks, President and CEO
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers