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This tool for unstaffed foundations includes an accountability self-assessment and a legal checklist. It is divided into nine topic sections, each of which is divided into three levels, which can help foundations tailor the tool to meet their specific interests and needs. Also included are an Excel spreadsheet to help tabulate responses, an extensive accountability resource list, and a glossary of key words and concepts used in the tool.
The Council of New Jersey Grantmakers joins the Funders Census Initiative, United Philanthropy Forum, and philanthropy-serving organizations around the country in asking our members to support and encourage a fair and accurate Census in 2020.
Inaccurate Census information means too many voices go unheard.
It means decisions about funding and services crucial to promoting thriving communities aren’t based on real needs.
And, it threatens the full exercise of democracy itself.
Of particular concern is a controversial proposed question that would ask household members whether they are US citizens. The Council shares with our colleagues across the nation serious concern about this question. The question hasn’t been thoroughly tested, and it is likely to significantly depress response rates and critically reduce overall Census participation.
We encourage you to weigh in on this and other matters related to the Census.
The US Department of Commerce Department (which oversees the Census Bureau) published a notice in the Federal Register seeking public comments on 2020 Census data collection operations. The public has until August 7 to submit comments.
There are several things you and your grantees can do to stand up for a fair, accurate Census:
- Sign on to a letter specifically for foundations drafted by FCI.
- Write your own letter in support of a full, accurate and just 2020 Census.
- Submit personal comments by August 7.
- Ask 10 colleagues to do the same.
In case you’re wondering, submitting comments is not considered lobbying. So, private foundations can weigh in on this question, and public charities — including community foundations — can do so without tracking and reporting it as lobbying on their 990s. A recent blog from Bolder Advocacy addresses this issue.
As a regional association and philanthropy-serving organization, CNJG signed on to a letter organized by United Philanthropy Forum urging withdrawal of the citizenship question from the 2020 US Census. The letter in part states:
Please feel free to reach out to me or Theresa Jacks, CNJG Deputy Director, for information about the Council’s work on behalf of a fair and accurate 2020 US Census.
Sincerely,
Jon Shure, Interim President/CEO
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers
Giving circles and other forms of collective giving (hereafter referred to as GCs) have grown significantly in visibility and popularity over the past 15 years. Often started by donors, they are widely understood to be highly flexible, democratic, do-ityourself vehicles for giving. Previous research has illuminated the positive impact that participation has on the giving and civic engagement of donors. Until recently, however, our understanding of the scope and scale of GCs was 10 years out of date!
This research presents an updated understanding of the current landscape of GCs and similar models of collective giving or giving collaboratives in the United States. This research comprises the first of a three-part inquiry, which also looks at research underway related to the impact of participation in GCs on donor giving and civic engagement, and a study of the relationships between GCs and their hosting organizations.
The Regional Foundation announced $1,950,000 in Implementation Grants to three organizations throughout New Jersey. The Neighborhood Implementation Grants program supports comprehensive community development plans that target specific neighborhoods, are resident-driven, and equity-focused. The multi-year funding is designed to assist the foundation’s grantee partners to start or sustain momentum in their comprehensive neighborhood revitalization initiatives.
“The grant investments announced today reflect the foundation’s ongoing commitment to sustained funding for our partners” stated Kevin Dow, Executive Director of the foundation. “Habitat and Parkside are strong partners doing amazing work including collaborations with other foundation partners and NJCDC is exciting as it moves our long-standing partnership from neighborhood planning to implementation and deepens our support in Paterson.”
The Bridging The Gap: Blacks in Philanthropy conference, is organized by the Smith Family Foundation.
Their mission for this conference is to promote philanthropy and drive social change in the community, and this event is a vital step toward achieving that goal. The conference is expected to draw over 300 attendees, including philanthropy professionals, non-profit executives, community leaders, and interested individuals. The agenda features keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops on racial equity, diversity, and inclusion in philanthropy, and strategies for advancing social justice. This conference is a unique opportunity to engage in collaborative discussions, gain valuable insights, and build meaningful connections with like-minded individuals who share a passion for creating positive change. Together, we will explore innovative strategies, best practices, and impactful initiatives that empower and uplift black lives.
Cost: $100
Open to all Grantmakers
Which staffing models will work best for your family philanthropy? How can the right structure enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of your organization?
We will examine different approaches, including hiring dedicated philanthropic professionals and family members, and utilizing external advisors and consultants. You will learn how to align staffing strategieswith your philanthropic goals, create a collaborative work environment, and ensure that the right expertise is in place to drive impact.
Whether you’re looking to grow, professionalize, or prepare for transition, this session will offer practical guidance on building a structure that supports both mission and operational excellence.
Cost: This event is free for CNJG Members who are family foundations.
Other types of foundations are ineligible to join this webinar.
This program is a CNJG membership benefit for family foundation members, including staff and trustees, in partnership with the National Center for Family Philanthropy.
Join us for an informative session with Justin Scheid, New Jersey Field Office Director at the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Field Office manages a range of important programs and special initiatives, including Opportunity Zones, EnVision Centers, Section 3 economic opportunities, Promise Zones, ConnectHome, and homelessness.
During this discussion, Justin Scheid will share updates on CARES Act Funding and other HUD related programs and resources critical to COVID recovery and relief. We’ll also discuss strategies for philanthropy to partner with HUD to leverage resources and maximize impact in local communities.
Cost: Free for CNJG Members. $50 for Non Member Grantmakers
Webinar Video
Strengthening its ongoing commitment to addressing the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic while advancing its core mission to raise awareness of the state’s unique and diverse historical legacy, the New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC) has approved approximately $4.9 million in Fiscal Year 2022 (FY 22) grant funding to over 100 historical organizations, museums, historic sites, archives, libraries, individuals, and county re-grant agencies across the state.
The $4.9 million in FY 22 funding will support the New Jersey Historical Commission’s General Operating Support (GOS) program, which covers an array of operational expenses for qualified history organizations; Projects and Co-Sponsored Projects, which includes New Jersey-based historical research, exhibits, programs, and archival work; and the County History Partnership Program (CHPP), which provides all 21 counties with funding for local history groups statewide. FY 22 funding will also be dedicated to planning, coordinating, and implementing initiatives to promote best practices in diversity, equity, and inclusion ahead of the NJHC’s new, three-year funding cycle in FY 2023.
“This marks another chapter in the Department of State’s continuing efforts to aid New Jersey’s history community in navigating the unprecedented financial challenges brought about by the pandemic,” noted Secretary of State Tahesha Way. “Funding for history organizations has increased considerably over the past two years, support that will not only secure the future of essential jobs, civics education, and programming across diverse disciplines, but serve to maximize the sector’s growth in the years to come.”
The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey (HFNJ) has awarded $1,219,591 to 12 New Jersey non-profit organizations in the first quarter of 2022.
All awards given this cycle were in support of new projects, and many awards were given to organizations receiving their first-ever grant from HFNJ. The largest grant of this cycle, a $500,000 gift to Morristown Medical Center, will help the hospital fund an ambitious renovation of its pediatric emergency department, doubling space available for children facing behavioral health crises.
Many grants this cycle embody a “win-win” approach to ameliorating multiple social problems with one project. For instance, a $160,000 grant to Youth Build Newark will allow the group to create a post-secondary career track to healthcare professions for Newark-area youth currently disconnected from school or employment. The project will both help the young people gain a foothold to promising career paths, and help fill regional staffing shortages in the healthcare industry. Likewise, a $50,000 grant to support Newark’s Working Kitchens project will both feed hungry families, and help ensure that restaurants that have seen downturns in business due to the pandemic can continue to remain solvent.
“HFNJ is pleased to end our first quarter of funding in 2022 by providing over $1.2M in funding for critical projects that will support residents in the greater Newark area, especially grants that will help train the next generation of healthcare workers, who are in short supply and are vitally needed as communities recover from the pandemic,” said Michael Schmidt, Executive Director and CEO of the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey.
At a recent Ocean & Monmouth Funders Roundtable, the group discussed all of the different databases and lists of nonprofits available to philanthropy to be able to research new and different nonprofits.