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At the October Grantmakers for Education Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., the Newark Funders Education Committee presented a workshop called “How Not to Read the Prize” to a standing-room-only audience of national, regional, and local foundations.
They did so not to dispute the findings in Dale Russakoff’s book, “The Prize,” but rather to expound upon the progress and challenges that have occurred during the period since Mark Zuckerberg’s $100-million-dollar gift was announced in September 2010 and to paint a fuller, more nuanced picture.
The process of putting together the panel was a learning experience for all of us who participated. It helped us to clarify our own thinking about what the gift enabled Newark to accomplish, how we as local funders have come to work together more effectively, and how we might advise national foundations interested in place-based impact to engage with the community and with local funders.
In September 2010, Mark Zuckerberg announced a $100 million gift, to be matched dollar for dollar, to transform education in Newark in five years. The Foundation for Newark’s Future was created as a local foundation that would manage a then-undetermined portion of the gift.
The Prize, by Dale Russakoff, documents the first five few years of this reform effort. As Russakoff illustrates, there were strong personalities involved in the reform effort who had or have now moved to new positions. Also, this was the donor’s first foray into philanthropy and despite efforts at community engagement, many community leaders and activists felt that district and state leaders and national foundation representatives did not invite or respect authentic community participation in its decisions. The book and subsequent book tour largely focused on these themes.
The narrative in philanthropy is that “this bold effort largely failed.” With the benefit of time, we would write a different narrative: there were missteps along the way, and some philanthropic overreach, but Newark is moving forward, education outcomes are improving, and some of the work that was started because of this initiative has had sustained positive impact. Most importantly, there is a robust education dialogue in the city that has moved from vigorous disagreement to an agreement to collaborate even when we disagree. So, the hashtag for this work seven years on might be: #notfinishedyet or #needapart2.
The Office of the Newark Philanthropic Liaison (NPL) —an innovative collaboration between the city of Newark and the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers (CNJG) —is tasked with harnessing interest, fostering greater effectiveness, and attracting resources toward policy and programmatic areas that affect and improve the lives of Newark’s residents. Supported by a dedicated cohort of funders through CNJG, the office is non-partisan and based in the Mayor’s Office in Newark City Hall. The Liaison represents one of the nation's first formal partnerships between a city and the philanthropic community, and has become a national model for public-private alliances. At its core, the role has three main functions:
- Connect – Align citywide initiatives and bring together cross-sector partners for collective action.
- Convene – Foster strong partnerships with regional and national philanthropic leaders and support Newark and New Jersey funder collaboration through funder affinity groups.
- Leverage – Identify and maximize public and private resources for City priorities.
As Newark is at a pivotal time in its growth and development, the Office of Newark Philanthropic Liaison is focused on a number of big issues including equitable economic development in our neighborhoods, educational equity, employment, serving the needs of our immigrant and other vulnerable communities, housing for the homeless, and expanding broadband and health services. Now more than ever, we need collaboration and partnerships. These issues are too big for any one person or entity to solve alone.
The Newark Philanthropic Liaison project is supported by Bank of America, the Burke Foundation, the Community Foundation of New Jersey, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, Maher Charitable Foundation, the MCJ Amelior Foundation, The Prudential Foundation, Schumann Fund for New Jersey, Turrell Fund, and the Victoria Foundation. While the Nicholson Foundation sunset in late 2021, we acknowledge and thank the foundation for its long-term support of the initiative.
We also acknowledge the City of Newark for its commitment to collaborating with the position and elevating the voice of philanthropy. A special thank you to the Community Foundation of New Jersey, which facilitates and manages grant funds for many of our partnerships.
One year from now the 2020 Census will be in full swing. This nationwide, constitutionally-mandated count, conducted once every ten years, is our opportunity to ensure that New Jersey residents are accurately counted to secure the resources needed to support our communities. Nationally, more than $800 billion in federal funding as well as fair, proportional voting representation are at stake. In New Jersey, allocations from 16 federal programs including Medicaid, education grants, and even highway planning and construction are allotted based on the census count. This totaled over $17 billion in 2015.
But the 2020 Census is facing unprecedented challenges, including years of underfunding, a climate of fear, the challenges of the first “high tech” census, and the potential addition of an untested citizenship question. That means we will all have to work together to overcome these challenges and help achieve a fair and accurate census to ensure that the hardest-to-count communities—like people of color, low-income folks, LGBTQ people, immigrant communities, rural communities, and young children—aren’t missed. Based on the latest census estimates, approximately 22% of New Jersey’s population lives in hard-to-count areas.
CNJG joins the Funders’ Committee for Civic Participation’s Funders Census Initiative, United Philanthropy Forum and philanthropy-serving organizations around the country in asking our members to commit to supporting and encouraging a fair and accurate census.
The Census is one of our nation’s most important and consequential civic obligations. Getting it right and counting everyone ensures people and communities can thrive.
Please feel free to reach out to me or Deputy Director Theresa Jacks for information about the Council’s work on behalf of a full, fair and accurate 2020 Census.
Sincerely,
Maria Vizcarrondo, President and CEO
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers
70 years after Brown vs. The Board of Education, segregation and resource inequities continue in New Jersey schools. Discussion will center on the lawsuit brought by 9 families with a coalition of civil rights, faith, and social justice groups. Meet Dr. Charles Payne, Director, The Cornwall Center for Metropolitan Studies Rutgers; Dr. Jesselly De La Cruz of Latino Action Network Foundation; Vivian Fraser of Urban League of Essex County; Jared Hunter with Salvation and Social Justice; and Brandon McKoy of The Fund for New Jersey.
New Jersey boasts one of the top education systems in the U.S. but our public schools are also among the nation’s top 6 or 7 most segregated. We see substantial differences in resources afforded across our 620 districts aligned with home rule. This results in significant harm in outcomes for students in segregated districts, including the 63% of all Black and Latino students who attend schools segregated by race and poverty.
Panelists: Dr. Jeselly De La Cruz, Executive Director at Latino Action Network Foundation; Vivian Cox Fraser, CEO of Urban League of Essex County; Dr. Charles Payne, Director, The Cornwall Center for Metropolitan Studies, Rutgers University; Jared Hunter, Organizing Director with Salvation and Social Justice; Brandon McKoy, President, The Fund for New Jersey
Cost: Free for CNJG Members, $50 for Non Member Grantmakers.
Webinar Video
Cornwall Research Finding Summary: The Latinx Experience in NJ Schools: A Preliminary Overview
Dr. De La Cruz referenced article from Chalkbeat: New Jersey school segregation case: A look at key points, what’s next in Latino Action Network vs. NJ
Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees (GCIR) in collaboration with National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP), present a briefing that features a panel of speakers representing nonprofit organizations working on the front lines to strengthen our democracy and advance immigrant rights in their communities. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear what groups need as we move into 2025 and beyond, directly from movement leaders.
According to a report from National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy, since 2012 there has been an 11 percent shrinkage in philanthropic funding towards immigrant movement groups. While there was an uptick in rapid response funding between 2017-2018, this has not created the conditions for the long term sustainability of immigrant serving organizations.
In a critical election year, over 60 anti-immigrant bills have been introduced in state legislatures nationwide. Immigrant advocacy groups – already facing a myriad of historically systemic challenges such as burnout, unlivable wages, and hostile state level political environments – are facing this wave of anti-immigrant sentiment, often at the sacrifice of their own safety and well being. And while philanthropic interest has focused on the national elections and scenario planning, movement groups are already planning for 2025 and an uncertain future regardless of presidential election outcomes. Philanthropy must not only meet this moment but also invest in the critical infrastructure needs of organizations and movements, particularly at the local and state levels.
As right wing movements seek to undermine our democracy on all fronts, immigrant communities cannot be left behind and must be included in any political, social, or philanthropic efforts that seek to build a multi-racial democracy. Built through the collaborative efforts of GCIR and NCRP, this briefing will feature a panel of speakers representing nonprofit organizations working on the front lines to strengthen our democracy and advance immigrant rights in their communities. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear what groups need as we move into 2025 and beyond, directly from movement leaders.
Cost: Free for Funders
Must log in or create an account to register on GCIR’s website.
Adopted by the CNJG Board of Trustees October 20, 2023
Each principle begins with a common understanding followed by developmental steps for members beginning to look at these principles as well as the aspiration for each principle. These principles are intended to promote continuous learning, vulnerability, and reflection for how philanthropy can evolve from its historical roots to a more trusting, accountable, and equitable model.
The principles include:
1. Ethical Leadership
2. Stewardship
3. Values
4. Equity & Justice
5. Community Engagement
6. Public Voice
7. Continuous Learning
8. Transparency & Accountability
1. Ethical Leadership
Understand:
We believe that ethical leadership is required to build and maintain community trust in philanthropy. This is achieved through adherence to laws, good governance and community- informed decision-making.
Begin:
We serve our partners and communities in a way that engenders trust. We adhere to all applicable laws and take seriously our fiduciary duties. In order to maintain trust, we seek to continuously improve our governance, decision-making processes and organizational culture.
Aspire:
We actively engage the community in our governance and decision-making, balancing donor intent and community need. We strengthen community trust by including new and diverse voices on our governing bodies and decision-making teams.
2. Stewardship
Understand:
As philanthropic entities established for charitable purposes, we operate with a privileged tax status. We recognize that, in addition to money, foundation assets include investments, relationships, human resources, connections and networks, knowledge and expertise, and stature.
Begin:
We recognize our roles as funders, employers, economic entities and community members. Through each of these roles, we use the wide range of assets held by philanthropy to create positive benefits and impact with our communities.
Aspire:
We use all of our assets to build equity and strengthen communities, as defined by the communities, themselves. We use all available tools such as values-based investing, impact investing and giving beyond any minimum requirements, to generate community benefits.
3. Values
Understand:
Having clear and transparent goals, missions and values allows us to be purposeful in philanthropy and facilitates accountability with communities and stakeholders.
Begin:
Our missions and goals are clearly stated and are transparent to the community. We hold ourselves accountable to them. We periodically examine our missions and goals for relevance, impact and alignment to our values.
Aspire:
We seek to understand and incorporate the values of our stakeholders and the communities we serve into our missions, values and goals. The community participates in examining our mission, values and goals for relevance, and holds us accountable to them.
4. Equity & Justice
Understand:
We recognize two truths. Philanthropy is created to promote the welfare of others. Our commitment to equity requires us to dismantle disparities in access to power, money and resources. At the same time, philanthropy is a system that is built on historical structural inequities and systemic racism. These inequities create a resource gap and power differential between philanthropy and the community.
Begin:
We are in a unique position to promote equity and justice. We seek to understand how intersectional inequities and racism manifest in our philanthropy and our communities. We work to become anti-racist individuals and organizations. In order to advance equity and justice, we listen to the community, honor their story and rely on their lived experience to inform our grantmaking.
Aspire:
We acknowledge our privilege in resources and resulting power. We commit to increase power sharing with our community, especially with communities that have been historically marginalized. We believe in trust and shared power in decision-making, which increases community access to philanthropic resources. This increases equity and makes progress toward dismantling racism and eliminating systemic inequities.
5. Community Engagement
Understand:
Philanthropy works best when it builds long-term community relationships rather than focusing on short-term transactions. Positive impacts increase when we hold mutually respectful, direct relationships with the community. As a result of community engagement, philanthropic efforts become more relevant and donors/grantors more accountable to our community.
Begin:
We listen to the desires of the community and we interact with the community in culturally appropriate, meaningful and respectful ways. We engage in continual and reciprocal listening and learning, cultural curiosity and humility. In our relationships, we respect the community’s time and resources and strive to give more than we receive.
Aspire:
We take time to understand our relationships with the community, align our aspirations and actions, and adjust our work, as needed. We solicit community critique and feedback. We strengthen our grantmaking through power sharing, joint decision-making and funding of solutions defined and led by the community.
6. Public Voice
Understand:
Philanthropic organizations and individual donors enjoy power and influence that we must use responsibly, both individually and collectively, for the greater good. Our public voice augments our grantmaking to demonstrate partnership in communities and to advance our goals.
Begin:
We form our public voice by listening humbly to those with lived experience on issues we seek to influence. We use our collective voice to share knowledge, educate ourselves and others, and impact change on issues that advance equity and strengthen our community.
Aspire:
We amplify the voice of communities that have been historically marginalized. We use our collective voice to impact change in public policy and public opinion on issues important to our communities. We use our resources to amplify community voices and support grassroots organizing and advocacy.
7. Continuous Learning
Understand:
We have unprecedented access to information from local and global sources including science, research and community networks. Our communities offer rich information about the human impact of policies and resource distribution. We are obligated to use various information sources to actively learn and strengthen our practice and allow for vulnerability and openness to the evolution of our work.
Begin:
We are curious about our work and engage in activities that help us to consider new viewpoints and address individual biases. Through a range of learning activities including research, self-assessment, evaluation, professional development and community engagement processes we seek and use information that improves our grantmaking and expands our understanding of the community.
Aspire:
With the community, we engage in ongoing learning and jointly define funding priorities. We respect many cultural ways of learning and knowing and work to achieve individual and organizational cultural competency. We promote continuous learning with our teams and alongside our grantee partners. We improve our work by offering and using peer feedback and being open and vulnerable in the process.
8. Transparency & Accountability
Understand:
Transparency builds trust and strengthens our accountability to the community. By being transparent, we are accountable to our mission, values and goals.
Begin:
We exhibit transparency by being clear, consistent and timely in our communications, decisions and commitments. We share information publicly in order to meet regulatory requirements and uphold community expectations, in the context of our missions. We demonstrate accountability by learning from community feedback and critique.
Aspire:
We consider state and federal regulatory requirements to be the minimum standard of transparency. We excel at transparency and accountability by engaging the community in decision-making and external evaluation of our work
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
Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees (GCIR) is hosting a discussion with three nonprofit newsrooms, moderated by a foundation actively investing in racial equity in journalism. You will have the opportunity to learn about the critical role independent media plays in supporting our multiracial democracy and how philanthropy can help undergird the sector.
As the United States grapples with rising authoritarianism and anti-immigrant sentiment within both government and the general population, the fourth estate remains a critical bulwark in the defense of our democracy. While it is undeniable that journalism and independent media have suffered significant setbacks in recent decades, the power of robust, rigorous, and accessible media can help inoculate communities from mis- and disinformation, and can elevate important perspectives that might otherwise not be heard.
For many immigrants and refugees, nonprofit media outlets led by and for their communities, such as Futuro Media Group, Radio Campesina and El Tocolote, exist as culturally competent and linguistically accessible news sources covering relevant issues such as immigration policy, community events and resources, and local politics. These outlets also serve as an important counterweight to toxic and sensationalized mainstream media narratives about the role of immigrants in our society.
Join GCIR for a discussion with three nonprofit newsrooms, moderated by a foundation actively investing in racial equity in journalism. In this session, we will learn about the critical role independent media plays in supporting our multiracial democracy while exploring how philanthropy can help support and strengthen the sector.
SPEAKERS
Nissa Rhee, Executive Director, Borderless Magazine
Chao Xiong, Director of Editorial, Sahan Journal
Mazin Sidahmed, Co-Executive Director, Documented NY
MODERATOR
Alicia Bell, Director of Racial Equity in Journalism Fund, Borealis Philanthropy
Cost: Free for Members and Non Members
You will need to register for a free web account on GCIR’s website before being able to register (much like the process to register for an account on CNJG’s website).
CNJG’s listserves facilitate ongoing group e-mail discussions among subscribed members. Members can share information and expertise, ask questions, and gather opinions of colleagues across the network. Listserves also enable members to get the most up-to-date information on related programs being offered throughout the field.
These listserves can be a great resource if members participate on a regular basis. You can use the listserves to:
- Pose a question to the group.
- Discuss and brainstorm issues related to New Jersey grantmaking.
- Request assistance on a specific topic, problem or issue.
- Alert members about time-sensitive or other helpful information.
Members are automatically included in relevant listserves based on their member profiles. You can begin using the listserves to communicate with your colleagues as soon as you’d like. Please refer to the Listserves’ Membership Policies page for access to the direct email address of each listserve, information on using the listserves, and the directories of who is subscribed to each list.
CNJG now offers 25 listserves.
- Bergen Funders
- Camden Funders
- Community Foundation CEO’s (this list connects to a national listserve for Community Foundation CEO’s)
- CNJG Member CEO's
- CNJG Member CFO’s and Finance Managers
- CNJG Member Communications Staff
- COVID-19 Funders
- Culture Funders
- Corporate Funders
- Disaster Response Funders
- Education Funders
- Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy
- Environmental Funders
- Family Funders
- Food Funders
- Health Funders
- Monmouth & Ocean Roundtable of Funders
- Newark Funders
- New Jersey Census Funders
- Paterson Funders
- Racial Equity Funders
- South Jersey Funders
- STEAM Funders
- Strong and Thriving NJ Community Funders
- Trenton Area Funders
If you would like to join, opt out, have questions, comments or concerns about the listserve, please contact Craig Weinrich at (609) 414-7110 x802.
Please join us for our next Newark Funder Affinity Group Meeting at a special location. We will meet at the Courage in Care: Community Doulas and Joyful Revolution in Birth exhibit at the new Newark ArtsSpace (more information below). Our discussion will focus on local implementing partners in Newark and Essex County committed to improving black maternal health. We will also use the second part of the meeting to update each other on the response to the federal funding environment.
Joining us will be these dynamic speakers representing philanthropy, direct service, systems change, and training backgrounds:
Jazmin Rivera, Vice President of Holistic Support, BRICK Education Network
Nastassia K. Harris, Founder & Executive Director, Perinatal Health Equity Initiative
Julie Blumenfeld, Program Director, Nurse-Midwifery and Dual Women's Health, Rutgers University School of Nursing
Lisa Block, Senior Prorgram Officer, Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey
Atiya Weiss, Executive Director, The Burke Foundation
Please plan to stay after the meeting to interact with the exhibit.
Cost: Free for CNJG Members and Nonprofits; $75 for Non Member Grantmakers
About Courage in Care
The Courage in Care was developed under the guidance and leadership of a statewide advisory council of community doulas and maternal health advocates across New Jersey. With support from Narrative Initiative and In Good Company, these birth workers shaped the stories, themes, and vision that bring The Courage in Care to life.
Supported by the Burke Foundation, Ascend at the Aspen Institute, MERCK for Mothers, Community Health Acceleration Partnership, Turrell Fund, MCJ Amelior Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and Bristol Myers Squibb, The Courage in Care is part of a larger effort to reimagine maternal health in New Jersey and beyond. Events associated with the exhibit are produced by NJPAC Arts & Well-Being.
This self-assessment/reflection tool is intended for foundations and funders committed to or interested in Doing Good Better. Doing Good Better is inspired by, and builds on, years of nonprofit and community advocacy, the principles of “Trust Based Philanthropy,” and numerous other resources. We hope this tool will open up the opportunity for dialogue and reflection with your board, staff and funded agencies. Your response can serve as a baseline for future measurement of your organization’s progress towards Doing Good Better, stronger philanthropic/nonprofit partnerships, and heightened community impact.
This assessment is intended as a self-reflection tool, rather than a recommendation for any specific policy within a particular funding institution. It has four sections, one for each Doing Good Better goal. For most funders, a single individual in grantmaking or senior leadership will be able to complete the full assessment; others may need additional support from other departments to respond. While filling out the assessment, we encourage you to consider how self-reporting bias may show up in your answers. Also, notice where a question challenges you and get curious about why.
To make the most of this tool, we recommend that you first review and consider the Doing Good Better goals before starting this assessment. We also encourage your board and staff to go through the goals as you reflect on your responses.
• Goal 1: Center Equity
• Goal 2: Provide Flexible Funding
• Goal 3: Provide Reliable Funding
• Goal 4: Reduce Paperwork Burden
DOWNLOAD THE SELF-ASSESSMENT TOOL
These news articles show our members responses to philanthropy's role in fighting against racism and injustice. If there items we've missed, please email us, and we'll add it.
Actions and Announcements
Johnson & Johnson: A Message from Johnson & Johnson Chairman and CEO Alex Gorsky About Recent Events in the United States
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation: Statement from Richard Besser, MD, on Racial Injustice, Violence, and Health In America
Adam Liebling, Director of Grants Management at RWJF, pens this article re-imagining the work of philanthropy
New Jersey Council for the Humanities: Our resolute commitment to equity and justice through the humanities
Overdeck Family Foundation: Standing in Solidarity, and Lifting Up Stories of Impact
Princeton Area Community Foundation: Eleanor Horne and Jeff Vega pen this opinion piece about how they are working towards racial equity and making their community “a better place for all children”
Smith Family Foundation: Protest and Planning Next Step - A Letter to our City and her Allies
TD Bank: A statement on recent events from Bharat Masrani, President & CEO, TD Bank Group
United Way of Ocean and Monmouth Counties: United We Stand
Victoria Foundation: Statement of Condemnation
“These are really fun gatherings!” - Nora Jones, Pincus Family Foundation
Join your fellow CNJG members and CNJG staff, every first Friday of the month, for a 60-minute Zoom session. Much like the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits’ Member Mondays or “open office hours,” these sessions are a dedicated time for members to gather online to network, ask questions of each other or the CNJG staff on topics that could address:
- The latest issues facing New Jersey philanthropic organizations, resources and calls to action.
- How to use Trust-Based Philanthropy practices at your philanthropy.
- How can funders “Do Good Better?”
- Sincere discussions, sharing your questions, challenges, and success stories with your philanthropic colleagues.
- Opportunities for collaboration, programs you are offering for grantees, RFP announcements, and more.
Current members (grantmaking and associate) are invited to participate. No registration is required.
There won’t be an agenda, and we will not record the session, but we will take attendance.
“These are always very informative and helpful.” - Jeff Richardson, NJM Insurance Group
To Join:
Use this link
or use
Zoom Meeting ID: 879 8405 2351
Passcode: 663599
Meeting Norms:
To make the experience comfortable and worthwhile to all, we respectfully ask the following.
- Please try to be on camera as much as possible.
- Please keep the conversation respectful and nonpartisan.
- While everyone is welcome to share resources during the session and to include helpful information in the chat, we ask that there be no direct soliciting for new clients/customers.
- Please allow everyone the opportunity to participate.
- Feel free to continue discussions offline with anyone that shares their contact information with you. Contact information for our members can be found through our online member directory.
“These are really fun gatherings!” - Nora Jones, Pincus Family Foundation
Join your fellow CNJG members and CNJG staff, every first Friday of the month, for a 60-minute Zoom session. Much like the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits’ Member Mondays or “open office hours,” these sessions are a dedicated time for members to gather online to network, ask questions of each other or the CNJG staff on topics that could address:
- The latest issues facing New Jersey philanthropic organizations, resources and calls to action.
- How to use Trust-Based Philanthropy practices at your philanthropy.
- How can funders “Do Good Better?”
- Sincere discussions, sharing your questions, challenges, and success stories with your philanthropic colleagues.
- Opportunities for collaboration, programs you are offering for grantees, RFP announcements, and more.
Current members (grantmaking and associate) are invited to participate. No registration is required.
There won’t be an agenda, and we will not record the session, but we will take attendance.
“These are always very informative and helpful.” - Jeff Richardson, NJM Insurance Group
To Join:
Use this link
or use
Zoom Meeting ID: 879 8405 2351
Passcode: 663599
Meeting Norms:
To make the experience comfortable and worthwhile to all, we respectfully ask the following.
- Please try to be on camera as much as possible.
- Please keep the conversation respectful and nonpartisan.
- While everyone is welcome to share resources during the session and to include helpful information in the chat, we ask that there be no direct soliciting for new clients/customers.
- Please allow everyone the opportunity to participate.
- Feel free to continue discussions offline with anyone that shares their contact information with you. Contact information for our members can be found through our online member directory.
“These are really fun gatherings!” - Nora Jones, Pincus Family Foundation
Join your fellow CNJG members and CNJG staff, every first Friday of the month, for a 60-minute Zoom session. Much like the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits’ Member Mondays or “open office hours,” these sessions are a dedicated time for members to gather online to network, ask questions of each other or the CNJG staff on topics that could address:
- The latest issues facing New Jersey philanthropic organizations, resources and calls to action.
- How to use Trust-Based Philanthropy practices at your philanthropy.
- How can funders “Do Good Better?”
- Sincere discussions, sharing your questions, challenges, and success stories with your philanthropic colleagues.
- Opportunities for collaboration, programs you are offering for grantees, RFP announcements, and more.
Current members (grantmaking and associate) are invited to participate. No registration is required.
There won’t be an agenda, and we will not record the session, but we will take attendance.
“These are always very informative and helpful.” - Jeff Richardson, NJM Insurance Group
To Join:
Use this link
or use
Zoom Meeting ID: 879 8405 2351
Passcode: 663599
Meeting Norms:
To make the experience comfortable and worthwhile to all, we respectfully ask the following.
- Please try to be on camera as much as possible.
- Please keep the conversation respectful and nonpartisan.
- While everyone is welcome to share resources during the session and to include helpful information in the chat, we ask that there be no direct soliciting for new clients/customers.
- Please allow everyone the opportunity to participate.
- Feel free to continue discussions offline with anyone that shares their contact information with you. Contact information for our members can be found through our online member directory.
New Jersey Organizations and Resources
- American Red Cross – Chapters covering the State of New Jersey
- State of New Jersey Catholic Charities - Diocese of Camden - Diocese of Trenton
- Community Emergency Response Teams provides opportunity for citizen volunteers to be involved in emergency management activities.
- Community Food Bank of New Jersey
- Goodwill NY NJ
- Jersey Cares recruits and engages volunteers in efforts that address community-identified needs.
- NJ 2-1-1 helps people find solutions to personal needs by informing them of resources in their community.
- NJ Department of Human Services: Disasters & Emergencies - Help & Information
- Pass It Along, an affiliate of the Hands on Network, recruits and engages volunteers.
- The Salvation Army - New Jersey Division
- Volunteer Center of Bergen County, Inc.
- Volunteer Lawyer’s for Justice - Provides legal support to New Jersey residents.
- United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey
Nationwide Organizations and Resources
- American Institute for Conservation—Collections Emergency Response Team (AIC-CERT)
Offers free emergency response assistance to cultural organizations with collections. AIC-CERT is supported and managed by the Foundation of the American Institute for Conservation (FAIC) and consists of a force of 107 “rapid responders” trained to assess damage and initiate salvage of cultural collections after a disaster has occurred. - American Red Cross - Disaster Recovery Guides
- BBB Wise Giving Alliance
The BBB Wise Giving Alliance helps donors make informed giving decisions and advances high standards of conduct among organizations that solicit contributions from the public. - Center for Disaster Philanthropy
The when, where, and how of informed disaster giving - Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI)
Provides individuals, groups, embassies and corporations with information and guidance in support of appropriate international disaster relief efforts. - CERF+ Artists’ Relief Exchange along with its partners in the National Coalition for Arts Preparedness and Emergency Response are committed to providing and connected people to emergency relief.
- FEMA
Information from the Federal Emergency Management Agency - FEMA Geo Portal
This portal provides geospatial data and analytics in support of emergency management - FEMA - National Disaster Recovery Framework
This guide provides a flexible structure that enables disaster recovery managers to operate in a unified and collaborative manner to provide effective recovery support to disaster-impacted jurisdictions. - Guide to Navigating FEMA and SBA Disaster Aid for Cultural Institutions
- The Tsunami Learning Project: Lessons for Grantmakers in Natural Disaster Response
This guide, published by Grantmakers Without Borders, offers new tools for grantmakers when responding to natural disasters. - IRS Disaster Relief Resources for Charities and Contributors
In the aftermath of a disaster or in other emergency hardship situations, individuals, employers and corporations often are interested in providing assistance to victims through a charitable organization. The IRS provides a number of resources to help those involved in providing disaster relief through charities. - Disaster Relief, Providing Assistance Through Charitable Organizations
IRS Publication 3833 describes how members of the public can use charitable organizations to provide assistance to victims of disasters or other emergency hardship situations. - Emergency Drying Procedures for Water Damaged Collections
A guide from the Library of Congress - Preparation & Response for Cultural Institutions
A guide from the National Trust for Historical Preservation. - Small Business Administration
Learn about and apply for SBA Disaster Loans for business of all sizes – private and nonprofit
ADOPTED: 10/20/2023
APPROACH
CNJG takes an active role in championing the vital role New Jersey’s nonprofit sector plays in the state. We advocate for public policies that support a strong and fair economy, the economic and social well-being of New Jersey’s residents, a healthy environment, and civically engaged and educated communities. In keeping with our vision, we seek to advance equity and inclusive public policies. We promote participatory philanthropy, which seeks to include a diversity of voices in public policy development and implementation and ensure that those most affected are included in the public policymaking process. We advance trust-based philanthropy, which seeks to foster equitable relationships within the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors by redistributing power — systemically, organizationally, and interpersonally — in service of a healthier and more equitable nonprofit sector. We focus our public policy efforts on issues that affect or impact the nonprofit and/or philanthropic sectors, that potentially have long-term, systemic impact, and where the involvement of CNJG could positively shape the outcome of an issue. We encourage policymakers to engage with us and think of us as a resource as we advocate for strong policies to strengthen New Jersey’s nonprofit sector and recognize the sector for the valuable and essential role that it plays.
POLICY PRIORITIES
ADVANCE RACIAL EQUITY AND JUSTICE. Philanthropy has a critical role to play in dismantling structural racism by advancing equitable public policy. We seek to analyze and support public policies that further racial equity, eliminate persistent racial disparities, and promote equitable outcomes across issue areas including health and well-being, education, economy, housing, and the environment.
A WELL-RESOURCED NONPROFIT SECTOR. A resilient and well-resourced New Jersey nonprofit sector is essential to a healthy and equitable New Jersey and a resilient economy that works for all. Too often, the nonprofit sector is under-resourced and under-valued for the critical role that it plays. We support policies that eliminate barriers to effective nonprofit operations, enable long-term fiscal planning, and encourage all New Jersey residents to support and engage with the nonprofit sector. Examples of policies we support include:
- state contracts that adequately compensate staff.
- multi-year investments in the nonprofit sector.
- government policies that support nonprofit innovation.
- reductions of “red tape.”
- increased government transparency.
- incentives for New Jersey residents to engage in charitable giving.
A COLLABORATIVE ENVIRONMENT TO SUPPORT INNOVATION. We seek to foster collaboration and enhanced coordination among the nonprofit sector, philanthropy, and government at all levels. We support public policy initiatives and innovative efforts that further this aim.
SUPPORTING NONPROFITS’ ADVOCACY ROLE. We work to protect the vital ability of the nonprofit sector to advocate and engage in public policy, recognizing that the nonprofit sector plays an essential role in strengthening New Jersey’s economy, improving the lives of New Jersey residents, and advancing equity.
INVESTING IN PREVENTION, RESPONDING TO CRISIS AND SUPPORTING LONG-TERM RECOVERY. The philanthropic sector is often called upon to respond in times of crisis. We support public policies that make necessary investments to prevent such crises, including health, climate and natural disasters.
We also advocate for policies and investments to adequately respond to such crises and invest in long-term recovery, with a focus on prioritizing the needs of those communities that are most at-risk and hardest hit.
A HEALTHY DEMOCRACY & ENGAGED COMMUNITIES/CIVIC ENGAGEMENT. We support public policies that foster a healthy democracy, an engaged and educated populace, and the right of New Jersey residents to freely exercise their right to vote. We seek to advance efforts that remove barriers to civic engagement and voting.
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ABOUT THE COUNCIL OF NEW JERSEY GRANTMAKERS
VISION
The Council of New Jersey Grantmakers envisions a healthy, thriving, and civically engaged New Jersey where people of all places, racial and ethnic 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.
MISSION
The Council of New Jersey Grantmakers supports and elevates New Jersey’s philanthropic community through shared learning, collaborative and trusting relationships, network building, and leadership.
CORE VALUES
CNJG values shared power and leadership to advance our mission and vision. We look for opportunities for individual members, member institutions, and allied organizations across the social sector to engage in a common cause of supporting and elevating New Jersey's philanthropic community.
From expanding access to programs to exploring the inequitable origins of wealth, CNJG values equity as an organizing principle and lens for looking at our structure, business model, programs, and communications.
CNJG values trusting cross-sector relationships grounded in inclusion that seek out diverse voices, contributions, and participation from across the social sector. We are a network that works to form new alliances and broad coalitions to advance our mission and vision.
CNJG values learning and dialogue across our community as we explore, engage, and identify new ways of organizing ourselves and redefining philanthropy in broader ways.
The 2020 Census is coming and it counts — in more ways than one.
The Census isn’t just a population tally. State and local governments, businesses, nonprofits and foundations, rely on Census data to allocate funding, define where services are delivered, and promote economic development. The information is valuable for health care, education, housing, transportation, and business. It helps determine congressional representation, political participation, and other fundamentals of community wellbeing and American democracy.
A full, fair count is crucial, but it isn’t guaranteed.
The Census disproportionately misses people of color, young children, and the rural and urban poor. Our state and nation have too much at stake for the social sector to stay on the sidelines.
The Council of New Jersey Grantmakers’ 2019 Spring Conference brought together foundation and nonprofit leaders throughout the state to learn what their organizations can do to make sure New Jersey is counted.
The Conference featured national and state experts who shared information and tools to meet the many challenges communities across the state will face to be counted. We heard serious concerns regarding access to the Census, hard-to-count people, and potential funding cuts and changes in the process that could hamper participation.
Speakers offered a number of opportunities for action and partnership, from spreading awareness about the importance of 2020 Census in your communities and networks to funding outreach efforts from grass-roots organizations. The Conference raised and answered the most important questions about the Census and what needs to be done for a complete and accurate count. Now, the social sector must build the capacity to meet this once-in-a-decade obligation to engage at the deepest level.
The Council of New Jersey Grantmakers looks forward to continuing conversations, partnerships, and action around the 2020 Census. Please explore our resources from the conference below and visit our webpage Philanthropy’s Role in the 2020 Census to learn more.
AGENDA
Opening Plenary: Census 101
A comprehensive update on all things census, including how the Census Bureau is getting the word out, what is guiding the planning for 2020, and what still needs to be done before Census Day.
Presenter: Jeff T. Behler, Regional Director, US Census Bureau - New York
What Philanthropy Can Do for the 2020 Census
Explore ways in which the philanthropic sector can leverage resources to ensure the most accurate census information, so the voices of undercounted groups and regions are heard in the decade to come.
Presenters: Gary D. Bass, Ph.D., Executive Director, Bauman Foundation
Vanita Gupta, President and CEO, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
Moderator: Maria Vizcarrondo, President and CEO, Council of New Jersey Grantmakers
Session 1: Challenges to a Fair Count
Two experts in civil and voting rights law will walk us through what the citizenship question really means for the census count, and the potential impact it will have on already hard-to-count communities.
Presenters:
Ryan P. Haygood, Esq., President & CEO, New Jersey Institute for Social Justice
Ezra Rosenberg, Co-director of the Voting Rights Project, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
Facilitator: Bob Atkins, Director, New Jersey Health Initiatives--Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Session 2: Where are the Kids? The Undercount of Children
Children are one of the largest undercounted populations in the Census. In this session, we will learn what your organization can do to prevent an undercount in 2020, and why an accurate count is essential for our children’s futures.
Presenters:
Peter Chen, Policy Counsel, Advocates for Children of New Jersey
Alana Vega, Kids Count Coordinator, Advocates for Children of New Jersey
Facilitator: Melissa Litwin, Early Childhood Program Director, The Henry and Marilyn Taub Foundation
Panel Discussion: Opportunities for Action
Nonprofit, foundation, and government leaders invite your organization to step up for the 2020 Census count. Panelists will provide concrete examples and resources to get involved now.
Panelists:
Kiki Jamieson, President, The Fund for New Jersey
Betsy Plum, Vice President of Policy, New York Immigration Coalition
Inge Spungen, Executive Director, Paterson Alliance
The Honorable Tahesha Way, New Jersey’s 34th Secretary of State, Department of State
Moderator: Linda M. Czipo, President & CEO, Center for Non-Profits
Luncheon Plenary: Call to Action for the 2020 Census: A Once-in-a-Decade Opportunity to be Counted
Another undercount for 2020 means another ten years of relying on inaccurate data to inform our state’s political representation and funding for vital resources. For too long, the census has missed disproportionate numbers of people of color, young children and the rural and urban poor, and with new challenges in 2020, participation of hard-to-count populations may be hindered further. With the count only a year away, now is the time for the philanthropic sector to step up and get New Jersey counted.
Speaker: Arturo Vargas, Chief Executive Officer, NALEO Educational Fund
CNJG thanks our conference sponsors and supporters: Signature Sponsor – PSEG; Collaborator Sponsors – The Fund for New Jersey and JPMorgan Chase & Co.; Connector Sponsors – New Jersey Natural Gas and Wells Fargo; Colleague Sponsors – FirstEnergy Foundation and Subaru of America Foundation; Exhibitor Sponsors – Glenmede and PKF O’Connor Davies; and Venue Sponsor – The Palace at Somerset Park.
Conference Photos
Additional resources, articles, and videos about the Census may be found on our webpage - Philanthropy's Role in the 2020 Census.