Site Search
- resource provided by the Forum Network Knowledgebase.
Search Tip: Search with " " to find exact matches.
I’m absolutely thrilled about the upcoming 2025 CNJG Conference for the Social Sector on June 18. Planning for the event has given us ample opportunity to consider and explore the many different ways that people participate in civic engagement.
It’s also broadened our definition. One definition comes from our colleagues at Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement:
Civic engagement is the process of helping people be active participants in building and strengthening their communities, whether defined as a place or a shared identity or interest. It’s a spectrum of ways people can participate in self-governance, from interactions with government to voluntary associations, and everything in between.
This past Memorial Day, my husband and I visited our fathers’ gravesites at Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Both of our dads served in the Air Force. We grew up with a sense of civic engagement. I share this because — EVERYONE — has, or is currently, partaking in civic engagement. If you were a girl scout — civic engagement. If you’ve ever written a letter to a government official — civic engagement. If you’ve volunteered for a community cleanup — civic engagement. If you collect data as part of a citizen scientist project — civic engagement. If you serve on your local school or a nonprofit board — civic engagement. If you voted — civic engagement.
Civic engagement is undeniably crucial for a healthy democracy. By participating in civic activities, individuals contribute to a more vibrant and equitable society.
Democracy in action IS civic engagement. We’re partnering with our friends at the
New Jersey Council for the Humanities to collect conference attendees’ thoughts on our democracy and reflect on their role in civic society. During the opening session, we’ll have a prompt card at each table asking attendees to answer a question related to civic engagement. This will add our voices — New Jersey’s philanthropic and nonprofit sector leaders – to our national story and underscore that the actions we take in our own communities absolutely matter.
We have an exciting and packed conference agenda, vibrant and brimming with examples and stories of civic engagement! The opening Spark! Civic Pulse session will hear from six dynamic New Jersey social sector leaders who will share their definition of civic engagement through the lens of their organizations’ missions and work. The morning sessions will foster inspiration and conversation about civic engagement, while the afternoon sessions will focus on mobilization and action. Keynote speaker Dale Anglin, Press Forward, will tackle the vital role that local news plays in fueling strong communities.
I’m immensely proud of the range of topics our spring conferences have elevated over the years. The 2019 New Jersey Conference for the Social Sector: Census 2020 – Defining the Next 10 Years was a clear and explicit call to support a full and accurate census. During COVID, our 2021 Virtual Conference dove into the future of work. The information and insights shared during the event still resonate today. The 2023 Conference challenged us to understand and embed Doing Good Better in our philanthropic discussions and grantmaking protocols. Lifting up these topics feels like civic engagement to me.
CNJG has added our support to several sign-on letters - another act of civic engagement. I hope you will consider adding your foundation’s name to the National Letter to Protect and Strengthen Nonprofit Organizations in the Tax Package. As you know, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was passed by the House and is now in the hands of the Senate. While it does include a time-limited universal charitable deduction for non-itemizers, the bill also includes several provisions that will adversely affect the philanthropic and nonprofit sector, among them:
- Tiered Tax Increase on Private Foundation Investment Income: The proposal to impose substantially higher excise tax rates on the net investment income of private foundations based on their asset size remains in the bill. This could still significantly reduce funds available for grantmaking and charitable programs.
- 1% Floor for Corporate Charitable Contributions: The bill retains the 1% floor, meaning corporations could only deduct charitable contributions exceeding 1% of their taxable income. This could lead to a decrease in corporate philanthropy.
The letter urges lawmakers not to use the nonprofit sector “as a revenue source to pay for other unrelated policies.” Thank you to our national partners, United Philanthropy Forum, the Council on Foundations, the National Council of Nonprofits, and Independent Sector for coordinating the sign-on letter and continuing to advocate on behalf of the sector. The deadline to sign the letter is Friday, June 6, at 9 a.m.
And finally, in case you missed it, the Community Foundation of New Jersey has created a rapid-response fund; the NJ Strong: Emergency Fund aims to provide a safety net for nonprofits, help them weather this funding crisis, and minimize service disruptions in our communities. Other funds include the New Jersey Sustainability and Resiliency Fund and EQUIP NJ’s fund.
I look forward to seeing you at the 2025 CNJG Conference for the Social Sector: Stronger Together — Philanthropy and Civic Engagement on June 18! The opportunities for civic engagement are boundless. Whether your organization’s mission clearly states a commitment to civic engagement or works behind the scenes to move forward strong communities, I hope you will leave the gathering inspired and energized!
And in the spirit of participation — early voting has already started. I encourage you to make your voice heard!
Best,
Theresa Jacks, President and CEO
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers
We invite you to join our next virtual meeting of the NJ Corporate Philanthropy Network where we will learn how non-profits are responding to the changing Federal landscape from the perspective of four different stakeholders and how they’re dealing with these challenges and the impact this climate is having on future planning. Our speakers include: Linda Czipo, New Jersey Center for Nonprofits, who will share with us a broad brushstroke of the impact and the Center’s advocacy efforts to respond;. Sandra Toussaint, United Way of Greater Mercer County, who will review the findings of a recent study in the region; Elizabeth McCarthy, Community FoodBank of New Jersey, who will discuss the impact on the already overly stressed issue of food insecurity in the state; and Peter Rosario, La Casa de Don Pedro (in Newark), will share how a large multi-service organization’s constituents have been directly impacted and how La Casa has responded and adapted.
Cost: Free for CNJG Members; $75 for Non Member Grantmakers
This program is only open to staff and trustees from grantmaking organizations.
Linda Czipo is President & CEO of the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits, New Jersey's statewide champion and network for the charitable community. Through advocacy, education, professional training, management and compliance assistance, and membership services, the Center strengthens charities so that they can do their vital work in our communities. Linda’s nonprofit sector experience spans over 30 years, and includes expertise in public policy, analysis, research, compliance and management. She speaks frequently to the media, nonprofit, philanthropic and business leaders, and government officials regarding the size, strength, economic and social contributions of New Jersey’s nonprofit sector and current and emerging trends facing the nonprofit community; and has successfully mobilized broad-based coalitions of nonprofits around numerous advocacy issues. She is a public policy committee member and former board treasurer of the National Council of Nonprofits, and also serves on the New Jersey Commission on National and Community Service, and the Policy Committee of the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from Rutgers University
Elizabeth McCarthy, President and CEO, Community Foodbank of New Jersey, has been a leader in shaping and implementing programs that address immediate critical needs, as well as providing the tools and support to effect long-term positive impacts on communities. Elizabeth joined The Community FoodBank of New Jersey in July of 2023, CFBNJ distributes enough food for more than 90 million meals annually and addresses the root causes of food insecurity with programs that provide job training, nutrition education, and more. From 2011 to 2023 Elizabeth served as the CEO of Sheltering Arms, which addressed the effects of social inequity for children and families in the most challenged New York City communities. The organization provided wraparound services for families living in poverty, including education, mental health, and violence prevention programs. She chaired the Board of Directors of the Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies (COFCCA),was the Treasurer of The Developmental Disabilities Services/Child Welfare Collaborative, LLC, and was a Board member of The Children’s Collaborative, Inc.
Peter T. Rosario is the President and CEO of La Casa de Don Pedro, Inc., New Jersey’s largest Latinx-led community development corporation, celebrating over 50 years of mission-driven service. Under his leadership since August 2021, La Casa has implemented a comprehensive service delivery model focused on three central pillars: Early Childhood, Healthy Homes, and Community Empowerment. Peter has led a strategic transformation of the organization, overhauling its strategic plan, strengthening its brand around the core values of Justice, Love, Solidarity, Excellence, and Belonging, and securing major new funding from leading institutions including the Devils Youth Foundation, MetLife Foundation, Pershing Square Foundation, and Bank of America. A passionate and transformative advocate for equity, Peter has played a key role in advancing critical state policy reforms such as expanding NJ FamilyCare to undocumented children, eliminating barriers to early childhood education, and improving access to child care and nutrition programs. His work continues to elevate the voices and needs of New Jersey’s hardest-working families and communities.
Sandra Toussaint-Burgher serves as the President & CEO of United Way of Greater Mercer County, a role she’s had since 2016. Sandra provides executive leadership and vision to the organization. Prior to that Sandra held the position of Vice President of Resource Development & Strategic Partnerships. Sandra also serves as Chair of the statewide association of Unted Ways of New Jersey. Sandra has 20+ experience in fund development, strategic partnerships, community relations, and marketing. She’s held senior positions at local and national organizations including Youth Communication, Inc., Special Olympics, and Twenty-First Century Foundation. Before coming into the non-profit sector, Sandra worked in the insurance industry. Sandra is a sought-after speaker on a variety of topics such as creating and motivating teams, corporate engagement, board development, cultivating donors and finding your passion - transitioning from for-profit to non-profit. She has presented at the Healthcare Businesswomen's Association forum, New Jersey Center for Nonprofit Conference, Princeton Community Works, Association for Fundraising Professionals Conference, Nonprofit Connect and many others. Sandra is very active with the nonprofit community. She serves on the Board of Directors of Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce, NJ Center for Nonprofit, Foundation Academies Leadership Council and Advisory Board Member for Kidsbridge Tolerance Center. She also served on the YWCA of Princeton Board of Directors and on the Advisory Committee for Single Stop USA, a nonprofit organization that aims to reduce poverty and promote economic mobility. Sandra is a 2021 Lead New Jersey fellow and a recipient of the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce Champion for Business Award. This award recognizes outstanding business leaders for growing their business and demonstrating the values of being a good corporate citizen.
Webinar Video
In response to Hurricane Ida and the devastating impact it has had on many New Jersey communities, CNJG has gathered numerous resources, articles, and information on the philanthropic response. CNJG encourages you to share these with your nonprofit and community partners. Please let us know if there is information we have missed.
CNJG Actions
CNJG in partnership with NJVOAD presented a funder briefing for the recovery efforts in New Jersey on September 10.
CNJG has created a new Disaster Response listserve for members to share information and resources, coordinate on funding, and hear about upcoming programs regarding relief and recovery efforts for all disasters that affect New Jersey communities. If you are interested in being on this listserve, please email Craig Weinrich.
At the October 2021 CNJG Board of Trustees meeting, Keith Adams, Executive Director of the NJ Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NJVOAD) gave a presentation on the ongoing challenges facing New Jersey communities. This presentation (below) was the Board’s “Mission Moment” for the meeting, a time to focus on a big picture issue affecting the philanthropic community in New Jersey.
State and National Organizations and Resources
- New Jersey Center for Nonprofits: Hurricane Ida Resource Page
Resources for nonprofits and small businesses, and information about donations and recovery. - NJVOAD: Regularly posts updates on their Facebook and Twitter pages like this recent update about Hurricane Ida.
- HELPNJNOW: A website designed to connect resources with up-to-date community needs to best respond to disasters.
- State of New Jersey: Tropical Storm Ida Resource Page
Information about NJ's response to Ida. This includes more information on the $10 million in financial relief for small businesses impacted by the storm, which will be administered by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. - FEMA: Hurricane Ida Response Page
- Assistance for Individuals: DisasterAssistance.gov
The Disaster Assistance Improvement Program’s mission is to provide disaster survivors with information, support, services, and a means to access and apply for disaster assistance through joint data-sharing efforts between federal, tribal, state, local, and private sector partners.
Recovery can be a long process. For more information on disaster response and recovery, visit CNJG's Disaster Response Resource Page and the Disaster Philanthropy Playbook, designed with the Center for Disaster Philanthropy.
CNJG Member Recovery Funds
Community Chest of Englewood
ReNew Jersey: Ida Relief (at the Community Foundation of New Jersey)
New Jersey Economic Development Authority
United Way of Greater Newark
Other Recovery Funds
New Jersey Ida Just Recovery Fund
Articles
NJ Spotlight: Storm’s damage might boost support for more aggressive climate policy, experts hope (9/6/2021)
Center for Disaster Philanthropy: 4 Days After Hurricane Ida: A Q&A with Lori Bertman (9/2/2021)
The Philadelphia Inquirer: How to help victims of Ida from Philly (& South Jersey) (9/2/2021)
Northjersey.com: Ida has wreaked havoc across New Jersey. Here's how to help victims (9/3/2021)
NJ.com: Ida’s aftermath: How to find help, how to offer help (9/3/2021)
NJ.com: Here’s how to help Ida recovery efforts in New Jersey (9/2/2021)
NBCNewYork.com: Ida Tri-State Resource Guide: How to Help, List of Emergency Services and More (9/2/2021)
Patch.com/New-Jersey/Bridgewater: Fundraisers, Donations Set Up To Help Somerset Co. Flood Victims (9/3/2021)
NJBiz: Federal government rolling out SBA loans for Ida-hit NJ businesses (9/8/21)
Patch.com/Newark: Here’s How One Local Nonprofit Aims to Help Newark Residents Impacted by Tropical Storm Ida (9/8/2021)
Center for Disaster Philanthropy: Supporting long-term recovery groups: Funding in the chaos of disaster (9/18/2021)
Developed by and for philanthropy, CNJG events provide collaborative opportunities to enhance key skills and examine critical issues facing the state. Each year, CNJG provides philanthropy with practical, educational opportunities through dozens of funder briefings, affinity and interest groups, skill-building workshops and webinars, Conversations with the Cabinet, partner programs,and signature events throughout the year for members to:
- Share best practices in grantmaking, governance, administration, and other key areas
- Explore the potential for strategic alliances and leveraging resources
- Exchange successful strategies and details about past and upcoming projects
- Engage in critical dialogues with policy and thought leaders
Affinity Group Meetings
CNJG affinity and interest groups provide a valued forum through which New Jersey grantmakers can connect, exchange information, and learn from experts in a wide range of fields and sectors. Members with a focus on a particular geography or issue meet on a regular basis and are self-organized. More information on the various Affinity Groups may be found here.
Funders’ Briefings
“The programs and seminars that CNJG produces are always substantive. From a professional development point of view Council membership is extremely cost effective.“
–Maria Spina, Manager Corporate Social Responsibility & PSEG Foundation
Throughout the year, CNJG funder briefings provide a forum to exchange knowledge and insights relating to pressing societal issues that affect our day-to-day work. Many times, these topics are not addressed by one of our affinity groups or span multiple groups. These briefings may include panel discussions and webinars.
Grantmaker Skill Building
As philanthropy’s challenges and opportunities continue to grow in complexity and variety, it has never been more important for you to have the knowledge and tools you need to succeed. CNJG is an excellent source of timely skill-building programming for our members with a focus on due diligence, best practices, and the core techniques that assure proficiency in grantmaking and related work.
Whether you are a family, independent, or corporate foundation, CNJG offers professional development for all members. For example, our programs such as “Due Diligence for Small Foundations” helped participants understand the fiscal health of current and prospective grantees, and “How to Do a Site Visit” gave small foundations a working checklist of management and governance best practices to use when observing a non-profit in advance of funding.
In autumn of 2025, CNJG will present a new Philanthropy 101 series. This multi-module series is focused for those new to the sector, and can be a great review for those with more experience. More details to be announced soon.
Conversations With The Cabinet
Since 2006, CNJG has hosted a series of highly successful gatherings entitled Conversations with the Cabinet. These programs provide representatives of New jersey’s philanthropic community with the opportunity to learn first-hand the priorities, activities and goals of various departments of the current Governor’s administration. At each gathering, attendees discussed initiatives of mutual interest to government and the philanthropic community and opportunities for partnership to support the goals and missions of each.
Family Philanthropy Online
Each month, CNJG family foundation members have the opportunity to join webinars featuring presentations and Q&A sessions with nationally recognized experts in different areas of family philanthropy. Presented in partnership with the National Center for Family Philanthropy, these monthly webinars focus on a wide range of topics, including raising charitable children, effective family governance, and new trends in family philanthropy.
CEO to CEO Conversations
A monthly online gathering of CEOs from CNJG member organizations. Conversations focus around the CEO role and the particular challenges that CEOs face. These meetings are an opportunity to connect directly with fellow CEO peers for conversation, community, and lightly facilitated topical conversations. The time and space is available for CEOs to share experiences and challenges, ask questions, and offer ideas on how to support each other and your work, and build relationships with other CEOs in the CNJG community.
Signature Events
Each year, CNJG hosts a series of statewide signature events for New Jersey's social sector: the philanthropic and nonprofit communities, which bring funders and their nonprofit partners together for shared learning and valuable interaction.
CNJG's Spring Conference for the Social Sector
The Spring Conference brings together staff and trustees from both philanthropy and nonprofits for a full day of networking and focused sessions dealing with key issues that affect both the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. Past conference themes have looked at: “Doing Good Better” CNJG and the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits joint initiative to deepen philanthropic and nonprofit partnerships; the 2020 Census; Leadership; and looking 20 years into the future.
CNJG's Spring Colloquium
The Spring Colloquium: A Conversation for the Social Sector is a half-day event that features nationally-known speakers on big picture topics that directly affect the nonprofit and philanthropic communities. Past speakers have featured Governor Tom Kean, writer David Borenstein, Idealist.org found Ami Dar, Rachel Kimber, Michael McAfee, Tulaine Montgomery, and more. Topics discussed have included the promise and perils of AI; systems change; the public contract; and breaking through the new media paradigm.
Summer Joint Policy Forum
In partnership with the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits, CNJG co-hosted the inaugural Summer Joint Policy Forum in August 2024 that brought together philanthropy and nonprofits to discuss current and emerging nonprofit and philanthropic policy issues, the state budget, voter engagement, and more. We plan on co-presenting this forum annually.
Annual Meeting & Holiday Luncheon
Held each December, CNJG's Annual Meeting & Holiday Luncheon convenes our members from across across the state for a day of networking and reflection on challenges facing the field. The luncheon includes CNJG’s business meeting where we elect a new class of Trustees. Past Annual Meeting speakers have included Genius Grant winner Dr. Jeffrey Brenner, Bridgespan Founder Tom Tierney and former NJ Attorney General Ann Milgram, Center for Effective Philanthropy’s CEO Phil Buchanan; and PantaRhea Foundation’s Chief Strategy Office Amalia Brindis Delgado. Paired with a skill-building workshop preceding the Annual Meeting, the day is full of knowledge gathering and sharing, building community, and celebrating the end of the year.
Past events:
Investment Forum for Foundations and Endowments
Sustainable philanthropy thrives on careful stewardship of the corpus. With that in mind, CNJG created the Investment Forum for Foundations and Endowments, inaugurated in 2014 and held again in 2016 and 2018.
The Investment Forum offered a rare opportunity for leaders of private foundations and endowed charities in the Tri-State region to come face to face with leading professional advisors and investment experts to engage in discussion focused on successful endowment management.
Corporate Skill-Building Curriculum
Maximizing Corporate Community Investments (MCCI) is a comprehensive 6-part module curriculum on corporate giving designed for small to medium-sized corporate giving programs. The high-powered program - for both new and veteran corporate foundation and giving professionals - addressed the basic skills needed to build a strategic corporate giving program and the advanced skills to take an existing program to the next level.
These news articles show our members’ responses to the coronavirus pandemic, including announcements, emails, blogs, grants and other resources. If you have items to add, please email us.
Actions and Announcements
Audible Creates Global Center for Urban Development and Hires Aisha Glover to Help Lead It
Russell Berrie Foundation Post: Our Response to COVID-19
Campbell Soup to pay hourly employees premium during outbreak
Post: Our Response to COVID-19
Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation
Dodge signs CoF pledge
Grunin Foundation 3/13 COVID-19 Announcement and 3/31 COVID-19 Update
Johnson & Johnson’s lead COVID-19 vaccine candidate shots for early 2021 authorization
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Culture of Health Blog: Handwashing to Slow the Coronavirus Pandemic
Opinion: Racism is the other virus sweeping America during this pandemic by Julie Morita, M.D
Opinion: Disabled Americans can’t be a COVID-19 afterthought by Dr. Richard Besser
Culture of Health Blog: Incarceration Rates: A Key Measure of Health in America
Opinion: In Covid-19 Crisis, Philanthropy’s Attention Must Focus on People With Disabilities
Brief: Health Equity Principles for State and Local Leaders in Responding, Reopening & Recovering from COVID-19
Culture of Health Blog: Lessons for an Equitable COVID-19 Response and Recovery
Kessler Foundation has produced two COVID related podcasts:
Practical Tips to Help Survive the Pandemic as a Parent of a Child with Autism
COVID-19 and Spinal Cord Injury: Minimizing Risks for Complications
New Jersey Council of Humanities Op-ed: Staying Human During the Pandemic
New Jersey Health Initiatives’ Deputy Director of Programs, and CNJG Board Member Diane Hagerman penned “Collaboration across county lines is key to a healthy New Jersey” on NJ Spotlight.
New Jersey Council for the Humanities and New Jersey Historical Commission present a webinar series for cultural nonprofits navigating the COVID-19 pandemic
New Jersey Economic Development Authority assists more than 10,000 small businesses impacted by COVID-19
New Jersey State Council on the Arts partners with ArtPride New Jersey Foundation on “Keep Jersey Arts Alive” campaign.
Newark Arts and the City of Newark Retools Its Ambitious Arts Grant Program to Respond to COVID-19
Nicholson Foundation Email to Grantees
Nicholson honors their own Colette Lamothe-Galette, lost to COVID-19
OceanFirst Foundation and Grunin Foundation along with Townsquare Media Launch Acts of Kindness Campaign
Subaru teams up with TerraCycle on PPE recycling
Turrell Fund Email to Grantees about CARES Act
Turrell Fund manages new Passaic County Pandemic Partnership hosted at the Community Foundation of New Jersey
United Way of Greater Mercer County Op-ed message from Sandra Toussaint
Valley National Bank offers Community Pledge CD to help donate and save at the same time
Resources
Newark Trust for Education COVID19 Resources
New Jersey State Council on the Arts Resources for Artists and Arts Organizations
Video: Hear from recognizable native New Jersey voices about the importance of donating to the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund
PKF O’Connor Davies: Grantmaking During Disasters & Tax-favored Financial Assistance to Employees
As we enter the spring months, I want to let you know that registration has now opened for CNJG’s 2025 Conference for the Social Sector —Stronger Together: Philanthropy & Civic Engagement!
This very special convening on June 18 will bring together funders and nonprofits for a full day of shared learning, exchange, and networking. Our conference features national and local thought leaders, and a range of experts, for a day of connection, not-to-be-missed discussion, and side-by-side learning with foundation and nonprofit colleagues.
We’re pleased to announce our keynote speaker, Dale R. Anglin, Director, Press Forward, a growing coalition of 88+ local and national funders committed to investing more than $500 million to strengthen communities through local news. Press Forward now includes 36 locally led chapters in 29 states, including one in our state — the New Jersey Civic Information Consortium.
This is CNJG's largest event of the year and your chance to join us as we examine how funders and nonprofits can work together to address and increase civic engagement, focusing on several key areas, including advocacy, local media, participatory budgeting, guaranteed income, public-private partnerships, the arts, and youth education through the lens of civic participation. Special early bird rates are available until April 12 – so please register soon.
We’re thrilled to have PSEG as our Signature Sponsor, Sixers Youth Foundation as a Collaborator Sponsor, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation as a Connector Sponsor. We have several opportunities available to support this very special event, and I hope you will consider sponsorship. Please reach out to Development Associate Fortunata Cuomo for more information.
In case you missed it, we recently launched the Funder Briefing Series: Making Sense of Federal Policy: Understanding What it Means for New Jersey. This series provides an overview of key issues that directly impact philanthropy, and more broadly, the charitable sector. The next session, on April 3 at 4:00 p.m., will focus on Education. There’s still time to register for the program.
And for your planning, the next briefings in this series are:
- April 10: Making Sense of Federal Policy: Understanding What it Means for NJ: Housing
- April 17: Making Sense of Federal Policy: Understanding What it Means for NJ: Media & Journalism
- April 24: Making Sense of Federal Policy: Understanding What it Means for NJ: Arts
We recorded the last three briefings in this series in case you missed them. We’re also creating a written summary for each briefing as another way for you to review the information. You must be logged in to access the recordings, summary documents, and resources.
- Making Sense of Federal Policy: Understanding What it Means for NJ: Immigration
- Making Sense of Federal Policy: Understanding What it Means for NJ: Health
- Making Sense of Federal Policy: Understanding What it Means for NJ: Environment
We believe that active participation in CNJG programs is essential for all members, their staff and trustees. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to attend and to share our programs with your staff and trustees.
The federal funding rollbacks and executive actions continue to harm nonprofits and the work they’ve built across education, healthcare, science, the arts, public media, climate, immigration, gender and racial justice, and countless other issue areas that are at stake. Foundation leaders and funders are exploring ways to respond and step up. The Trust-Based Philanthropy project, along with Grantmakers for Effective Organizations and the National Center for Family Philanthropy, coordinated a call-to-action for philanthropy to “meet the moment.” While philanthropy can’t replace federal funding, funders can “work together to move in solidarity with nonprofits, mobilize money in trust-based ways, and nurture possibility and innovation.” I invite you to join our colleagues from across the county in signing this pledge to be part of the solution.
In a recent NJ Spotlight News op-ed entitled “NJ nonprofits need your help,” Linda Czipo, President and CEO, New Jersey Center for Nonprofits, reminds us:
There is a good chance that your life has been made better because of a nonprofit… Perhaps you were born, gave birth, or received life-saving treatment at a nonprofit hospital. Maybe you learned from “Mister Rogers,” “Sesame Street” or other shows developed by nonprofits. You may have enrolled your children in childcare or after-school programs so you could go to work. You may have been uplifted, moved, or inspired by a performance at a nonprofit theater….It’s easy to take the helpers for granted; after all, they’ve always been there in our hour of need. But now it’s the helpers who need help.
It's clear we’re in a time of uncertainty, and we’re wading into deeply uncharted waters. Philanthropy has a role to play, and CNJG is here to help navigate and inform your work. In addition to the learning series, we are curating resources, information, webinars, and convenings, as well as sharing CNJG member actions, New Jersey-focused response funds, and more via the Executive Actions Response & Info tab. Please check back often. And please help us keep the information current and updated by sharing your actions and stories with Manager of Communications Shakirat Odunsi.
If you’re hearing of surveys to gather information from NJ nonprofits, please share that information with us as well. Having the latest information supports thoughtful collaboration and decision-making in times of change.
The bottom line is, we must stand together with our nonprofit partners, do our part, and take courageous action now.
On your side,
Theresa Jacks, President and CEO
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers
Directors & Officers liability insurance provides financial protection for a foundation and its directors, officers, employees, and volunteers in the event of a lawsuit. CNJG offers its members the D&O liability insurance program provided through Aon Association Services, underwritten by The Hartford and endorsed by the United Philanthropy Forum. A discount is available to foundations with current membership with CNJG.
Fiduciary Liability and other coverage is also available to members at a discounted rate. Coverage is available in all states. Brokers can access the Forum’s D&O program through Aon Association Services.
Learn more using the documents below, on the Aon website or by contacting Jason Tharpe, program administrator at Aon Affinity, at 202-429-8561. To obtain the discount, foundations should let Aon know they are a member of CNJG, a member of the United Philanthropy Forum.
With the new federal administration comes many new executive actions that directly impact philanthropy and its nonprofit partners. It is an ever-changing, and fluid situation, causing confusion both within the government and across the social sector (philanthropy and nonprofits). According to the Urban Institute, nationwide, 103,475 public charities reported receiving a total of over $267 billion from government grants in 2021. The inflation-adjusted total of over $300 billion represents almost three times the most recent estimates of foundation giving. Philanthropy alone is not able to fill the gap of any potential lost government funding.
Philanthropy supporting organizations (PSOs), like CNJG, are convening funders to keep them informed of new changes so they can make informed decisions. In addition to presenting our own learning series on these implications, CNJG is curating resources, webpages, and other convenings for philanthropy to help navigate the changes. Sharing information with other funders is critical to keeping philanthropy informed in the weeks and months ahead. Having the latest information supports thoughtful collaboration and decision-making in times of change.
As foundation leaders dedicated to our New Jersey communities, please consider the full range of strategies your organizations can employ during these truly unprecedented times. Please share your stories with Manager of Communications Shakirat Odunsi, about how you are changing and/or adapting your grantmaking and work in the face of the dramatic policy shifts that are happening in the executive branch.
Have another resource to add to this page? Please email us.
CNJG Programs
Making Sense of Federal Policy Series:
This weekly funder briefing webinar series welcomed New Jersey-based grantmakers along with national funders and provided an opportunity for grantmakers to hear from a wide range of nonprofit experts. This series started on March 13, 2025, less than a month after the first executive order was issued and continued through April 24, 2025.
Policy Series Written Summaries
Policy Series Webinar Videos
Foundations on the Hill 2025 (February 2025)
Newark Funder Affinity Group: Shared Strategies and Collaboration for 2025 and the Years Ahead (3/12/2025)
Beyond the Rulings: Strategies to Safeguard Nonprofits in a Shifting Landscape, Part 1 (2/28/2025)
Beyond the Rulings: Strategies to Safeguard Nonprofits in a Shifting Legal Landscape, Part 2 (4/11/2025)
Beyond the Rulings: Strategies to Safeguard Nonprofits in a Shifting Legal Landscape, Part 3 (5/12/2025)
Programs by CNJG Members
Monmouth & Ocean Roundtable of Funders (2/18/2025)
Other Programs/Webinars
Policy World Wednesdays
Held the second Wednesday of each month to discuss all things policy, including the latest developments at the federal, state and local levels; legislative insights and advocacy opportunities; and to share any other policy or advocacy issues currently on your organization’s radar.
Recordings:
National Council of Nonprofits: Executive Actions and their Impact on Charitable Nonprofits and slides
New Jersey Center for Nonprofits: Advocacy, Lobbying and Nonprofits: Yes, You Can
National Council of Nonprofits: The Legal Landscape and Path Ahead for Nonprofits and Philanthropy slides.
CNJG Member Actions
Community Foundation of New Jersey and other funders launched NJ Strong: Emergency Fund
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation: Statement From Dr. Richard Besser Condemning Executive Order Backsliding on DEI and Health
Paul DiLorenzo Op-Ed: The Families We Serve Also Hold No Cards
United Way of Greater Mercer County published "Disrupted: How Federal Funding Volatility is Affecting Nonprofits" a survey reporting the impacts of the federal executive actions on Mercer County nonprofits.
New Jersey Focused Response Funds
Equip NJ: An intermediary initiative aimed at strengthening the ecosystem of organizations working to advance health equity in New Jersey. Members of the advocacy and racial justice fields have shaped EQUIP NJ’s design, priorities, and vision.
New Jersey Sustainability and Resiliency Fund: A partnership by six New Jersey United Ways, this fund was created to support the non-profit sector to ensure its continued impact and resiliency.
Presentations and recording of CNJG webinar on March 18
Action Items
To help the National Council of Nonprofits get a better sense of the real-world effects of the announced executive orders or changes in federal funding, they have set up a form for nonprofits to share the effect on their missions and the people they serve. Funders: encourage your nonprofit partners to complete the brief form.
Please share your stories with Manager of Communications Shakirat Odunsi, about how you are changing and/or adapting your grantmaking and work in the face of the dramatic policy shifts that are happening in the executive branch.
Funders: for those that want to move in solidarity with nonprofits, mobilize money, and nurture possibility, the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project offers you the opportunity to sign a philanthropic commitment for trust-based action. We invite you to share this with peers, and join the growing community of grantmakers and donors taking trust-based, courageous action on behalf of the social sector.
Sites Summarizing Actions for Philanthropy
Center for Effective Philanthropy: How Funders Can Respond to an Unprecedented Threat to Nonprofits
Council on Foundations: One, Big, Beautiful Bill: Impact on Philanthropy
Democracy 2025: Response Center
Exponent Philanthropy: Philanthropy’s Responsibility Persists: Staying the Course Amid Change
Grantmakers for Effective Organizations: Supporting Our Communities: Key Strategies for Navigating Federal Funding Threats
Grantmakers in Health: Helping Health Philanthropy Navigate the New Administration and Congress
Grantmakers in the Arts: Community Resources on the New Presidential Administration’s Actions (shared summary document)
Just Security: Litigation Tracker: Legal Challenges to Administration Actions
National Center for Family Philanthropy: Navigating Uncertain Times
National Council of Nonprofits: Executive Orders Affecting Charitable Nonprofits
National Council of Nonprofits: The Impact of the Recent Executive Orders on Nonprofits
New Jersey Center for Nonprofits: New Jersey Nonprofits Need Your Help, Too (op-ed in NJ Spotlight)
New Jersey Center for Nonprofits: Resources to Navigate Uncertainty
United Philanthropy Forum: Executive Actions Impacting the Philanthropic & Nonprofit Sectors
United Philanthropy Forum: Understanding the Proposed Tax Changes
Resources to Assist Funders
CNJG: What Every Grantmaker Should Know and Frequently Asked Questions
ABFE: READI Resource Bank
Alliance for Justice: Bolder Advocacy Resources for Funding Advocacy
Alliance for Justice: How Can Foundations Support Policy Change?
Candid: How Many Nonprofits Rely on Government Grants?
Center for Effective Philanthropy: Challenging Times: How U.S. Nonprofit Leaders are Experiencing the Political Context
Council of Nonprofits: Let’s Get This Straight: Advocacy vs. Lobbying (for nonprofits)
Grantmakers in the Arts: The New Presidential Administration: Lessons for Us All
The Impact Project: The Impact Map - a website that shows policy, funding, and workforce changes from the federal government and their localized effect.
Lawyers Alliance for New York & New York Lawyers for the Public Interest: FAQs for Recipients of Federal Funding Regarding Required Certifications
Meltzer Center @ NYU Law: Advancing DEI Initiative
National Council of Nonprofits: Executive Branch Lacks Authority to Target Nonprofit Organizations
New Jersey Nonprofits: Trends and Outlook 2025
New Jersey Policy Perspective: Federal Funding Cuts Threaten New Jersey’s Residents
NJ.gov Department of Human Services: Modeling Impact to NJ Medicaid of Congressional Budget Proposals
PACE Funders: Bridging Language
Philanthropy.com: Amid Funding Freezes and ICE Raids, What Will It Take to Support Grantees?
Pro Bono Partnership: Resources for Nonprofits on 2025 Federal Actions
Tenenbaum Law Group PLLC: Nonprofits Under Fire: How the IRS Can – and Cannot – Revoke Federal Tax-Exempt Status
Urban Institute: What’s the Financial Risk of Nonprofits Losing Government Grants?
CNJG provides this information free to the philanthropic community. If you are not a CNJG member, please join so you can take full advantage of the many benefits of membership and help underwrite the cost of services like this.