A Special Invitation
As spring arrives and the days grow longer, I find myself reflecting on the extraordinary community that makes CNJG more than an organization – it’s a gathering place for those who believe and understand that philanthropy can and must be a force for lasting, equitable change across our state.
It is with that conviction that I write to you today with a special invitation.
Wednesday, June 17, CNJG will convene leaders from across New Jersey’s philanthropic and nonprofit sectors at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center for our 2026 Spring Colloquium: A Conversation for the Social Sector- Turning Insight into Impact: Philanthropy and Affordability. This isn’t just another event on our calendar. It is a direct expression of our mission – to support and elevate New Jersey’s philanthropic community through shared learning, collaborative relationships, and courageous leadership on the issues that matter most to the people of our great state.
And few issues matter more right now than affordability.
Affordability is not just one thing. It doesn’t come in a neat package that presents clear solutions. It’s messy and confusing and difficult. It affects a range of issues from housing stability to workforce participation, long-term economic mobility, and more. While philanthropy can’t solve the affordability squeeze, this convening serves as a unique opportunity to learn from those at the intersection of data and action who are at the nexus of the affordability equation. We’re honored to welcome a panel of leaders:
- Barbara George Johnson, Vice President of External Affairs and Urban Policy and Research, John S. Watson Institute of Urban Policy and Research, Kean University;
- Evan Weiss, Chief Executive Officer, New Jersey Economic Development Authority;
- Stephanie Hoopes, National Director, United for ALICE at United Way of Northern New Jersey;
Led by moderator Monique Curry-Mims, Principal and Publisher, Civic Capital, a respected voice in civic leadership and community-centered journalism whose skills in facilitating honest, productive dialogue will ensure this convening helps us explore new ideas and sparks innovative thinking about philanthropy.
Together, this panel reflects the kind of cross-sector expertise and intellectual honesty that this moment demands. We expect a conversation that is rigorous, grounded in data, and oriented towards that practical question of what philanthropy can do next.
I encourage you to register today, and invite your trustees, nonprofit partners, and colleagues to join us as well. This is, at its core, what CNJG was built to do, bring the right people together, at the right moment, around the right questions. It’s a moment for us to learn, adapt, and align our resources with a shared sense of purpose.
Our Spring Colloquium centers on a robust and visionary discussion for the social sector. I hope you’re intrigued by the upcoming conversation, and I invite you to consider becoming a sponsor of this year’s gathering. Sponsorship is an opportunity to elevate your organization’s visibility and help ensure that this convening is as impactful as possible. We have four categories of sponsorship available:
- Champion Sponsor – $8,000 – 1 available
- Collaborator Sponsor – $6,000 – 3 Available
- Connector Sponsor – $5,000 –1 Available
- Colleague Sponsor – $3,000 – 4 available
Click here for the full sponsorship package.
Please feel free to reach out to me or Development Associate, Fortunata Cuomo if you have questions or want to learn more about how you can support this exceptional event. We can also customize a sponsorship package for you, and if you’re not able to sponsor, we hope you can underwrite the event with a contribution.
Thank you to our sponsors to date: PSEG, The Tepper Foundation, Sixers Youth Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Wells Fargo, Community Foundation of New Jersey, Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, and PKF O’Connor Davies. Thank you also to NJM Insurance Group for a donation in support of the event.
Thank you for your continued dedication to our community. I look forward to connecting with you soon.
With gratitude,
Theresa Jacks, President and CEO
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers