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Join us for an engaging and informative in-person program that explores innovative strategies and real-world solutions for affordable housing. You will have the opportunity to hear from a robust panel including Taiisa Kelly, CEO, Monarch Housing; Julio Coto, Executive Director, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen; Michael Callahan, Director, Office of Homelessness Prevention, Department of Community Affairs; Alicia Alvarez, Landlord Liaison, NourishNJ; and Lucy Vandenberg, The Schumann Fund for New Jersey. Q & A follows. Gain valuable insights from a dedicated Advisory Committee member who brings lived experience to the discussion, offering a unique and heartfelt perspective on the challenges and successes in affordable housing. Experience firsthand the impact of Monarch Housing’s initiatives of Kilmer Homes, showcasing the design, functionality, and community benefits of this affordable housing project. Enjoy lunch and a networking opportunity with fellow attendees. This event promises to be a thought-provoking and inspiring experience, highlighting how we can collectively work towards more inclusive and sustainable housing solutions. Register now to be a part of the conversation that shapes the future of affordable housing!
Cost: Free for CNJG Members; $50 for Non Member Grantmakers
Continental breakfast and lunch provided.
National Low Income Housing Coalition: The Gap - A Shortage of Affordable Homes
National Low Income Housing Coalition: Out of Reach - The High Cost of Housing
Department of Community Affairs: Fourth Round Page
Monarch Housing Associates: NJCounts - Point-in-Time
Share your giving data and Get on the Map!
Your data will power valuable resources for your organization and our region including access to the CNJG Foundation Funding Map and COVID-19 Funding Map on the powerful interactive searchable mapping platform, engineered by Candid.
How to share your data
Export your grants data from your software system.
Most grants management software products have documented how to export the information.
If you don’t see your software provider on that list, download their eReporting template, an Excel spreadsheet, which you can use to complete the information they need.
Submit your data to Candid by emailing the completed template with your data in it to [email protected] and cc Craig Weinrich.
You can also follow the detailed instructions on this page.
Candid will make every effort to post your data to the map within 5 business days.
Get the answers to your Frequently Asked Questions including:
What information do I need to provide?
Why is it important to provide a grant description?
How is my grants data coded by Candid?
How frequently should I share my grants data?
How quickly will my information appear on my complimentary map?
Can I embed my complimentary map on my website?
What should I do if corrections need to be made to my data?
How will my grant information be used and shared?
How do I responsibly share sensitive grants data?
There is a plurality of definitions of the term systems change, each contextualized within different cultures and purposes. Doing Good Better embraces systems change as an inter-sector process that addresses complex social problems nonprofits and funders confront with collective action centered on equity, mutual respect, and resilience. Systems change refers to changing the parts and their relationships within a system with the understanding that this change will have ripple effects. As grantmakers, we need to create an environment that enables grantee effectiveness, so they can deliver on their mission. Systems change in philanthropy focuses on structures, policies and processes, resources, values, power, mindsets and, infrastructure that is illustrated in three iterative phases. In time, we hope that the application of this model will result in collective impact and a more resilient social sector for all of New Jersey.
The first phase is structural (operational) change, which involves funders adopting new policies, practices, and resource flows. The second phase is characterized by new relationships and connections that emerge from structural change eschewing old power dynamic practices. Finally, the third phase is transformative change, which occurs when change becomes rooted in organizational culture and mores. We cannot underestimate the length of time and learning at each stage. Achieving transformative change can be a long journey, but it is a learning journey. One grantmaker stated, “One change led to another and another, like dominos. I started to see what people meant by systemic change. New energy and excitement surged among us as hope grew and the cloudy vision of what we wanted became clearer and clearer.”
Although the figure below displays the six developmental stages as linear and distinct, change is unlikely to follow a linear path. Any change in a system will seldom stay fixed at one of these stages but rather will shift back and forth from one stage to another on the path toward the ideal state. We believe just one organization can’t shift the conditions that hold problems in place; we all must share the same perspectives and move the sector together and simultaneously. We call for all of those involved in the sector to work together to build a better and more equitable nonprofit and philanthropy system for all New Jerseyans.
Graphic comes from “The Water of Systems Change” by John Kania, Mark Kramer, and Peter Senge.
Doing Good Better, a partnership of the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers and the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits, is a community of funders and nonprofits taking action against the power imbalances and racial inequities in philanthropy, nonprofits, and government.
It was absolutely wonderful being together in person with so many members and nonprofit partners at the CNJG 2023 Conference for the Social Sector on May 23. I’m proud that our conferences elevate important issues for the field, this year focusing on Doing Good Better - a joint initiative between CNJG and the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits. And it was our highest attended conference ever!
The day opened with an insightful panel of foundation leaders who have joined the movement and are taking their organizations on the Doing Good Better journey by implementing trust-based philanthropy and participatory grantmaking in their organization’s DNA. Thank you Tanuja Dehne, President and CEO, Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, Craig Drinkard, Executive Officer, Victoria Foundation, Jeremy Grunin, President and CEO, Grunin Foundation, and Samantha Plotino, Executive Director, The Provident Bank Foundation, for sharing your wisdom and showing us what’s possible.
Keynote speaker Shaady Salehi, Executive Director of the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project, was masterful at both introducing trust-based philanthropy to audience members new to these concepts, while also deepening and expanding our understanding of trust-based philanthropy for those of us already familiar with the ideas. As part of her presentation, she also trusted us with 2 compelling stories of power sharing from her personal experience. It was a powerful moment.
Each of the morning and afternoon sessions offered practical steps to address a specific area or challenge within the Doing Good Better tent. We’re grateful to all our conference speakers. It was a dream link-up of talent and expertise.
Following Shaady’s presentation, we posed 4 questions for discussion. And because these questions are so important to help inform our ongoing Doing Good Better work, I’m posing them again to you:
- What are some practice changes your organization can make to embody trust-based philanthropy and/or the broader ideals under the Doing Better Good tent?
- What are funders doing to lean into a trust-based approach that centers relationship-building, mutual learning, and transparency? What more could be done?
- Have you implemented any of the principles of trust-based philanthropy or Doing Good Better ideals, and what has been your organization’s experience?
- What are some of the ways that racial equity, and intersectional equity issues, can be addressed using the ideas under the Doing Good Better tent and/or trust-based philanthropy practices?
Your ideas and responses will help us in our Doing Good Better work – I hope you’ll share them with me.
Finally, thank you to our sponsors for supporting this event: PSEG, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Sixers Youth Foundation, Citi, Grunin Foundation, Panasonic Foundation, Valley National Bank, PKF O’Connor Davies, TriNet, LISC – Greater Newark, and The Palace at Somerset Park. We’re grateful for your support.
Doing Good Better invites philanthropy and nonprofits to rethink traditional philanthropy, and advance equity in the nonprofit sector, in philanthropy, and in New Jersey. CNJG’s new strategic plan specifically embraces shared power and leadership, equity as an organizing principle, trust-based philanthropy, participatory grantmaking, elevating partnerships, and cross-sector relationships grounded in inclusion. These ideas make up the Doing Good Better tent, and I’m proud we could share them at our 2023 Conference.
In partnership,
Theresa Jacks, President and CEO
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers
The Trust-Based Philanthropy Project is pleased to announce a six-part webinar series addressing common questions, clarifying misconceptions, and exploring ways to overcome obstacles in implementing trust-based philanthropy. CNJG is pleased to share this opportunity with our members.
Series Description: Trust-based philanthropy is a philosophy and approach rooted in values of relationship-building, mutual learning, and systemic equity – with a vision of advancing a healthier and more impactful nonprofit sector. While this approach is generally associated with six core grantmaking practices such as multi-year unrestricted funding and streamlined paperwork, the day-to-day work of trust-based philanthropy is very nuanced and dynamic. In fact, funders who have embraced this approach are finding that it requires ongoing self-reflection and rigor with regards to how they think about – and evolve – many of the deeply embedded practices and assumptions of traditional philanthropy.
Given these nuances, it is not surprising that there are many questions and occasional misperceptions about what it actually means to embody trust-based philanthropy in practice. In this 6-part webinar series, the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project will explore some of the most commonly asked questions and the underlying misperceptions that may be roadblocks to understanding and operationalizing trust-based philanthropy.
Each session in the series will focus on a frequently asked question from the field, and will feature perspectives from foundation leaders and others who have grappled with similar or related questions. At the end of each session, participants will walk away with: 1) a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the underlying cultural philosophy of trust-based philanthropy; 2) tips for how to think about and approach these nuances in their own work; and 3) talking points for how to answer these FAQs when they come up from colleagues or peers.
Each session will also provide dedicated space for small-group peer dialogue (among CNJG members) about ways to implement these practices into your grantmaking.
Cost: Free
Who should attend: Anyone in a grantmaking role that is curious about understanding the nuances of trust-based philanthropy and how it applies to your work. This series will be ideal for those who have some baseline familiarity with trust-based philanthropy and have questions about how it manifests in practice.
Please note: this webinar series is separate from CNJG’s 2023 Conference for the Social Sector, which features an in-person luncheon keynote by the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project. CNJG’s conference is open to both funders and nonprofits, so the keynote will differ from this series. Because CNJG’s Doing Good Better initiative leans on the principles of Trust-Based Philanthropy, we encourage our members to register for these sessions - as time allows - for funders to learn about different approaches to changing systems in New Jersey.
Demystifying Trust-Based Philanthropy Series Sessions
Session #1: Does Trust-Based Mean Unconditional Trust?
Session #2: Does Unrestricted Funding Automatically Make a Funder Trust-Based?
Session #3: How Do We Approach Risk and Due Diligence in Trust-Based Philanthropy?
Session #4: What Does Grantee Accountability Look Like in Trust-Based Funding?
Session #5: How Do You Measure Impact in Trust-Based Philanthropy?
Session #6: What Does Racial Equity Have To Do With Trust-Based Philanthropy?
Through CNJG's partnership with the United Philanthropy Forum, Council on Foundations, and other colleague organizations, CNJG is pleased to extend these discounts to our members on a variety of products and services.
Alliance Magazine
CNJG members are eligible to receive a 20% discount on new print and digital subscriptions to this magazine for philanthropy and social investment worldwide providing news and analysis of what’s happening in the sector.
Amalgamated Bank
Amalgamated Bank provides high quality service and expert financial support to CNJG and its philanthropy members. As America’s socially responsible bank, Amalgamated offers banking and investment products specifically designed for foundations to help align your money with your mission. CNJG members can access free or discounted banking, along with a preferred private banker.
Community Foundation Services
This includes a national listserv for CEOs of community foundations, two in-person boot camp trainings a year, and a $400 discount on the On-Line Community Foundation Express Training.
D&O Insurance
CNJG-endorsed insurance program by Affinity Nonprofits and The Hartford offers D&O, Fiduciary Liability and other coverage to members at a discounted rate. Coverage is available in all states.
Family Philanthropy Online Knowledge Center & Webinars
Access cutting edge resources in family philanthropy through discounted subscriptions to NCFP’s online knowledge center and monthly webinars.
The Foundation Review
Get a 20% subscription discount for your organization on a quarterly peer-reviewed journal of philanthropy, written by and for foundation staff and boards and those who work with them.
Foundation Legal Help Desk
The Help Desk is designed to provide foundations with access to answers to legal questions related to the operations of a foundation.
Inside Philanthropy
Get a discount of 25% off the subscription price for new subscriptions for CNJG members. Every day, Inside Philanthropy editors and journalists seek to bring more transparency and accountability to philanthropy at a time that it's having a growing impact on America and the world through their reporting.
Stanford Social Innovation Review
For a discounted price CNJG members can subscribe to Stanford Social Innovation Review (SSIR), whose mission is to advance, educate, and inspire the field of social innovation by seeking out, cultivating, and disseminating the best in research- and practice-based knowledge.
ValuesAdvisor
ValuesAdvisor is a nonprofit that offers a searchable database of values-oriented investment advisors, who have been suggested by other trusted affinity groups. The platform offers a simple and dynamic interface that allows investors to filter advisor information on data points such as minimum account size, amount of values-aligned AUM, impact themes, service offerings, asset classes, diversity, and other key information. Note: the platform does not collect user data and is committed to preserving the anonymity of the asset owners who use the platform.
For more information on any member benefits, please contact Craig Weinrich.
We’re looking forward to seeing you at the CNJG’s 2025 Conference for the Social Sector — Stronger Together: Philanthropy & Civic Engagement on June 18! If you haven’t registered yet, please take a moment and register today for this important event. I also encourage you to invite your trustees, nonprofit partners, and colleagues to register.
Our spring Signature Convening brings together New Jersey’s philanthropic and nonprofit leaders for a day of shared learning, exchange, and community building. We’re deeply proud of the topics we’ve showcased over the years, and this year is no exception. We tackled the 2020 Census in 2019, and why it counts for the people of our state and the well-being of our communities. We uplifted the future of work and the role of philanthropy in 2021, with visionary conversations about equitable labor practices and new ways of working. The 2023 conference widely introduced Doing Good Better — a systems change initiative in partnership with the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits to reimagine how philanthropy and nonprofit partners work together.
We’ll open the day with our Spark: Civic Pulse session featuring a range of dynamic New Jersey leaders driving civic engagement across our state. The morning breakout sessions will accentuate the future of civic engagement: innovation, inclusion, and collective action; while the afternoon sessions are aimed at mobilization with civic tools, voices, and pathways to change. Our keynote speaker, Dale Anglin, Director of Press Forward, will explore and reinforce how civic engagement and democracy starts at the local level, and builds thriving, informed, and engaged communities.
This year, we’re absolutely thrilled to highlight the important issue of civic engagement and what it looks like in practice throughout our communities and across multiple disciplines. We stand in extraordinary times, and these discussions are more crucial than ever. CNJG is well positioned to elevate and amplify these conversations for, and on behalf of, New Jersey’s social sector.
I hope you’re intrigued and excited by the topic as well, and I invite you to join us as a sponsor for this very special convening of sector leaders. We have four categories of sponsorship available:
- Champion Sponsor - $8,000 – 2 available
- Collaborator Sponsor - $6,000 – 3 Available
- Connector Sponsor - $5,000 - 3 Available
- Colleague Sponsor - $3,000 – 2 available
Click here for the full sponsorship package.
Please feel free to reach out to me or my colleague, Development Associate Fortunata Cuomo via e-mail if you have questions or want to learn more about how you can support this exceptional gathering. We can also customize a sponsorship package for you, and if you’re not able to sponsor, we hope you can underwrite the event with a contribution.
Thank you to our sponsors to date: PSEG, Sixers Youth Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Kearny Bank, the Stone Foundation for New Jersey, PKF O’Connor Davies, and The Palace at Somerset Park. Thank you also to NJM Insurance Group for a donation in support of the event.
Your support makes all the difference.
Warmly,
Theresa Jacks, President and CEO
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers
From the Commonfund, these white papers on investment policy statements, spending policy, board governance and risk tolerance, together with their most recent studies of investments at private and community foundations, operating charities and nonprofit healthcare organizations are made available though CNJG's Investment Forum for Foundations and Endowments.
Family Philanthropy Online
In partnership with the National Center for Family Philanthropy, CNJG members have complimentary access to Family Philanthropy Online — a web-based knowledge center that provides practical advice and knowledge on a variety of relevant topics. Continually updated, the site provides members with access to the latest resources to inform their philanthropic efforts. Logged in CNJG members may access Family Philanthropy Online directly from our website through our members-only portal.
*The use of FP Online is only available to CNJG staff and family foundations. Community foundations, philanthropic consultants, and professional advisors must subscribe themselves.
Family Philanthropy Webinars
Every second Thursday of the month, CNJG members have the opportunity to participate in interactive webinars featuring presentations and Q&A sessions with nationally recognized experts in areas of family philanthropy, also presented in partnership with the National Center for Family Philanthropy. These webinars are free for CNJG members. You can access the registration page for these webinars from the CNJG website. Please note, registration for these webinars is separate from CNJG’s website. Directions on how to register are available on CNJG’s website page for each webinar. Our online tutorial has directions on how to register for a NCFP webinar.
Please note: only webinars that are indicated for “members of one of our Family Philanthropy Online Partner Communities” are free for CNJG family foundation members. NCFP offers many different webinars for various audiences. If you don’t see that phrase in their price description, you may not be able to attend that webinar. If you have any questions, please contact Craig Weinrich.
Hosted by United Philanthropy Forum, in partnership with the Council on Foundations and Independent Sector, Foundations on the Hill (FOTH) is an annual opportunity for foundation executives, staff, and board members, philanthropy-serving organizations, and other philanthropic and social sector leaders to meet with their federal lawmakers, talk about issues of interest to philanthropy, and strengthen relationships with their representatives.
The overall purpose of Foundations on the Hill is to:
- Inform and educate Congress about philanthropy
- Advocate on issues affecting foundations
- Build CNJG’s relationships with lawmakers and their staff
- Create visibility for foundations and philanthropy on Capitol Hill
- Encourage Congress to view foundations as resources on key public policy issues
CNJG Makes Strong Showing at Foundations on the Hill 2025
The Council of New Jersey Grantmakers joined over 350 colleagues nationwide at Foundations on the Hill (FOTH) from February 23rd to 26th. This premier policy conference brought together the philanthropic sector for advocacy and education.
The CNJG delegation, led by our President and CEO Theresa Jacks, included Board Chair Craig Drinkard, Executive Officer, Victoria Foundation, Policy Co-chairs, Lucy Vandenberg, Executive Director, The Schumann Fund for New Jersey and William Engel, President, The Union Foundation, as well as a diverse group of foundation leaders representing various regions and interests across New Jersey. Notably, Linda Czipo, President and CEO of the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits, also participated, providing valuable insights from the nonprofit perspective.
FOTH offered a rich program beyond meetings with legislators. Attendees participated in conference sessions, learned about key national trends in philanthropy, and engaged with experts on critical issues like equitable grantmaking, tax reform, and the budget reconciliation process.
The CNJG delegation met with all New Jersey Congressional and Senate offices, including meeting directly with Congressmen Josh Gottheimer and Herb Conaway, and Senator Andy Kim, along with a photo meet-up with Senator Cory Booker. They advocated for the bipartisan Charitable Act, H.R.801/S.317). These bills modify and extend the deduction for charitable contributions for individuals who do not itemize deductions on their tax returns, thereby incentivizing charitable giving and encouraging greater philanthropic support for nonprofits and the communities they serve.
Beyond policy discussions and sharing what is happening on the ground in our state’s communities as a result of executive actions, FOTH provided valuable networking opportunities. The annual CNJG dinner fostered connections and relationships within the delegation, as well as time to debrief about what we were hearing on the Hill. Special thanks to Jermey Grunin, President, Grunin Foundation and Bill Engel for underwriting our dinner!
Overall, CNJG's participation in FOTH proved successful. By advocating for key legislation, educating Congress, and building relationships, CNJG helps ensure the voice of New Jersey philanthropy is heard on Capitol Hill.
2025 CNJG Delegation:
Carrie Bersak, Program Officer, The Burke Foundation
Sharif Braxton, Director, EQUIP NJ
Naeema Campbell, Program Officer, The Fund for New Jersey
Linda Czipo, President and CEO, New Jersey Center for Nonprofits
Kortney Swanson Davis, President and CEO, Forman S. Acton Educational Foundation
Craig Drinkard, Executive Officer, Victoria Foundation
William Engel, President, The Union Foundation
Alma Garcia, Director, Equity Ahora
Jeremy Grunin, President, Grunin Foundation
Theresa Jacks, President and CEO, CNJG
Jessica Johansen, Manager of Portfolio and Strategic Operations, The Tepper Foundation
Sharnita Johnson, Vice President, Victoria Foundation
Jessica Nugent, Senior Program Officer, The Burke Foundation
Katherine Nunnally, CEO, Smith Family Foundation
Jonathan Pearson, Executive Director, The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey
Shelley Skinner, Managing Director of Portfolios, The Tepper Foundation
Nelida Valentin, Vice President, Grants & Programs, Princeton Area Community Foundation
Lucy Vandenberg, Executive Director, The Schumann Fund for New Jersey
Renee Woodside, Associate Director, The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey
Hellen Zamora-Bustos, Grassroots Community Advocate, Equity Ahora
The Inclusive Growth ScoreTM provides local planners, governments and impact investors with a clear, simple view of social and economic indicators for any census tract in the United States.
Back in person - we’re bringing together funders and nonprofits for a day of shared learning, exchange, and networking at the 2023 Conference for the Social Sector on May 23!
Our conferences have always elevated timely and important topics. And that tradition continues. The conference theme, Doing Good Better, is a direct result of what we’ve learned and experienced over the past few years.
We stand in extraordinary times. The pandemic showed the limitations of existing philanthropic structures. Grantmakers recognized that organized philanthropy must rethink traditional grantmaking practices and shift their routines. Doing Good Better - a partnership initiative with the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits - is a big tent that includes trust-based philanthropy and participatory grantmaking; rightsizing the power dynamics between funders and nonprofits; simplified grant applications and reporting; increasing GOS and multi-year grants; unburdening nonprofits so they can focus on their work; addressing the equity issues that exist throughout the sector; and recognizing nonprofit leaders and those closest to the problem as the experts in the room.
Our new strategic plan outlines the very same values emanating throughout the Doing Good Better ideals – shared power and leadership, equity, trusting cross-sector relationships, and learning and dialogue.
The Conference features a range of notable thought leaders and experts for a day of connection, not-to-be-missed discussion, and side-by-side learning with foundation and nonprofit colleagues. Our opening plenary, How Philanthropy Can Do Good Better, will hear from leading New Jersey foundation CEOs about how they’ve shifted their funding practices to better support nonprofit partners. Shaady Salehi, Executive Director of the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project will outline the underlying values of a trust-based approach during the luncheon keynote. Breakout sessions will highlight participatory grantmaking, equitable capacity building, tools to address nonprofit burnout, and more.
As we look forward to our time together, I also encourage you to review the many thought-provoking articles and useful websites available on the Conference Resource tab. This information extends your own opportunities to learn and build your knowledge.
We’re grateful to our sponsors for supporting the conference. Thank you to PSEG for serving as our Signature Sponsor for several years. Thank you to Connector Sponsors, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Sixers Youth Foundation, and Colleague Sponsors Citi, Grunin Foundation, Panasonic Foundation, and Valley National Bank. Thank you also to NJM Insurance Group for your donation in support of the event.
It’s been a long 4 years since we’ve been together in person for the CNJG spring conference. I’m looking forward to seeing you. Register today!
Theresa Jacks, President and CEO
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers
This one-hour webinar will offer a high-level overview of recent trends and best practices for foundation governance. Attorneys from the Nonprofit and Tax-Exempt Organizations group of Dentons, the world’s largest global law firm, will present practical tips for governance and legal compliance, focused on small to mid-size foundations. Drawing from both national trends in the industry and the impact of the pandemic and social change, topics will include:
- Considerations for revising bylaws and conflict of interest policies;
- Foundation political activity, including lobbying and advocacy;
- Issues to consider when funding a project with a fiscal sponsor; and
- Updating grant agreements.
Speakers
| Jeffrey Fromknecht Counsel Dentons Cohen & Grigsby |
Hayley Haldeman Counsel Dentons Cohen & Grigsby |
This program is for members of the following philanthropy-serving organizations: Maryland Philanthropy Network, Council of New Jersey Grantmakers, Florida Philanthropic Network, Grantmakers of Western Pennsylvania, Philanthropy Wisconsin, NY Funders Alliance, and North Carolina Grantmakers.
A new year always feels like a fresh start—a chance to reflect on where we’ve been and chart a course for where we’re headed. As we step into 2025, I want to take a moment to thank you for the incredible work you do every day to strengthen New Jersey’s communities. Your dedication and passion are what make our state—and our sector—thrive.
This January not only brings in a new presidential administration but also the 119th United States Congress. These transitions remind us of the vital role we play as advocates for the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors, and civil society overall. Decisions made in Washington over the coming months and years will directly impact philanthropy’s ability to foster equity, champion the vital role nonprofits play in our communities, create opportunities, and address systemic challenges.
Foundations on the Hill (FOTH) is just around the corner and will take place in Washington, D.C. from February 23 - 26. Presented and hosted by United Philanthropy Forum and the Council on Foundations, in partnership with Independent Sector, FOTH brings foundation leaders to Washington for meetings with Congress about key issues of importance to foundations and philanthropy. These meetings also strengthen relationships between funders and our elected representatives. CNJG will join colleague PSOs and foundations from across the country to present a strong, collective voice on Capitol Hill. If you are interested in attending or would like to learn more, please contact me.
As we look ahead to 2025, building strong relationships with legislators through efforts like FOTH, advancing our policy agenda, and continuing our ongoing advocacy work will be critical. The CNJG programs below provide key opportunities for nonprofits and philanthropy to come together, strengthen our collective voice, and focus on shaping impactful public policy.
Save the Dates: 2025 Programs on Public Policy and Advocacy
Policy World Wednesdays
Starting January 8, 2025, and recurring every second Wednesday of the month
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM (Monthly via Zoom)
FREE monthly sessions diving into key policy issues, advocacy opportunities, and the latest developments affecting nonprofits and philanthropy.
Registration is recommended but not required.
2025 Conference for the Social Sector
June 18, 2025
Focus: Civic Engagement
Join nonprofit and philanthropic leaders to explore strategies to strengthen civic engagement. Registration will open in early spring.
2025 Summer Joint Policy Forum
August 5, 2025
A dynamic convening of nonprofit and philanthropic leaders to address emerging policy issues, voter engagement, and collective advocacy for the sector. Registration will open in late spring.
Save these dates on your calendar and stay tuned for more details—we hope to see you there!
It’s important that philanthropy engages in and supports advocacy. Philanthropy continues to be a cornerstone of civil society, where vision and resources come together to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. From racial equity and climate resilience to education and public health, CNJG remains committed to supporting our members in creating lasting and meaningful change.
It was wonderful seeing so many members at the 2024 Annual Meeting & Holiday Gathering on December 11. 2024 was truly an extraordinary year. I’ve no doubt 2025 will be extraordinary as well. Thank you for all you do, and here’s to a productive and impactful year ahead.
Warmly,
Theresa Jacks, President and CEO
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers
The Colloquium heard from an extraordinary line-up of morning and afternoon speakers, including Dave Cole, NJ Chief Innovation Officer. Clearly, the government is – and must be - on the front lines to ensure that AI ethically and responsibly benefits society. Having Dave join the panel served yet another function - introducing NJ’s philanthropic sector to the NJ Office of Innovation. One of CNJG’s important roles is connecting members with potential partners in government.
And while we’ve been deep in planning for the Colloquium, that’s not all we’ve been focused on. Over the past few months, CNJG has been at the forefront of fostering crucial dialogues between the philanthropic sector and state government, exploring philanthropy's role in civic engagement and democracy, and organizing a new convening for NJ’s nonprofit and philanthropic sector to engage in public policy collectively.
In partnership with the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits, we hosted two informational sessions for the Office of Legislative Services. In April, Center president and CEO Linda Czipo and I presented “Understanding NJ’s Nonprofit and Philanthropic Community: Role, Impact, Myths and Facts” to OLS staffers. Educating government officials and staffers about the social sector provides a grounding for future collaboration and potential partnerships. Additionally, because OLS is charged with drafting bills and conducting analysis on the impact of legislation, it is particularly important to have a good understanding of the charitable sector’s role in nurturing thriving communities. We hosted a second session in May focused on “Nonprofit Startup and Compliance Issues: A Legal Review.” Attendees came away with a working knowledge of the 501c3 family, state, and federal reporting requirements, tax rules, and an overview of the Center’s efforts to convene expert practitioners to recommend updates to the NJ Nonprofit Corporation Act in line with the modernization already done on the NJ Business Corporation Act. Attendees received continuing legal education units for session 2. Special thanks to William Engel, CNJG Policy Committee co-chair and president of the Union Foundation, and Frances A. McElhill, Archer & Greiner, long-time champion for the nonprofit sector, for joining Linda and me to present this session.
In June, we brought back one of our signature programs - Conversations with the Cabinet. Nearly 25 funders met with Commissioner Jacquelyn Suárez, NJ Department of Community Affairs, at their Trenton office to discuss current priority areas and possible opportunities for NJ’s philanthropic community to partner with state government on areas of mutual concern. We’re grateful to Commissioner Suarez and Assistant Commissioner/Director of Housing and Community Resources Janel Winter for their comprehensive presentation. As part of our discussion, we asked our friends at DCA to share examples of how philanthropy might leverage funding. One of the examples that Assistant Commissioner Winter shared was considering philanthropic investment in approved projects through the Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit (NRTC) program, which, while highly rated, does not receive funding due to a lack of corporate investment. If you could not attend the meeting and would like to learn more about these approved projects and other DCA programs, please get in touch with DCA Special Policy Advisor Renee Koubiadis. I’m also happy to provide an e-introduction to Renee.
On June 24, I was pleased to join several CNJG members at a funders’ briefing hosted by the Community Foundation of New Jersey and the NJ Civic Information Consortium. The Consortium provides grants to “foster increased civic engagement to organizations building and supporting local news and information in communities” in our state. During the briefing, we were introduced to Press Forward, a national movement led by inaugural director Dale Anglin to “strengthen our democracy by revitalizing local news and information.” Dale has deep roots in NJ, having served as Associate Director of Programs at the Victoria Foundation and co-chair of the Newark Funders Education Affinity Group for many years.
Looking ahead, don’t miss our first-ever Summer Joint Policy Forum – Nonprofit and Philanthropic Champions for New Jersey, on August 13, hosted by CNJG and the Center. The nonprofit and philanthropic communities are important contributors to well-informed policies for all residents of our state. This inaugural policy forum convening of nonprofit and philanthropic leaders and allies will discuss current and emerging nonprofit and philanthropic policy issues, voter engagement, and ways we can all become more involved.
As we look ahead, it has never been more important that philanthropy seeks out opportunities to partner with government, promotes civic engagement, and contributes to a healthy democracy. Among CNJG’s six policy priorities outlined in our policy agenda, we support a healthy democracy, engaged communities, and a collaborative environment between nonprofits, government, and philanthropy to move forward with this work. The connections forged during these – and future – engagements will serve as a foundation for an even more significant impact.
Sincerely,
Theresa Jacks, President and CEO
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers
We are pleased to share links to organizations and other resources that assist nonprofit with development, volunteer recruitment, and other key aspects of their work.
New Jersey Center for Nonprofits
The New Jersey Center for Nonprofits is the only umbrella organization for all New Jersey 501(c)(3)s. Since 1982, the Center has provided advocacy, resources, training and information to strengthen non-profits and help them thrive. The Center offers an active list of funding opportunities for NJ-based nonprofits. CNJG is partnering with the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits by sending any and all funding opportunities from our members and other funders to add to this page. Our goal is to make this page one of the first places New Jersey non-profits visit to find funding opportunities.
NJ Division of Consumer Affairs: Charities Registration Section
The CR & I Section administers and enforces the provisions of the Charitable Registration & Investigation Act (CRI Act) which regulates the fund raising activities of most charitable organizations and all professional fund raisers, fund raising counsels, commercial co-ventures and solicitors conducting business within the State of New Jersey.
Foundation Directory Online
The Foundation Center, now Candid.org, has launched Foundation Directory Online, a website you can use to search the basic profiles and IRS Forms 990-PF of nearly 90,000 grantmakers, giving them access to contact information, fields of interest, financial data, and program priorities. Registration is required. They offer a free version that gives basic information, or one can subscribe for a fee to access more detailed information.
Those seeking funds can also access a paid version of the Foundation Directory Online through Candid’s Funding Information Network access locations. There are several in New Jersey and in neighboring states.
Also from the Foundation Center, Foundation Funding for U.S. Democracy, a new nonpartisan resource that provides data about foundations and their democracy-related grantmaking in a structured, contextualized, and visual format. The project documents foundation support across several key areas: campaign and election processes, governing institutions and processes, information and media, and public engagement and voting.
Pro Bono Partnership
Pro Bono Partnership provides business and transactional legal services to nonprofit organizations serving the disadvantaged or enhancing the quality of life in neighborhoods in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Association of Fundraising Professionals, New Jersey Chapter
The Association of Fundraising Professionals fosters the professional development of fundraising professionals and promotes ethical standards in the fundraising profession. The New Jersey Chapter is an individual member association that advances philanthropy through education, training, and advocacy across the state, basing its programs and services on research, experience and the highest code of ethical principles and standards of professional practice.
Association of Fundraising Professionals, Southern Jersey Chapter
The Association of Fundraising Professionals NJ, Southern Chapter serves Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean and Salem counties in the southern-most region of the state.
Grant Professionals Association
The Grant Professionals Association helps grant professionals seek to continually improve their professional knowledge and skills in grant research, proposal development, and post-award grant management. They provide a consultant directory to find assistance with preparing grant applications and proposals.
NJ Chapter of Grants Professional Association
The statewide chapter of the Grants Professional Association..
Resources
The Philanthropic Infrastructure landscape
The Council on Foundations put together this list of philanthropy-supporting organizations (PSOs) that engage philanthropy, share resources, increase trust in philanthropy, and improve our local communities.
Exploring the Social Sector Infrastructure
The Urban Institute created this microsite that details the infrastructure organizations that support the social sector.
Common Grant Application and Report Form
More than a decade ago, the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers and Philanthropy New York spearheaded a project to develop common application and report forms to help streamline the grant application process and ease the often time-consuming grant preparation process.
The Common Grant Application is a four-page form, which includes directions for use, a sample cover sheet, and the common grant proposal guidelines. The separate Common Report Form is accepted by many funders and helps to streamline the grant-app/report process. Please check with funders to see if they accept this documentation before sending.
If you know of other resources that you feel would be valuable to feature in this area, contact Theresa Jacks.
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. For additional information or to discuss forming a new group, contact Chanika Svetvilas.
Camden Funders Affinity Group
Camden Funders Affinity Group provides a valued forum for grantmakers working in Camden to connect and exchange information and to hear from stakeholders working in benefit of Camden.
Culture Funders Affinity Group
The Culture Funders Affinity Group includes private and public grantmakers working in the arts and humanities across New Jersey. It aims to maximize the leadership potential and grantmaking abilities of those interested in developing a strong and thriving arts community in New Jersey.
Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy Affinity Group
The Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy Affinity Group’s mission is to nurture, develop and support professionals in the philanthropic sector across all departments/roles within foundations. Programming for the Emerging Leaders group is geared towards early and mid-career professionals and will serve as: a professional learning community for emerging professionals working in diverse positions; an opportunity for professional development and individual capacity-building that will lead to institutional change within the member organizations; and as a critical partner in the creation of a pipeline into senior/executive leadership in NJ philanthropy.
Environmental Grantmakers Affinity Group
The Environmental Grantmakers Affinity Group formed in 2007 to provide a network and sounding board for environmental grantmakers who share an interest in: (1) insuring a healthy environment for all residents of the Garden State; (2) preserving, restoring and regenerating natural resources, including air, water, land, energy resources, as well as native flora and fauna; and (3) encouraging solution-based responses to resource challenges, wiser use of resources, and sustainable practices at individual, public agency small business and corporate levels.
Finance & Investment Affinity Group
The Finance & Investment Affinity Group brings together grantmakers of all types and sizes to discuss financial market trends and to exchange strategies to help ensure the greatest endowment growth. At each meeting, the latest market performance reports and commentaries are also discussed.
Funders for NJ Education Affinity Group
The Funders for NJ Education Affinity Group connects those making grants in support of education and provides interested members with insights into current initiatives, research findings, and best practices. Past topics of discussion have included analyses of school funding, innovative educational programming, measuring teacher effectiveness and youth development programs and have included roundtable discussions of emerging trends and key issues.
Funders for Strong and Thriving Communities Affinity Group
The Funders for Strong and Thriving Communities Affinity Group is an intrastate, inter-disciplinary network of public and private investors interested in enhancing the quality-of-life of the residents that live within New Jersey communities, through place-based investment or philanthropy. The group aims to draw upon and leverage the knowledge of public and private sector experts in the field of community development; including affordable housing, economic development, job creation, neighborhood building, and services to children and families.
Health Funders Affinity Group
The Health Funders Affinity Group is a collaborative network of grantmakers dedicated to advancing a holistic and intersectional view of health across New Jersey. This group provides a platform to exchange grantmaking strategies, funding priorities, best practices, and valuable insights while fostering collaboration to address health-related challenges and opportunities across diverse populations and life stages.
New Jersey Corporate Philanthropy Network Affinity Group
The New Jersey Corporate Philanthropy Network Affinity Group convenes corporate funders whose giving footprint includes New Jersey. Meetings cover such topics as current and emerging trends in strategic philanthropy, the business case for Corporate Social Responsibility, marketing/branding, sponsorships, employee matching gifts, employee engagement/volunteerism, and more. Best practices are shared and opportunities for collaboration are offered. A traditional Round Robin, where current burning issues/questions are discussed closes out the meetings. We hope you will join us at an upcoming event.
Newark Funders Affinity Group
The Newark Funders Affinity Group began in 2010 as a result of the convening work of CNJG’s Newark Philanthropic Liaison. As of May 20th, 2025, the Newark Education Funder Affinity Group merged with the Newark Funders Affinity Group to ensure alignment and coordination among funders dedicated to the city. The group meets quarterly hearing from elected officials, senior government and educational leaders, members of the nonprofit community, and local civic stewards to better understand Newark's emerging needs and opportunities, all with the goal of leveraging grantmaking for greater impact.
Paterson Funders Affinity Group
The Paterson Funders Affinity Group helps facilitate awareness of work by nonprofits and funders in Paterson, foster collaboration, and improve the lives of Paterson residents. Past meetings have focused on information regarding funder projects in the city, including some new grants made and lessons learned on ongoing projects in the areas of education, health and nutrition, arts and culture, and civics.
Trenton Area & Mercer County Funders Affinity Group
The Trenton Area & Mercer County Funders Affinity Group’s goal is to explore the most pressing needs and issues in the Trenton and Mercer County region and to uncover ways to leverage resources and develop solutions to this community’s greatest concerns. Past meetings have included roundtable discussions on the unique needs of the Trenton area and guest speakers that highlighted the dynamic interrelationship between the City of Trenton and the State of New Jersey.
CNJG’s 2024 Affinity Group co-chairs (name/affinity group):
Front row: Sharnita Johnson/Culture Funders; Leslie Walker/Camden Funders; Bill Leavens/Environmental Grantmakers; Julia Stoumbos/Paterson Funders; Chanika Svetvilas/CNJG’s Manager of Programs and Learning
Back rows: Theresa Jacks/CNJG’s President and CEO; Kevin Callaghan/CNJG’s Newark Philanthropic Liaison; Shakirat Odunsi/CNJG’s Manager of Communications; Julie Holland/Paterson Funders; Katherine Nunnally/Trenton Area and Mercer County Funders; Jasmyne Beckford/Newark Funders; Monica Hall/Emerging Leaders; Erik Estrada/Camden Funders; Jessica Nugent/Health & Aging Funders; Sharif Braxton/Health & Aging Funders; Liz Crowley/Environmental Grantmakers
Not pictured: Tammy Herman/Culture Funders; Alana Vega/Emerging Leaders; Rich Riberio/Finance & Investment; Paul Stierhoff/Finance & Investment; Jessica McKenzie/Newark Education Funders; Pat Hartpence/NJ Corporate Philanthropy Network; Etta Denk/NJ Corporate Philanthropy Network; Kortney Swanson Davis/ Education Funders; Melissa Litwin/Education Funders
Current Vacancies (as of 4/2024): Trenton & Mercer County Funders (1); Strong & Thriving Communities Funders (2); Newark Funders (2)
How can funders make grant applications and reporting less burdensome for nonprofit partners? How do we connect with smaller nonprofits working on-the-ground in communities? How can we encourage more unrestricted grants? How should funders compensate nonprofit leaders when asking for their expertise and limited time?
We’ll explore those questions, and more, at the upcoming CNJG 2023 Conference for the Social Sector: Doing Good Better on May 23.
But don’t delay in registering for the event. We’ll be at capacity very soon and will likely need to close registration. CNJG is the network serving you, our members; and our members – you - work toward the shared goals of improved practice and empowering stronger communities. Please register soon.
Getting back to our new team member – I’m pleased to welcome Chanika Svetvilas, CNJG’s new Manager of Programs and Learning. Chanika started with us on April 19. She will coordinate and manage our overall programming, including affinity group meetings, funder briefings, partner programs, skill-building workshops, and signature events. Chanika brings a range of experience in program implementation and planning. You can read her full bio here.
You’ll get the chance to meet Chanika at the Conference on May 23. The entire CNJG team is looking forward to seeing you there.
See you soon,
Theresa Jacks, President and CEO
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers
CNJG’s work throughout this year will be driven by the 2023 – 2025 Strategic Plan, and you’ll see that reflected in the monthly president’s letter.
This month, I want to highlight goal 3 of the strategic plan: amplify our collective voice. As part of this goal, we’ll create our first-ever “social sector-wide policy and advocacy agenda designed to provide leadership for sector-critical issues and causes, including those that advance equity.”
As we celebrate Black History Month, and Women’s History in March, it’s important to remember change starts with advocacy, and philanthropy has a critical role to play. Our recent Advocacy Series for Funders outlined the following: basics for funders, how to involve your trustees in advocacy, and how to evaluate your advocacy efforts.
The Council’s Leadership and Policy Committee met in January to begin exploring what our policy agenda would look like. Guided by the strategic plan, our priorities will closely align with the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits’ Advocacy Agenda.
The Center’s agenda embraces strategies that correlate seamlessly with our own strategic plan: expanding and deepening relationships with policy makers; highlighting the societal importance of the nonprofit community to the well-being of our state; ensuring public policy positions are equitable and anti-racist; as well as working with key partners to advance equity.
CNJG’s policy agenda will also be informed and inspired by United Philanthropy Forum’s 6 policy principles: champion racial equity and justice, support fair tax policy and regulation, enhance charitable giving, defend and strengthen democracy, promote civic engagement, and strengthen the nonprofit sector’s impact.
Back in person this year, both the Forum and the Center’s agendas will factor into our conversations during Foundations on the Hill. This event, scheduled from February 27 to March 1, is an opportunity for philanthropic leaders and advocates to meet with our representatives in Washington to share key issues and communicate the important roles foundations and philanthropy play in serving the public good.
While we’re deep in the planning for FOTH, there’s still time if you would like to join the CNJG delegation. Please contact me as soon as possible.
CNJG envisions a healthy, thriving, and civically engaged NJ where people of all places, racial 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. Creating and implementing a policy agenda to guide our work is another way we’ll move forward our vision.
Theresa Jacks, President and CEO
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers
Collaboration. Partnership. Alliance. Joint effort. Collective.
Whatever we call it - every one of us has been involved in a collaboration of some kind at some point in our lives. At the same time, both simple and complex, the definition of collaboration – the act of working together with other people or organizations to create or achieve something – means we collaborate nearly every day. To be human is to collaborate.
We’ll explore the constructs of more complex collaborations at the CNJG 2023 Annual Meeting & Holiday Gathering on December 14. Following the pre-meeting workshop, Tools for Funder Collaboration, the business meeting to elect new trustees, and the networking luncheon, the fireside chat, Sustainable, Effective, and Equitable Collaboration – A Conversation that Centers Community, will feature Nidhi Sahni, Partner and Head of US Advisory Group, Bridgespan, and Lucy Vandenberg, Executive Director, the Schumann Fund for New Jersey, to explore what makes a successful collaboration, and how collaboration strengthens the impact of funding initiatives across sectors.
The Annual Meeting is the place where the seeds of collaboration are often first sown. Consider the collaborations you’re involved with now or have engaged in previously – where did those ideas first take shape – possibly in a conversation with another funder that, like you, wanted to have impact on a particular issue, solve an entrenched problem, or explore an untried solution.
Council members collaborate in a number of ways with other funders and nonprofit organizations. As a prelude to the Annual Meeting, on November 16, we’ll learn about the Morris County Funders Group and their Mental Health First Aid collaborative partnership. This first initiative of the funders group aims to address the growing mental health crisis in young people and adults.
Over 25 years ago, CNJG began its life as a collaboration – New Jersey foundations gathered together to form a collective to learn together, build relationships, and share resources. We have several resources to inform your collaborative journey as part of the Annual Meeting resource tab.
One of our core activities has always been to share resources. As we witness the conflict and heartbreaking devastation and sadness in Israel and Gaza following the October 7 attacks, some key resources to inform your work are available through the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, the go-to resource for disaster-related giving, and the Council on Foundations. You can connect quickly with your CNJG colleagues to share additional resources via our 25 listserves, including the Disaster Response Funders listserve. Contact Director of Member Services Craig Weinrich to join listserves that interest you.
Another joint effort highlighting what happens when funders come together, this time to share their own data, is the 2023 New Jersey Philanthropy Benefits & Salary Summary Report. Thank you to CNJG members that completed the surveys to inform this report.
As part of your registration for the Annual Meeting & Holiday Gathering, you’re asked if you have or are participating in a collaboration. I think it’s safe to say the answer is “YES!” for everyone. Maybe the question we should ask as we speed toward 2024, is where are the additional opportunities for collaborations? How can I build on past or current collaborations? Who else should I invite in?
I’m looking forward to seeing you at the Annual Meeting & Holiday Gathering to further explore these ideas and questions.
Thank you to our Annual Meeting sponsors, Prudential, Victoria Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Devils Youth Foundation, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and the Princeton Area Community Foundation. There’s still time – I hope you will consider sponsorship for this special event – our annual “meeting of members.”
In Partnership,
Theresa Jacks, President and CEO
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers