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President Obama's Hurricane Sandy Task Force released this rebuilding strategy to serve as a model for communities across the nation facing greater risks from extreme weather and to continue helping the Sandy-affected region rebuild. The Rebuilding Strategy contains 69 policy recommendations, many of which have already been adopted, that will help homeowners stay in and repair their homes, strengthen small businesses and revitalize local economies and ensure entire communities are better able to withstand and recover from future storms.

Directors & Officers liability insurance provides financial protection for a foundation and its directors, officers, employees, and volunteers in the event of a lawsuit.  CNJG offers its members the D&O liability insurance program provided through Aon Association Services, underwritten by The Hartford and endorsed by the United Philanthropy Forum. A discount is available to foundations with current membership with CNJG.

Fiduciary Liability and other coverage is also available to members at a discounted rate. Coverage is available in all states. Brokers can access the Forum’s D&O program through Aon Association Services.

Learn more using the documents below, on the Aon website or by contacting Jason Tharpe, program administrator at Aon Affinity, at 202-429-8561. To obtain the discount, foundations should let Aon know they are a member of CNJG, a member of the United Philanthropy Forum. 

Late last year, the Texas legislature passed a series of bills targeting migration at the Texas-Mexico border. This included Senate Bill 4 (SB4), which criminalizes anyone suspected of crossing the border without authorization to enter or re-enter into Texas. Since then, a series of legal decisions have created confusion and uncertainty. Similarly, Florida has passed legislation targeting community IDs and driver's licenses for immigrants and criminalizing the transportation of undocumented immigrants into the state. 

As battleground border states, Florida and Texas have had an immense influence across the country, as other states have stood  up similar anti-immigrant bills. Most recently the governor of Iowa signed SF2340, a bill which made it a state crime for immigrants with prior deportation orders from the U.S. to reside in the state. The Louisiana governor recently introduced SB 388, which, as in  Florida, criminalizes undocumented immigrants entering or reentering the state. Meanwhile, Georgia has introduced legislation to punish local governments for having sanctuary city policies.

In an election year when immigration is the top issue in the minds of many voters, these policies exacerbate xenophobic, anti-immigrant, and racist sentiments that further dehumanize and criminalize immigrant and refugee communities while also expanding state powers to detain, deport, and terrorize undocumented individuals. To respond to this moment, organizations are leveraging different strategies–from litigation to organizing–to prevent the implementation of  these policies and create a more welcoming country for all.

Join us for a panel conversation with frontline leaders, which will be followed by a funder-only discussion.

Speakers
Jennefer Canales-Pelaez, Texas Policy Attorney & Strategist, Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC)
Erica Johnson, Founding Executive Director, Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice (Iowa MMJ)
Dauday Sesay, Founder & Executive Director, Louisiana Organization for Refugees and Immigrants (LORI) & National Network Director, African Communities Together (ACT)

Moderator
Cairo Mendes, Senior Director of State and Local Programs, GCIR

BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), a leading global medical technology company, today announced a $1 million commitment over five years to UNICEF USA in support of UNICEF's work to uphold the rights of all children and help every child survive and thrive. The cash donation will be used to support UNICEF's efforts to eliminate Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus (MNT) in at-risk countries around the world. In 1997, BD was the first U.S.-based corporation to establish a maternal and newborn tetanus program with UNICEF.

With the support of BD, UNICEF is working to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus worldwide by seeking to vaccinate all women and girls of childbearing age, by promoting clean childbirth delivery practices such as clean umbilical cord cutting methods and by utilizing surveillance to enhance health professionals' understanding of the circumstances under which tetanus can be transmitted. Between 2000 and 2018, newborn deaths from MNT have declined by 88 percent.1

As the first and longest-serving corporate partner in UNICEF USA's campaign to eliminate MNT, BD has now provided or committed more than $10.8 million in cash and product donations to the organization, including 55 million BD SoloShot™ Auto-Disable Syringes and BD Uniject™ Non-Reusable Devices.

"The initiative to help eliminate MNT was the first philanthropic program established by BD," said Tom Polen, CEO and president, BD. "Over the past 24 years, the MNT initiative has grown into an international public-private partnership that includes governments, global humanitarian organizations, non-profits and corporate partners, all with one mission to prevent unnecessary deaths from maternal and neonatal tetanus. This $1 million commitment continues our collective efforts to expand access to health care among the vulnerable populations who need it most and is part of our broader purpose – advancing the world of health."

The New Jersey Council for the Humanities has awarded 18 grants totaling $216,319 in its most recent grant round. These funds will support a diverse array of projects in nine counties across the Garden State, highlighting NJCH’s ongoing commitment to fostering the public humanities.

Of the 18 awarded projects, five had their beginnings in prior NJCH grants or programs.

Two organizations, the AIDS Resource Foundation for Children and the Hispanic Family Center of Southern NJ, received funding for projects that expand upon the Dear Rosa Project, an oral history initiative amplifying the voices of women living with HIV/AIDS that was funded by a prior NJCH grant. Additionally, Clinton Hill Community Action and Raíces Cultural both received funding to extend projects initially developed in NJCH’s Community History Program. And Truehart Productions received funding to produce a new episode of the PBS documentary series “The Price of Freedom,” which previously received developmental funding from an NJCH incubation grant.

“We are thrilled to see the continued impact and evolution of projects that have received our support in the past. Their success demonstrates the profound influence of our programs on the public humanities in New Jersey,” NJCH Executive Director Carin Berkowitz said. “The diverse and dynamic projects funded in this round will significantly contribute to the understanding and appreciation of our state’s rich cultural heritage.”

CNJG joined delegates from the across the country for Foundations on the Hill on February 25 - 28. The event included a policy conference followed by meetings on Capitol Hill.
 
Joining me, the CNJG delegation included Bill Engel, President, The Union Foundation; Sharnita Johnson, Vice President of Strategy, Impact and Communications, Victoria Foundation; Melissa Litwin, Early Childhood Program Director, The Henry and Marilyn Taub Foundation; Jessica Nugent, Senior Program Officer, Burke Foundation; Jonathan Pearson, Executive Director, and Renee Woodside, Senior Program Officer, The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey; Danielle Scott, President and CEO, and Bruce Rubin, Trustee, Pincus Family Foundation; Kortney Swanson Davis, President and CEO, Forman S. Acton Educational Foundation; Catherine Wilson, President and CEO, United Way Greater Newark; Alana Vega, Program Officer, and Hellen Zamora-Bustos, Leonard Lieberman Philanthropy Fellow/Program Associate, Fund for New Jersey; Nelida Valentin, Vice President - Grants & Programs, Princeton Area Community Foundation; and Lucy Vandenberg, Executive Director, Schumann Fund for New Jersey. Bill and Lucy serve as co-chairs of the CNJG Policy Committee. For the last few years, we’ve also been joined by Linda Czipo, President and CEO, New Jersey Center for Nonprofits. Linda’s voice elevates our conversations and helps ground them in the work nonprofits do every day.
 
The 21st Annual Foundations on the Hill, hosted and presented by United Philanthropy Forum in partnership with Independent Sector and the Council on Foundations, is the largest annual public policy and advocacy conference dedicated solely to the philanthropic sector. In addition to meeting with legislators and government officials, FOTH attendees attended pre-conference programming, conference keynotes, expert panel sessions, and several receptions. As part of the conference programming, we learned about the All By April campaign, a nonpartisan effort encouraging philanthropy to make grants to nonprofits conducting election work by the end of April. The authors and researchers of the just released 2024 National Study on Donor-Advised Funds provided an overview of their key findings. We were introduced to the history and priorities of the Black Congressional Caucus Foundation, and their focus on developing thoughtful, creative and informed leaders. And we were reminded about the chilling impact recent Supreme Court rulings could have on the rights of donors to give in ways that align with their values.  
 
We were pleased to meet with all 12 of our NJ Congressional and both Senate offices. We met directly with Congressmen Gottheimer and Kean, along with a quick photo meet-up with Senator Booker. 
 
As part of our meetings, we advocated for the Charitable Act, H.R.3435/S.566 which would provide a non-itemizer deduction of up to 1/3 of the standard deduction; the Nonprofit Stakeholders Engaging and Advancing Together (SEAT) Act, H.R.3245, which would pave the way for stronger policymaking input from the charitable sector and improved data collection about nonprofits; and the Streamlining Federal Grants Act, H.R.5934/S2286, which would simplify the application and reporting requirements for federal grants. These bills strengthen the work of the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors. 

In addition to advocating for legislation that supports our work, and educating Congress about the social sector, FOTH not only helps build relationships with our Congressional delegation, but also provides opportunities for CNJG members to get to know one another. Our annual CNJG FOTH dinner is a time to relax and debrief about our meetings. New this year, a few of us took the opportunity to see Washington by moonlight. 
 
This year we were thrilled to welcome several CNJG members new to the FOTH experience! 
 
We’re also thrilled to welcome a new CNJG team member, Shakirat Odunsi, Manager of Communications! With over 20 years of experience in the marketing and communications field, Shakirat will lead and manage our communications strategy, marketing efforts for CNJG events, services and offerings, and our website and social media channels. Shakirat can be reached at [email protected]. 
 
It was quite an eventful 3+ days. Thank you to the CNJG FOTH delegation for sharing your time and expertise. I’m proud that we were part of over 300 voices attending FOTH from across the country, sharing philanthropy’s positive impact, advocating for the nonprofit sector, and supporting legislation that strengthens our work.
 
Another important platform to strengthen and inform both the philanthropic and nonprofit sector in NJ is on June 18. The Spring Colloquium - Empowering the Future: Harnessing AI and Data for Philanthropic Social Impact, will explore how AI can enhance problem-solving without losing human connections, how it affects equity, and how philanthropy has engaged with AI for funding initiatives. Save the date – registration will be available soon!
 
Sincerely, 

Theresa Jacks, President and CEO
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers

As we navigate today's challenges and opportunities, it's important that we continue to gather, exchange ideas, and move forward the causes we value. We all know how a single conversation can spark a big idea or inspire a new partnership. That's why you won't want to miss our much-anticipated 2024 Spring Colloquium: Empowering the Future: Harnessing AI and Data for Philanthropic Social Impact - a must-attend gathering for every funder working in New Jersey. Join us for valuable insights and opportunities to connect with colleagues and passionate thought leaders who share your commitment to driving social change.

I look forward to seeing you there and engaging in the vibrant discussions and community building opportunities that awaits us.

Thank you to the generosity of our sponsors: Signature Sponsor - PSE&G, Collaborator Sponsor - Wells Fargo, Connector Sponsors - Campbell Soup Company, Sixers Youth Foundation, and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and Exhibitor Sponsor - PKF O'Connor Davies. We couldn't do this without you.

We look forward to seeing you there!
 
Sincerely, 

Theresa Jacks, President and CEO
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers

The CNJG 2024 Annual Meeting & Holiday Gathering — Inspiring Change Through Leadership: Maximizing Philanthropic Impact on December 11, offered a powerful reflection on leadership, collaboration, and the collective role we play in advancing philanthropy across New Jersey.

We kicked off the day with the leadership in action workshop: New Jersey Principles for Philanthropy—a framework approved by the Board last year, that sets forth an aspiration for each of the principles: ethical leadership, stewardship, values, equity and justice, community engagement, public voice, continuous learning, and transparency and accountability. Following the opening panel, moderated by Catherine Wilson, United Way of Greater Newark, and featuring
Jasmyne Beckford, The Prudential Foundation, Sharif Braxton, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Jeremy Grunin, Grunin Foundation, and Sharnita Johnson, Victoria Foundation, small group table discussions further explored the principles and how Council members can infuse them in their organizations. 

We elected two new trustees for their first 3-year term, Tammy Rice Herman,
New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and Aaron Turner, Community Foundation of New Jersey, as well as re-electing trustees for their second term, including
Kate Barrett, The Campbell’s Foundation, and Catherine Wilson. In his role as board chair, and to continue serving as chair in 2025, Craig Drinkard was elected for another 1-year term. Following the annual meeting of members, trustees elected officers for 2025: Justin Kiczek, 1st Vice Chair, F. M. Kirby Foundation,
Christine Healey, 2nd Vice Chair, The Healey Education Foundation, and Catherine Wilson, Treasurer. Congratulations! And we said good-bye to Paul Stierhoff as he rotated off the board. Thank you for your service!

Jeffrey Vega, trustee from 2016 to 2023 and chair from 2021 to 2023, was posthumously honored as CNJG’s first-ever emeritus trustee in recognition of his exceptional service and dedication to our organization. His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment have left an indelible mark on the Council, strengthening our mission and the philanthropic community we serve. In celebration of his remarkable contributions, and in partnership with the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits, a commemorative tree will be planted in Princeton in the spring. 

As part of his board chair’s report, Craig Drinkard shared powerful reflections on leadership and its essential role in achieving equity and building community. He encouraged funders to deeply reflect upon how we practice leadership, and shared a brief list for how leaders can show up:

• Listen and ask questions. 
• Open your heart — ask often: is your heart full? 
• Trust your staff, your partners, your grantees. 
• Get out of the way. 

Seamlessly aligning with the keynote presentation, Craig reflected on the importance of making room for new leaders at the helm - whether it’s committee or affinity group leadership in our CNJG community, funder collaboratives, coalitions, and partnerships, or in our own organizations. 

Amalia Brindis Delgado’s keynote, Leadership for Thriving Communities, built on this important theme — emphasizing the importance of funders to actively support succession planning, the value of continued education for nonprofit leaders, and encouraging well-being as deliberate practice. Click here for additional resources from the Annual Meeting. 

The Council of New Jersey Grantmakers thanks our Annual Meeting sponsors for their generous support: Signature Sponsor – Prudential; Contributing Sponsors – The Campbell’s Company, Devils Youth Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and Victoria Foundation; Supporting Sponsors – Grunin Foundation, LISC
New Jersey, Pincus Family Foundation, and WSFS Bank; and Colleague Sponsor – Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. Thank you also to NJM Insurance Group for an additional donation to support the event.

The 2024 Annual Meeting & Holiday Gathering provided an outstanding close to anincredible year that offered Council members 110 programs and briefings, three signature events, the Impact Investing Bootcamp series, opportunities to meet with our congressional delegation and state officials, a growing partnership with the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits, and new monthly venues for members to connect and build relationships with First Fridays for Philanthropy and CEO to CEO Conversations. 

The CNJG offices will be closed from December 25, 2024, to January 1, 2025, for the winter break. 

Thank you for your continued partnership and leadership. Together, we are shaping a stronger, more equitable future for New Jersey. CNJG members are an exceptional group of leaders. You care deeply about the communities you serve and the nonprofit partners you support. 

On behalf of the entire CNJG team, we wish you a joyful holiday season and a bright, prosperous new year. We look forward to continuing our work together and seeing you in 2025!
 

With Gratitude, 
 
Theresa Jacks (she/her)
President and CEO
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers

A Framework for Change

Doing Good Better Goals.png

The Doing Good Better Steering Committee encourages funders to focus on and advocate for four (4) changes that can make an immediate difference in addressing power dynamics between nonprofits and funders and maximizing nonprofit impact. These goals are aligned with Trust Based Philanthropy, and are interdependent; when combined, they foster equity and a spirit of mutual trust between grantmakers and nonprofit partners. For more details about a specific goal, click on its individual goal link below.

• Goal 1: Center Equity
• Goal 2: Provide Flexible Funding
• Goal 3: Provide Reliable Funding
• Goal 4: Reduce Paperwork Burden

Self-Assessment/Reflection Tool for Funders

Philanthropy and Nonprofits for Greater Impact: The “Doing Good Better” Blueprint Video