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Public policy is a vital aspect of the work of many of New Jersey's grantmaking organizations and is an integral component of CNJG's programs and member services. CNJG's Policy Committee advise and assist CNJG in identifying issues for potential action.
In late 2023, CNJG’s Board of Trustees approved our first-ever Policy Agenda. The Policy Agenda aligns with CNJG’s 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, specifically Goal #3, Amplify Our Collective Voice. This agenda includes our approach to the work, followed by five policy priorities. Read or download the agenda.
Resource Websites
- United Philanthropy Forum Public Policy Focus
- Center for Non-Profits: Public Policy
- Council on Foundations’ Public-Philanthropic Partnership Initiative
- Council on Foundations’ Advocacy Resources
- Independent Sector: Policy and Advocacy
To learn more about what CNJG is doing to foster deeper relationships between New Jersey grantmakers and public and elected officials in Trenton and Washington, D.C., contact Theresa Jacks.
The City of Newark and Newark Philanthropic Liaison are working closely with several consortia of nonprofits to address some of the City’s most critical challenges. Grantmakers with an interest in Newark are connecting with these groups to better understand issues, interact with organizational leaders, and find ways to leverage philanthropy across a range of needs.
The coalitions often have ambitious agendas that focus on reviewing and changing policy on local, statewide and national levels. They offer a platform to share information and create strong cases for increased investment from both public and private sources. Below is an overview of just three of these groups. Through their convenings, they provide a powerful opportunity for Newark-related nonprofits and grantmakers to mobilize to improve the fortunes of the State’s largest City.
Opportunity Reconnect
Mayor Cory Booker has made public safety the leading priority of his administration. Success will come only through lowered recidivism, better management, and increased job opportunities and support for persons returning from prison. The Opportunity Reconnect (OR) consortia meets weekly at Essex County College, the site of OR’s comprehensive one-stop center that offers ex-prisoners an array of services from dozens of organizations and agencies.
OR’s strength lies in its ability to create partnerships and memorandums of understanding among for-profit government contractors, community-based groups and government agencies. The shared protocols are having a profound effect on the City’s ability to provide efficient and effective services for thousands of returning inmates each month. The agreements are enabling the City to respond to RFPs from both private and federal sources to strengthen the capacity of OR and its effect on public safety. The City welcomes participation of grantmakers to further leverage the strength of these proposals and maximize OR’s continued growth.
Interagency Collaboration for Addiction Treatment
This informal collaborative of nonprofits, faith-based groups, government agencies, and funding partners meets regularly at Integrity House, a long-term residential and outpatient treatment program. Integrity House is the lead agency for the United Way’s Bridge to Recovery, a consortium effort of over 200 agencies dedicated to helping those with addiction problems.
Among ICAT’s goals is the creation of a central Newark facility to handle all intake, referral and screening of individuals in need of detox. The group is also seeking to link and combine databases among agencies for better support of clients, who often include the homeless and ex-prisoners. A number of legislative barriers prevent some persons from receiving aid to cover costs of addiction treatment. These persons often end up in hospital emergency rooms or under the jurisdiction of law enforcement. ICAT is looking at ways to advocate for policy changes that would provide the additional preventive-care funding to remedy these situations.
Green Future Summit Working Groups
Mayor Booker has called for the City to become a leader in urban sustainability by implementing economic and environmental strategies that will make Newark a safer, wealthier, and healthier place for its children and families. Under the auspices of Apollo Alliance, a national organization, a team of allies is developing an agenda and recruiting participants for the “Green Future Summit” in Newark on September 11-12. Pre-summit planning sessions have involved a coalition of businesses, government leaders, environmental groups, community-based organizations and grantmakers.
The coalition has divided into working groups focused on three areas: green buildings, green space, and green economic development/jobs. The working groups are now drafting roadmaps and defining concrete, measurable goals and strategies for each issue area (e.g. "retrofit 100 homes"). They are also securing commitments from stakeholders on how they will work to meet these goals.
The groups communicate through listservs and periodic check-in calls as they shape the Summit agenda, recruit speakers, and build the relationships necessary to carry their work forward to develop a roadmap for the City. Members of the CNJG are playing an active role in the Summit and additional partners are welcome.
CNJG members can gather a wealth of information by tapping into the resources of Newark’s collaborative groups. Additional consortia have been formed to address the foreclosure crisis, homelessness, newly-formed Family Success Centers, and other areas.
The United States Department of Labor, State of New Jersey, and City of Newark announced a $5 million grant to help provide jobs and support to hundreds of Newark residents returning home from prison over the next two years.
The grant includes $2 million in matching funds from the Bodman–Achelis Foundations, Joan Ganz Cooney, the Charles Edison Fund/Edison Innovation Foundation, the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers, the F.M. Kirby Foundation, the Manhattan Institute, the Nicholson Foundation, and the Victoria Foundation.
“The City can’t do this alone. It takes strategic alliances with federal and state officials, community and faith-based organizations, and the leveraging arm of the philanthropic institutions,” said Mayor Cory Booker. “We established the office of the philanthropic liaison, underwritten by the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers, to help create stronger connections with funders. The matching grants from the private sector show that these efforts are working.”
“The foundation community is delighted to partner with strong government leadership and the city’s philanthropic liaison in addressing the challenges faced by the growing numbers of men and women re-entering society,” said William H. Byrnes, Jr., program officer with the F.M. Kirby Foundation and trustee of the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers.
Over the past three years, the United States Department of Labor has been the lead agency for implementing the federal government’s Prisoner Reentry Initiative. “This grant will enable Newark to build on the success of the President’s Prisoner Reentry Initiative and provide over 1,200 ex-offenders with basic job skills and other assistance to help them succeed in developing new career paths,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor, Eliane L. Chao.
The combined $5 million award will enable the City to strengthen and expand services via a network of partners working through a one-stop center, Opportunity Reconnect, at Essex County College.
The goal of the grant is keep people working, help employers find workers, and keep families safe by successfully integrating ex-prisoners back into their communities through a comprehensive system of services including case management, mentoring, skills assessment, and referrals to health care providers.
State and local agencies will be coordinated to strengthen the city’s network and avoid duplication of efforts.
“We’ve managed to make funders more aware of the barriers that prevent ex-prisoners from being successful," said Jeremy Johnson, Newark’s philanthropic liaison. "Grantmakers have become increasingly involved as a result.”
A CNJG member queried our listserves with the question "Does anyone have templates that can be used and/or shared related to grant approval letters and terms and conditions related to COVID-19 grants?" CNJG compiled the answers from responding members.
In March 2024, Governor Murphy signed into law significant reforms to the ways that New Jersey enforces municipal affordable housing obligations under the state Supreme Court Mount Laurel doctrine. The new law creates enhanced affordable housing opportunities for New Jersey’s low-and moderate-income households, while seeking to streamline the affordable housing development process by setting clear guidelines for determining housing obligations. It is expected to reduce legal costs and judicial involvement. Join Adam Gordon, Executive Director and Emily Devenney, Grants and Development Manager of the Fair Share Housing Center for a conversation about what this new legislation means for philanthropy.
Since the revival and improved enforcement of the Mount Laurel Doctrine in 2015, New Jersey has seen a considerable increase in affordable housing production. However, there remains a substantial shortage of affordable homes in the state, particularly for very low-income residents. The legislation aims to address this gap by ensuring that every municipality contributes its fair share of affordable housing.
Key features of the legislation include a streamlined process for determining affordable housing obligations, codification of methodology for calculating these obligations, increased transparency in the housing development process, and the repeal of the state Council on Affordable Housing (COAH). Additionally, the legislation prohibits wealthy towns from avoiding their housing obligations through regional contribution agreements.
Cost: Free for CNJG Members; $50 for Non Member Grantmakers
Adam Gordon is the Executive Director of FSHC and leads FSHC’s coordinated strategy of organizing, litigation, and policy development to advance racial, economic, and social integration throughout New Jersey and the United States. Since joining the organization in 2006, he has worked to implement the Mount Laurel Doctrine which has created over 70,000 affordable homes in historically exclusionary NJ communities, litigated the largest federal fair housing case in American history, and worked to make federal disaster recovery policy more equitable. Under his leadership FSHC has secured the passage of the first statewide Fair Chance in Housing Act to limit discriminatory tenant screening policies and a landmark $305 million fund to accelerate affordable housing development. Gordon holds a B.A. and J.D. from Yale University.
Emily Devenney joined Fair Share Housing Center as the Grants & Development Manager in January 2024. She comes with experience in fundraising and community organizing, and strong connections to South Jersey, where she was born and raised (and likely will never leave). Emily has a B.A. in Economics and a Masters of Public Policy from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Certificate in Fundraising from Villanova University.
Webinar Video
The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey is pleased to announce that it has awarded $3,515,084 in grants to eleven New Jersey nonprofit organizations in its fourth quarter of giving in 2024. The grants include two major gifts to area hospitals, including a $1,250,000 multi-year grant to Trinitas Regional Medical Center and a $1,000,000 multi-year grant to Overlook Medical Center.
The largest award of the quarter is a $1,250,000 commitment (to be paid over three years as a $750,000 grant and up to $500,000 in matching funds) to Trinitas Regional Medical Center to modernize its Cardiac Catheterization Lab. The renovation will include the purchase of two Philips Flex-Arm devices, which provide surgeons with greater clarity of vision while offering patients a reduced amount of radioactivity. Trinitas anticipates that the new equipment will remain in service for more than a decade and will lead to a 30% increase in cardiac catheterization patient volume.
The other large hospital gift announced this quarter is a three-year, $1,000,000 grant to Overlook Medical Center to create new mental health services for children and teens. This grant will fund the creation of an HFNJ Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Center, which will be part of a larger effort at Atlantic Health that will bring together intensive outpatient services, partial hospitalization services, and more. The Center will provide children with stabilizing mental health care for those who are in a mental health crisis, and referrals to appropriate levels of care.
The award to Overlook is one of two multi-year grants awarded this cycle. KinderSmile will receive $450,000 over three years to fund its oral health program. KinderSmile brings much-needed oral health services directly to Newark schools, including education, nutritional counseling, dental exams, cleanings, and treatments. Over the course of the three-year project, KinderSmile will pilot the application silver diamine fluoride (SDF) in the school setting to arrest the progression of decay and as a preventative for healthy teeth, and will monitor patients’ progress throughout the three year period.<
Other grants awarded this quarter address a wide spectrum of community needs. A $175,000 grant to Jewish Vocational Services will fund an employment training program for the health professions, helping individuals advance their careers while also filling gaps in the healthcare workforce. Imagine a Center for Coping With Loss will receive $100,000 to support a third year of a program aiming to change the culture of grief in Newark – moving from their work building up grief support services in Newark schools to partnerships with the Boys and Girls Club of Newark and After School All Stars to bring more support to the community. Integrity House will receive $85,000 to support the second year of its Creative Arts Initiative, which engages clients with substance use disorders in artistic practices such as drawing, writing, and storytelling to aide in their recovery journeys.
In this briefing on housing and homeless, you will hear about the changes of federal policy on housing and their impact in New Jersey, you will hear from a panel who will discuss the potential effects of state policy changes on homelessness and housing, including the administration of housing choice vouchers. Potential funding cuts can lead to staffing reductions on housing and homeless services. The uncertainty faced by agencies regarding their funding and the need for legal support can create fear and confusion among agencies in New Jersey. Panelists will discuss what funding strategies and ways to support grantees. At the state and local levels, there is also a need for funders to support policy advocacy and legal assistance.
Cost: Free for CNJG Members; $75 for Non Member Grantmakers
This program is only open to staff and trustees from grantmaking organizations.
Adam Gordon, Executive Director, Fair Share Housing Center, coordinated strategy of organizing, litigation, and policy development to advance racial, economic, and social integration throughout New Jersey and the United States. Since joining the organization in 2006, he has worked to implement New Jersey’s Mount Laurel Doctrine, which has created over 70,000 affordable homes in historically exclusionary communities. He also litigated the largest federal fair housing case in U.S. history and has worked to make federal disaster recovery policy more equitable. Under Gordon’s leadership, FSHC secured passage of the first statewide Fair Chance in Housing Act to limit discriminatory tenant screening policies, a landmark $305 million fund to accelerate affordable housing development, and major legislation to strengthen enforcement of the Mount Laurel Doctrine. Gordon is a co-founder and former Board Chair of Next City.
Elisa Harrigan is the Policy Strategist for the Fund for Housing and Opportunity. She is a disrupter, change agent, and bridge-builder in the philanthropic space. She has an extensive track record centering impacted communities and applying an intersectional equity lens to her work. Elisa brings almost 20 years of experience and expertise to FHO as an influential voice for housing justice in governmental, philanthropic, and nonprofit arenas. The Fund for Housing and Opportunity is a nationwide collaborative working to protect renters and prevent homelessness. FHO brings funders together from across sectors and perspectives to support organizations on the frontlines of housing justice.
Taiisa Kelly, CEO, Monarch Housing Associates, has experience in housing development working with federal, state and local funding sources to secure financing for special needs housing projects. Mrs. Kelly is a dedicated advocate for social justice who has assisted Monarch in expanding services to include strategic planning, grant writing, system oversight, project monitoring, grant administration, innovative program development, and data analysis. Since becoming CEO in 2019, Ms. Kelly has worked to expand and innovate the housing development focus of the agency. Monarch is developing new partnerships to support the creation of housing for marginalized communities with an eye towards innovations in development. Under Ms. Kelly’s leadership Monarch is focused on integrating racial equity into all aspects of homeless planning and housing development with the intent of ending homelessness in New Jersey. Ms. Kelly was inducted into the NJ Housing and Economic Development Hall of Fame in 2023, and was named as one of the 2021 Best 50 Women in Business by NJBIZ Magazine. Mrs. Kelly serves on the Boards of Directors for Nourish.NJ and for the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey (HCDNNJ). She is a Member of United Black Agenda Committee and of the Enterprise Community Leadership Council and Enterprise Community Loan Fund Board, as well as a Commissioner on the Newark Commission on Homelessness. She additionally serves on the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation JEGNA Council, the New Jersey State of Affordable Housing (NJSOARH) Advisory Committee.
Lucy Vandenberg is the Executive Director of the Schumann Fund for New Jersey. She leads the Fund’s mission to empower low-income children and families of color to thrive. Lucy ensures that Schumann Fund’s investments positively impact opportunities for affordable homes and healthy communities, early childhood and education, and child welfare and youth justice in Essex County and statewide. From 2013 through 2021, Lucy served as Senior Program Officer for The Fund for New Jersey and managed a $3 million grant portfolio that included lead poisoning prevention, public education, public media, racial justice, immigration, and the environment. Previously, Lucy served as Executive Director of the New Jersey State Council on Affordable Housing. She worked with municipalities to provide their fair share of affordable housing resulting from New Jersey’s landmark Mt. Laurel Supreme Court decisions. Earlier in her career, Lucy served as Senior Policy Advisor for Housing and Urban Revitalization in Governor James E. McGreevey’s administration, and as the Associate Director of the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey.
Janel Winter, Assistant Commissioner leads the Division of Housing and Community Affairs, which includes the State’s public housing authority serving more than 40,000 households annually; home energy assistance programs serving more than 200,000 families annually; affordable housing production programs; the Office of Homelessness Prevention; the Office of Eviction Prevention; weatherization and lead remediation and abatement programs; neighborhood revitalization programs; and a variety of other community of other community development initiatives. She has managed the distribution of $2 Billion in federal Covid-related funds to address rental and utility arrears and community revitalization and development throughout the State. Prior to joining DCA, Janel led the Office of Housing at the NJ Department of Human Services and served as Associate Director at the Corporation for Supportive Housing/CSH. Before returning to her home state of NJ, Janel worked at various direct service homelessness and housing agencies in Chicago.
Webinar Video
Programs in this Series:
March 13: Making Sense of Federal Policy: Understanding What it Means for NJ: Immigration
March 20: Making Sense of Federal Policy: Understanding What it Means for NJ: Health
March 27: Making Sense of Federal Policy: Understanding What it Means for NJ: Environment
April 3: Making Sense of Federal Policy: Understanding What it Means for NJ: Education
April 10: Making Sense of Federal Policy: Understanding What it Means for NJ: Housing
April 17: Making Sense of Federal Policy: Understanding What it Means for NJ: Media & Journalism
April 24: Making Sense of Federal Policy: Understanding What it Means for NJ: Arts
This PowerPoint presentation developed by Southeastern Council of Foundations provides an excellent overview to the pros and cons of different philanthropic structures for Corporate entities, including Corporate Foundations, Corporate Giving Programs, and working through Community Foundations.
The Council of New Jersey Grantmakers’ 2023 – 2027 Strategic Plan reimagines the future for CNJG. As a result of the extensive strategy development process, the plan includes a renewed vision, mission, core values, and goals. The work is informed by previous efforts, and current issues and trends impacting philanthropy and society.
The 2023 - 2027 Strategic Plan is a roadmap for the next five years, built upon CNJG's past strategic plans and learnings. We look forward to executing this plan, the additional learnings and opportunities it will bring, and delivering on these goals to move us into the future.
CNJG Member survey ranking which issues are most important to them.
On a recent Saturday, the Jeremy Johnson, the Newark Philanthropic Liaison and over 150 arts lovers, historians, and community leaders gathered to reflect on the past, acknowledge the present, and imagine the future of the historic Newark Symphony Hall. The liaison shares his observations from the conference.
Newark Symphony Hall, the aging national treasure on the south end of Broad Street in downtown Newark, comprises a 2800-seat main auditorium, a 1,000 seat-auditorium/banquet hall, a 200-seat black box theatre, a dance studio, a new TV studio, and much more.
Its history is unsurpassed. The place has hosted every imaginable superstar since 1925, from Toscanini to Marian Anderson to Elvis Presley to Johnny Cash, Judy Garland and Newark's own Sarah Vaughan. It's going to take millions (estimates ranged from $40M to $100M or more) to restore it to its former glory.
The planners are on the right track, engaging experts, philanthropists, historians, residents, educators, government and corporate leaders, and arts and nonprofit groups. However, to justify the outlay of millions in public-private funds during these economic times, Newark Symphony Hall (NSH) will need to frame this nascent campaign beyond that of the restoration of another culturally important edifice.
Sure, the arts and history will play an important role in its rebirth, but for this effort to be truly achievable, sustainable and worthwhile, NSH should consider:
- Jobs, jobs, jobs. Can the renovation, preservation, retrofitting and weatherization of NSH be implemented as a job training laboratory for Newark workers to gain skills in "green" trades? This experience can then be exported to the broader community where workers can help green energy-inefficient homes and buildings throughout Newark and the region. NSH, which has a long-term lease with the city, could join forces with the Mayor in attracting public and private investment for green job development and energy-saving initiatives. Natural allies in this effort would be Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District (LPCCD), which is achieving inroads with green job training, or the Obama-endorsed YouthBuild, which has a strong outpost in Newark.
- Education. Through the Amistad Commission, the state now requires that African American history be taught as in integral part of United States History. Such history resonates at NSH. Think of Paul Robeson, Mahalia Jackson, Nina Simone or Marian Anderson, who performed more at NSH than any other hall during her first years of touring--she was the first black artist to perform at NSH in the 1940s. School systems could be encouraged to subscribe to annual NSH tours and learn of this rich history, providing ancillary income to NSH while also instilling invaluable lessons to our youth.
- Space usage. Think creatively about use of the Hall's enormous spaces. Possibilities could range from the creation of New Jersey's largest green roof to rental possibilities for space-starved charter schools and after-school programs.
- “Think big” was the advice of Larry Goldman, President and CEO of NJPAC. Could NSH be re-imagined as the nation's largest LEED-certified renovated historic theater, designed on a template of green-job apprenticeships for urban residents?
- Secure the right leadership. Philip Thomas, NSH's estimable executive director and the growing board, mustn't fall prey to provincialism nor favoritism as it outlines a formidable mission, development, and operational plans for this initiative. Call on leadership from within the community but also from beyond it. This project is regional and even national in scope and it should be approached as such.
- Finally, leverage partnerships. Tap the expertise of higher education institutions. Rutgers historian and Newarker Clement Price, who spoke at the convening, is a terrific example. Historic and cultural agencies are obvious partners, but also seek out federal and state sources, such as departments of labor, transportation, energy, education, human services, bureau of justice, and organized labor. Thomas stated there may be some private dollars to help initiate early studies and linkages. This is good news, for these can leverage the larger resources and community engagement needed to ultimately make the Newark Symphony Hall dream come true.
Privacy Policy, Effective Date: April 15, 2009
We at the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers recognize that our relationships with current and prospective customers are based on integrity and trust. We work hard to maintain our customer’s privacy and are very careful to preserve the private nature of our relationship with our customers. Simultaneously, the very nature of our business requires that we collect or share certain information about our customers with other organizations or companies. Our policies and procedure for collecting and disclosing personal information is detailed below:
Collection of Information
Except as otherwise stated herein, we may collect public and nonpublic information about our customers from the following sources:
- Applications, forms and other information provided to us by our customers. This information may be collect in writing, in person, by telephone, electronically or by any other means. This information may include our customer’s name, physical address, email address, telephone number, employment information, income history, social security or federal tax identification number, and credit references.
- Transactions completed with Council of New Jersey Grantmakers or any of its affiliates. Our affiliates include financial institutions, trade references, governmental agencies or any other entity that we may deal with in the normal course of doing business. This information may include past payment history, funds availability and account usage.
- Consumer reporting agencies. This information may include account information and information about our customer’s creditworthiness.
- Information obtained through the public domain. This information may include real estate records, telephone numbers or any other information that is available to the general public.
Collection of Information Through Our Web Sites
We do not collect through our web site any “personally identifiable information” as that term is defined in the California Online Privacy Protection Act of 2003. We do collect statistical information regarding web site traffic but that statistical information does not identify the individual user or visitor.
Disclosure and Protection of Information Collected
To the extent permitted or required by law, we may disclose the information we collect, as described above, to banks, business partners, affiliates, and the representatives who service our customers. We do not sell any of our customer information. In order to make sure that our information is accurate, updated and secure, we take the following additional measures:
- Current Information. We attempt to keep our records regarding customer information current and accurate. If any of our customers have reason to believe that our records are not current or are inaccurate, we request that they contact Craig Weinrich. We respond to requests to correct inaccurate information in a timely manner.
- Limited Access. Our employees have been educated on the importance of customer privacy and confidentiality and have been trained in the proper handling of customer information and instructed to adhere to the strictest of security measures set in place. Employee access to a customer’s confidential information is only granted on a need-to-know basis.
- Electronic Information Secure. All information that is stored electronically is secured by reasonably available technology, including but not limited to firewalls and data encryption.
Changes to this Privacy Policy
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers reserves the right to change this Privacy Policy at any time. Please check this page periodically for changes. Your use of this site following the posting of changes to these terms will mean you accept those changes. Information collected prior to the time any change is posted will be used according to the policies in effect at the time the information was collected.
Membership in the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers offers foundation leaders and grantmakers the opportunity to deepen their experience with the organization by serving on a Board committee. Committee members lead, recommend, and develop policies that help shape our organization. The commitment level for each committee varies and includes an expectation that members will participate in regularly scheduled meetings either in person or via Zoom, and other planning calls as needed, as well as be willing to participate in independent projects as they arise. Members usually join those committees best suited to their professional strengths. Individual members of the CNJG staff team are assigned to each committee.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee advises the Board of Trustees in overseeing the selection and performance of the Council’s independent auditors, conducting periodic RFPs for auditor services, the quality and integrity of the Council’s financial reporting, its fiscal controls and tax and regulatory compliance, and compliance with legal and accepted standards. An audit or finance background/experience is desirable for some of the members of this Committee.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee advises the Board of Trustees with all financial policies and strategies, including but not limited to: consultation and review of the annual budget(s), reviewing and monitoring financial reporting, approving and monitoring investments, and developing and approving significant financial policies. A background in finance and financial operations is desirable for some of the members of this group.
Governance Committee
The Governance Committee acts as a nominating committee for vacant board seats and board officers, develops a board slate each year, recommends by-law changes, develops board membership criteria on an annual basis, recommends and develops best practices and expectations for trustees and the board chair, and undertakes any other board governance-related issues.
Member Engagement Committee
The Member Engagement Committee works with the staff to recruit, retain and engage members. Committee members assist in identifying new prospects, setting up and participating in introductory meetings, and keeping prospective members informed of upcoming CNJG programs. It also collaborates with staff members to develop the structure and strategy of membership recruitment and retention activities, as well as recommending changes and/or updates to criteria for membership in CNJG to the Board.
Policy Committee
The Policy Committee advises the Board and Council on public policy matters as appropriate, develops recommendations on specific legislation or proposed regulatory activity, implements the Council’s policy agenda, engages in government relations activities, and actively collaborates with partners to move forward the CNJG’s policy agenda and favorable legislation and regulations to support the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors.
Racial Equity Committee
The Racial Equity Committee was first formed as a taskforce in 2020 as a reaction to systemic and structural racism embedded within the United States, and CNJG’s commitment to raising awareness and instigating change in New Jersey’s philanthropic community. In June 2023 the taskforce was designated a committee of the Board by the Board, and is committed to infusing racial equity throughout CNJG’s programming and structures. In 2024 and 2025, the committee will focus efforts on creating tools and resources to move forward the New Jersey Principles for Philanthropy, CNJG’s equity principles.
Signature Programs Committee
The Signature Programs Committee helps plan and recommend topics, speakers, etc. for CNJG's Signature events including the Annual Meeting & Holiday Gathering, and Spring Colloquium or Spring Conference. When called upon, its members may assist with other (non-affinity group) meetings or events throughout the year.
Please join the Environmental Funders Affinity Group and the Health Funders Affinity Group for a virtual lunchtime discussion with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection's Chief Strategy Officer, Kati Angarone and Manager NJDEP’s Office of Environmental and Public Health, Christine Schell. This session is designed to explore the connections between the environment and health with emphasis on climate change, environmental justice, and water to educate the philanthropic community on the ways that NJ government is addressing these challenges. The discussion will highlight NJDEP’s efforts to address the impact of these intersecting issues on diverse NJ communities and explore philanthropic opportunities to support local and statewide solutions.
Kati Angarone has worked for NJDEP for over twenty-five years. In her current role, she works to advance strategic initiatives, including expanding public access to environmental information, increasing the visibility of DEP programs and services, cultivating external partnerships, and coordinating strategic planning on cross-media issues. She also oversees the efforts of NJDEP’s Office of Legislative Affairs and our Office of Environmental and Public Health Analysis.
Christine Schell is a 30+ year veteran of the NJDEP and currently manages the NJDEP’s Office of Environmental and Public Health Analysis. In partnership with the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), Christine jointly coordinates New Jersey’s Environmental Public Health Tracking Program through a CDC grant, and oversees the development, implementation, and dissemination of data analyses and visualization tools designed to integrate public health concerns into local and state decision making, planning, and the implementation of meaning actions on a broad array of issues, including environmental justice, climate resilience, and sustainability.
Cost: Free for CNJG Members; $75 for Non Member Grantmakers
Webinar Video
Links and Resources:
Healthy Community Planning NJ
Potential Lead Exposure Mapping
Heat Hub NJ
Environmental Justice Mapping, Assessment, and Protection
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
One Health
Climate Change
Climate Change in New Jersey Storymap
Healthy Community Planning
New Jersey Protecting Against Climate Threats
Inland Flood Protection Rule
Resilient Environments and Landscapes
Chill Out NJ
Food is essential. But how often do you consider where your food comes from?This issue of What Funders Need to Know from the Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers explores the stages of the food system, from production all the way to disposal. Why is this important to philanthropy?
Because hunger, food insecurity, nutrition-related chronic disease, the health of resource lands and waterways, wages, and equal opportunity in the food economy all converge in our regional food system.
Impact Investing Bootcamp: Fundamentals for Driving Sustainable Philanthropy in New Jersey is a 3-part series introducing CNJG members to impact investing. The series will take place from March to May 2024.
The Council on Foundation defines impact investing as “any investment activity that intends to generate positive social and financial returns. Whether called impact investing, mission investing, social investing, social-impact investing, mission-related investing, program-related investing, or sustainable and responsible investing, the practice focuses on activating new financial resources to solve social and environmental problems.”
Impact investing as a tool can generate positive, measurable social and environmental impact alongside financial returns. By attending this series you will:
- Learn the fundamentals of how to create a more sustainable model of philanthropy through impact investing tools.
- Hear from experienced practitioners.
- Learn how to successfully integrate grantmaking and investment resources.
- Participate in interactive discussions with local peers.
- Hear examples of investments made in New Jersey and nationally.
- Attend a site visit to see impact investing in action.
- Receive a copy of the book “Impact Investing: The Practical Guide” by John Duong.
Session 1: In this full day workshop John Duong, founder and CEO of Kind Capital, will lead a dynamic and intensely focused full day of learning, knowledge-building, and exchange. The curriculum will include baseline information, the fundamentals of impact investment, methods and models, and opportunities for peer to peer and small group discussion and dialogue. A light breakfast and lunch is included.
COST: Free for CNJG Members
Registrants must attend all three sessions of the series.
Space Limited. No more than two people per organization can register.
Additional Session Information:
Tuesday, April 16, 2024, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm - Session 2: This session will feature a site visit to highlight a specific project and explore local case studies of NJ foundations implementing impact investment strategies. Grantmakers will have the opportunity to tour the project site, hear from nonprofit partners and participants, ask questions, and learn directly from those involved.
Thursday, May 16, Time TBD - Session 3: This virtual session will focus on setting the groundwork for New Jersey philanthropy to explore additional shared learning and co-investment opportunities. The discussion will be led by John Duong, Kind Capital.
Speaker:
Mr. Duong has been an investment banker at JP Morgan Chase, was founding Managing Director of Lumina Impact Ventures with Luminia, and was Program and Portfolio Officer with the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. John holds an executive MBA with a concentration in management and entrepreneurship from the Kellogg School of Management.
This CNJG program is sponsored by: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Victoria Foundation and presented by Kind Capital.
Resources
The Impact Principles website
Planet Tracker website - Reports for climate focused investors
Catalyzing Finance for Racial Equity
RPA Impact Investing Handbook
Impact Investing: A Primer for Family Foundaitons
What Can Foundations Do to Foster Community Investment?
The Role of Impact Capital in Advancing Racial Equity
Impact Capital for Racial Equity: Investing with Intention and Measuring Impact
Emerging Sources of Community Investment Capital and Strategies to Direct it at Scale
Mapping the Journey to Impact Investing
Roadmap for the Future of Impact Investing: Reshaping Financial Markets
Community Foundation Field Guide to Impact Investing
Essentials of Impact Investing
Endowments & Investing
Place-Based Impact Investing: Three Briefs for Practitioners
Impact Investing Bootcamp: Fundamentals for Driving Sustainable Philanthropy in New Jersey is a 3-part series introducing CNJG members to impact investing. The series will take place from March to May 2024.
The Council on Foundation defines impact investing as “any investment activity that intends to generate positive social and financial returns. Whether called impact investing, mission investing, social investing, social-impact investing, mission-related investing, program-related investing, or sustainable and responsible investing, the practice focuses on activating new financial resources to solve social and environmental problems.”
Impact investing as a tool can generate positive, measurable social and environmental impact alongside financial returns. By attending this series you will:
- Learn the fundamentals of how to create a more sustainable model of philanthropy through impact investing tools.
- Hear from experienced practitioners.
- Learn how to successfully integrate grantmaking and investment resources.
- Participate in interactive discussions with local peers.
- Hear examples of investments made in New Jersey and nationally.
- Attend a site visit to see impact investing in action.
- Receive a copy of the book “Impact Investing: The Practical Guide” by John Duong.
Session 3: This virtual session will focus on setting the groundwork for New Jersey philanthropy to explore additional shared learning and co-investment opportunities. The discussion will be led by John Duong, Kind Capital.
COST: Free for CNJG Members
Registrants must attend all three sessions of the series.
Space Limited. No more than two people per organization can register.
Additional Session Information:
Tuesday, March 12, 2024, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm - Session 1: In this full day workshop John Duong, founder and CEO of Kind Capital, will lead a dynamic and intensely focused full day of learning, knowledge-building, and exchange. The curriculum will include baseline information, the fundamentals of impact investment, methods and models, and opportunities for peer to peer and small group discussion and dialogue. A light breakfast and lunch is included.
Tuesday, April 16, 2024, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm - Session 2: This session will feature a site visit to highlight a specific project and explore local case studies of NJ foundations implementing impact investment strategies. Grantmakers will have the opportunity to tour the project site, hear from nonprofit partners and participants, ask questions, and learn directly from those involved.
Speaker:
Mr. Duong has been an investment banker at JP Morgan Chase, was founding Managing Director of Lumina Impact Ventures with Luminia, and was Program and Portfolio Officer with the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. John holds an executive MBA with a concentration in management and entrepreneurship from the Kellogg School of Management.
This CNJG program is sponsored by: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Victoria Foundation and presented by Kind Capital.
Resources
The Impact Principles website
Planet Tracker website - Reports for climate focused investors
Catalyzing Finance for Racial Equity
RPA Impact Investing Handbook
Impact Investing: A Primer for Family Foundaitons
What Can Foundations Do to Foster Community Investment?
The Role of Impact Capital in Advancing Racial Equity
Impact Capital for Racial Equity: Investing with Intention and Measuring Impact
Emerging Sources of Community Investment Capital and Strategies to Direct it at Scale
Mapping the Journey to Impact Investing
Roadmap for the Future of Impact Investing: Reshaping Financial Markets
Community Foundation Field Guide to Impact Investing
Essentials of Impact Investing
Endowments & Investing
Place-Based Impact Investing: Three Briefs for Practitioners
Impact Investing Bootcamp: Fundamentals for Driving Sustainable Philanthropy in New Jersey is a 3-part series introducing CNJG members to impact investing. The series will take place from March to May 2024.
The Council on Foundation defines impact investing as “any investment activity that intends to generate positive social and financial returns. Whether called impact investing, mission investing, social investing, social-impact investing, mission-related investing, program-related investing, or sustainable and responsible investing, the practice focuses on activating new financial resources to solve social and environmental problems.”
Impact investing as a tool can generate positive, measurable social and environmental impact alongside financial returns. By attending this series you will:
- Learn the fundamentals of how to create a more sustainable model of philanthropy through impact investing tools.
- Hear from experienced practitioners.
- Learn how to successfully integrate grantmaking and investment resources.
- Participate in interactive discussions with local peers.
- Hear examples of investments made in New Jersey and nationally.
- Attend a site visit to see impact investing in action.
- Receive a copy of the book “Impact Investing: The Practical Guide” by John Duong.
Session 2: This session will feature a site visit to Hinchliffe Stadium to highlight the project and explore local case studies of NJ foundations implementing impact investment strategies. Grantmakers will have the opportunity to tour the project site, hear from nonprofit partners and participants, ask questions, and learn directly from those involved.
COST: Free for CNJG Members
Registrants must attend all three sessions of the series.
Space Limited. No more than two people per organization can register.
Additional Session Information:
Tuesday, March 12, 2024, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm - Session 1: In this full day workshop John Duong, founder and CEO of Kind Capital, will lead a dynamic and intensely focused full day of learning, knowledge-building, and exchange. The curriculum will include baseline information, the fundamentals of impact investment, methods and models, and opportunities for peer to peer and small group discussion and dialogue. A light breakfast and lunch is included.
Thursday, May 16, Time TBD - Session 3: This virtual session will focus on setting the groundwork for New Jersey philanthropy to explore additional shared learning and co-investment opportunities. The discussion will be led by John Duong, Kind Capital.
Speaker:
Mr. Duong has been an investment banker at JP Morgan Chase, was founding Managing Director of Lumina Impact Ventures with Luminia, and was Program and Portfolio Officer with the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. John holds an executive MBA with a concentration in management and entrepreneurship from the Kellogg School of Management.
This CNJG program is sponsored by: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Victoria Foundation and presented by Kind Capital.
Resources
The Impact Principles website
Planet Tracker website - Reports for climate focused investors
Catalyzing Finance for Racial Equity
RPA Impact Investing Handbook
Impact Investing: A Primer for Family Foundaitons
What Can Foundations Do to Foster Community Investment?
The Role of Impact Capital in Advancing Racial Equity
Impact Capital for Racial Equity: Investing with Intention and Measuring Impact
Emerging Sources of Community Investment Capital and Strategies to Direct it at Scale
Mapping the Journey to Impact Investing
Roadmap for the Future of Impact Investing: Reshaping Financial Markets
Community Foundation Field Guide to Impact Investing
Essentials of Impact Investing
Endowments & Investing
Place-Based Impact Investing: Three Briefs for Practitioners
The presence of lead in New Jersey, whether in drinking water, paint, or soil, is one of many environmental justice issues that disproportionately affect low-income communities and communities of color. This funder briefing for all funders in New Jersey will cover how lead affects New Jersesyans, where it comes from, as well as local solutions, success stories, and partners to help communities equitably remove lead. Panelists will also discuss what funders can do in partnership with local governments to address the issue, including understanding new state mandates for lead pipe replacement and lead paint inspections and remediation.
Speakers:
Deandrah Cameron, New Jersey Future
Ruth Ann Norton, Green and Healthy Homes Initiative
Heather Sorge, Lead-Free NJ
Shereyl Snider, East Trenton Collaborative
Moderator: Anthony Diaz, Newark Water Coalition
Cost: Free for CNJG Members; $50 for Non Member Grantmakers
This program is only open to staff and trustees from grantmaking organizations.
Deandrah Cameron
Deandrah develops and advances state policies that affect health, water infrastructure, and redevelopment, with a primary focus on lead in drinking water. Prior to joining New Jersey Future, Deandrah worked as a case investigator at the Monmouth County Health Department to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Deandrah holds a B.S. in Public Health from the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, as well as a Master of Public Health focused on Health Systems and Policy with a Graduate Certificate in Public Health Nutrition from the Rutgers School of Public Health.
Ruth Ann Norton
Ruth Ann Norton, President & CEO of the Green & Healthy Homes Initiative, joined the organization in 1993 and has led its development into one of the nation’s most effective and foremost authorities on healthy housing and its impact on the social determinants of health. GHHI is dedicated to addressing the social determinants of health and racial equity through healthy housing. An expert on lead poisoning prevention, healthy housing and the intersection of climate, energy and health, Ruth Ann directs GHHI’s national strategy, policy framework and services to integrate climate, healthcare and healthy housing as a platform for improved health, economic, educational and social outcomes for low-income communities.
Heather Sorge
Heather is the Lead-Free NJ program manager and oversees its day-to-day operations. Lead-Free NJ is a new inclusive and equitable collaborative focused on addressing lead hazards and preventing childhood lead poisoning. Heather’s work is centered on facilitating a diverse statewide network that hopes to ultimately ensure the eradication of childhood lead poisoning in New Jersey within 10 years. Prior to joining New Jersey Future, Heather was the organizer for Healthy Schools Now with the New Jersey Work Environment Council (WEC), a coalition of over 80 organizations representing a diverse set of stakeholders dedicated to ensuring all New Jersey children and school employees learn and work in safe, healthy, modernized school buildings. Heather graduated from Churchman Business School with a degree in Accounting Finance.
Shereyl Snider
Shereyl Snider joined the East Trenton Collaborative (ETC) in 2019 as a Community Organizer. Originally a New Yorker, she has lived in East Trenton since 2003. As an ETC staff member, Shereyl provides dynamic leadership, amplifies the voices of the marginalized, facilitates collaboration among individuals from diverse backgrounds, and develops a robust commercial and residential community. After moving to Trenton, she earned an associate’s degree in Early Child Care from Mercer County Community College and worked as a substitute teacher in the Hamilton School District for five years. As a neighborhood resident and volunteer at the ETC, she learned how to organize in her local community. In addition to her work in the East Trenton neighborhood, Shereyl is also a member of The City of Trenton American Rescue Plan Committee championing for a lead safe Trenton.
Anthony Diaz, moderator
Anthony Diaz was born and raised in Newark, NJ where he currently resides and is the oldest of 4 boys. He is the co-founder and executive director of the Newark Water Coalition, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about the city's lead water crisis and other social justice issues. The Newark Water Coalition has given out over 100,000 gallons of water and over 90,000 lbs of food. He has traveled nationally and internationally to work on water issues on indigenous lands and rural communities. Anthony was able to represent Newark at the United Nations Climate Conference in Glasgow, Scotland. He believes that people power can win against the interconnected struggles of humanity. He is an avid Star Wars and Anime fan.
Webinar Video
Articles of Interest
Gov. Murphy announced grants for organizations ridding NJ of lead exposure
New Jersey will grant $38 million to lead abatement. Here’s where it will go.
New Jersey Lead Poisoning Prevention Action Plan
Jersey Water Works Lead in Drinking Water Task Force
Facts about Lead in the Home
Lead in Drinking Water, a Permanent Solution in New Jersey
Lead in Drinking Water in Child Care Facilities: Ensuring the Future for New Jersey’s Children
Lead Free NJ
East Trenton Collaborative
Newark Water Coalition
Green & Healthy Homes Initiative
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