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I can't believe October is already here! We are deep in planning for the CNJG 2024 Annual Meeting & Holiday Gathering, and I'm thrilled to invite you to be a part of this special event!
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, December 11, as we come together at the APA Hotel Woodbridge with over 150 Council members and special guests to celebrate the holiday season, welcome new members, and host a brief business meeting to elect trustees. It's also the perfect time to connect with colleagues and friends, old and new, while participating in a thought-provoking discussion about the ever-important topic of leadership in philanthropy.
This event is the one time each year where New Jersey’s philanthropic community comes together to connect, network, learn, and celebrate our collective work. It's a time to reflect on our impact, recharge with new ideas, and plan for the year ahead. Guided by the CNJG Signature Program Committee’s vision for this event, our focus this year is on leadership: Inspiring Change through Leadership: Maximizing Philanthropic Impact. Our morning workshop will explore the New Jersey Principles for Philanthropy – our equity principles emboldening leadership in action, followed by our keynote presentation featuring Amalia Brindis Delgado, Chief Strategy Officer, Panta Rhea Foundation, focused on transformative leadership transitions. It's a topic that feels more important than ever, and I can't wait for the conversations it will inspire.
The Annual Meeting is truly a highlight of the year. In addition to your participation, I invite you to consider supporting the Annual Meeting of Members through a sponsorship, grant, or contribution. Whether you've sponsored before or are considering it for the first time, this is an incredible opportunity to show your support for CNJG, while also raising visibility for your organization. We offer a variety of sponsorship options to fit any level of interest, and we're happy to tailor a package to meet your needs. Your support would help underwrite this vital event, ensuring it continues to serve as a place where our sector can grow stronger together. It's a valuable opportunity not only to give back to CNJG, but to highlight your commitment to the philanthropic community and its ongoing work in New Jersey.
If you'd like more information regarding sponsorship, please reach out to me via e-mail.
A big thank you to our sponsors to date - we couldn't do this without you! Special thanks to Signature Sponsor – Prudential; Contributing Sponsors – Devils Youth Foundation and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; Supporting Sponsor – Grunin Foundation; and Colleague Sponsor – Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey.
Thank you for your continued engagement with CNJG. I'm looking forward to hearing from you soon and can't wait to see you at the CNJG Annual Meeting & Holiday Gathering in December. Until then, enjoy the beauty of fall!
Warmly,
Theresa Jacks, President and CEO
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers
Six million immigrants in the US have jobs that could increase their risk of contracting the virus -- from physicians and home health aides to agriculture and food production workers. Another 6 million work in areas that have suffered major financial loss, including the restaurant and hospitality industry, in-home childcare, agriculture, and building services.
Yet, documented and undocumented immigrants are ineligible for federal relief funds and government-sponsored safety-net programs. Many “essential” workers lack health insurance. Language barriers often make getting services difficult. And, fear of repercussion if they test positive for COVID or uncertainty around immigrant policies prevent many immigrants from even seeking assistance.
During this webinar briefing, we will hear from Abel Rodriguez, Director for the Center on Immigration and Assistant Professor of Religion, Law, and Social Justice at Cabrini University and Sara Cullinane, Director of Make the Road New Jersey.
Topics will include:
• How immigrants and their families have been impacted by COVID, nationally and in our state.
• Supporting immigration policies and programs that advance the social and economic well-being of immigrant populations.
• Efforts in New Jersey communities to provide direct support, education, and other needed resources to immigrants during the pandemic.
Nearly 1 in 4 New Jersey residents is an immigrant. And despite their vital importance to this state and our country’s culture and economy, immigrants are often left out of programs and denied services that are critical for recovery. Join us for an important briefing on why your organization’s response to COVID must uplift immigrants and their families – now and for the future.
Cost: Free for CNJG Grantmakers. $50 for Non Member Grantmakers
Webinar Video
You will have an opportunity to learn about the collaborative process that resulted in this first version of the framework. In addition, you will hear from peers and practitioners who contributed to the development of the framework. Don't miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the framework's design principles and how they foster equity, transparency, and responsible AI adoption.
Speakers
Jean Westrick, Executive Director, TAG
Gozi Egbuonu, Director of Programs, TAG
Who Should Attend
Grantmaking Executives
Philanthropy Tech Professionals
Program Managers
Technology Leaders
AI for Good Enthusiasts and Advocates
COST: Free for CNJG Members and Non Member Grantmakers
Jean Westrick, Executive Director
Technology Association of Grantmakers
Jean Westrick is the Executive Director of the Technology Association of Grantmakers, a nonprofit organization that cultivates the strategic, equitable, and innovative use of technology in philanthropy. Westrick brings two decades of experience building communities, leveraging technology, and leading innovative and programmatic strategies. Prior to being named Executive Director of TAG, Westrick was the Director of IT Strategy and Communications at The Chicago Community Trust where she led change management efforts for the foundation’s $6M digital transformation initiative. Also, while at The Trust, Westrick directed On the Table, an award-winning engagement model designed to inspire resident action that was replicated in 30 cities nationwide. A longtime advocate for equity in STEM education, expanding technology access and increasing science literacy, Westrick holds a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University and a Master of Science from DePaul University.
Gozi Egbuonu, Director of Programs
Technology Association of Grantmakers
Gozi Egbuonu is the Director of Programs at the Technology Association of Grantmakers (TAG), a nonprofit organization with a mission to cultivate the strategic, equitable, and innovative use of technology in philanthropy. Prior to TAG, Gozi was an Impact Officer at Network for Good’s (now Bonterra) capacity-building program called Jumpstart. Through her advocacy for philanthropic investments in the technological capacity of talented nonprofit leaders and organizations throughout the United States, Gozi helped generate more than $500,000 in capacity-building funds to help nonprofits become more sustainable. In addition to helping generate lasting impact for nonprofits, Gozi created meaningful content and events aimed at educating philanthropic communities on the power of trust-based partnerships between grantmakers and nonprofits. Committed to using technology to improve lives and advance social change, Gozi is researching the use of medical technology to improve healthcare delivery while earning her doctorate in behavioral health from Cummings Graduate Institute. She also holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Washington and Lee University, a Master of Arts from Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and Psychology, and a Master of Science from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.
Retributing Power by Simplifying and Streamlining Processes
Sisters of St. Joseph Health & Wellness Foundation
When Beth Collins joined the Sisters of St. Joseph Health and Wellness Foundation as the new Executive Director, she knew that the foundation could be doing more to support its nonprofit ecosystem. With a background in direct service, Beth remembered when she was on the other side of the funding relationship – sometimes spending hours writing lengthy application materials or digging up data to meet reporting requirements, all while juggling her never-ending to-do list. By aligning the values of Trust-Based Philanthropy to the virtues and mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph, she has catalyzed a shift toward redistributing power in its community partnerships.
This power shift began when Beth started a conversation about values with the foundation board. By approaching the board with curiosity and bringing the voice of the community into the conversation, she set the tone for trust, openness, and an ongoing dialogue. The Foundation is now working toward fully embodying its values in its practices. The Sisters of St. Joseph have expanded their general operating support portfolio, shifted the bulk of the application process from applicants to the Foundation, replaced written reports with honest conversations, and created more opportunities for the public to provide feedback and engage in candid dialogue with the board. Focusing on only the essential information for applications and reporting has enabled staff to redirect their time and energy to develop wholehearted relationships with community partners. By starting with the why, Beth is leading the Foundation toward a clear vision for the how: “Trust Based Philanthropy is about humility – at Sisters of St. Joseph, we recognize that we are just one piece of the puzzle – and we are encouraging others to think outside of themselves.”
Offering Support Beyond the Check
Liberty Hill Foundation
A community-funded foundation since day 1, Trust Based Philanthropy is at the core of the Liberty Hill Foundation. Centered on social justice campaigns, research, and policy initiatives designed to drive systemic change, Liberty Hill Foundation refers to itself as a "Laboratory for Social Change Philanthropy”. When Julio Marcial stepped into the role of Senior Vice President of Programs, he looked beyond the funding and considered the myriad of ways the foundation can support community partners beyond the check by connecting them to other funders and donors. As a member of several pooled funds in Los Angeles, Liberty Hill Foundation proactively seeks opportunities that will benefit their community partners. The Foundation has introduced many funders in their circle to Trust Based Philanthropy principles – this has sparked several conversations at other foundations serving Los Angeles county, several of which have since shifted their practices. Beyond private and public foundations, Marcial advocates for a push to Trust Based Philanthropy in California state funding agencies.
The Liberty Hill Foundation embraces itself as a fundraiser for its nonprofit partners and its responsibility for the Los Angeles community. The Foundation raises the funds and opens doors for nonprofits and then “steps out of the way,” says Julio. According to Julio, partnerships are the key to maximizing trust and impact in the community: “We can't do this without our partners, peers, and donors. We need to call each other out – and to call each other in.”
Leading with Trust, Transparency, and Responsiveness
Headwaters Foundation
Headwaters Foundation is a health-conversion foundation working side by side with the community to achieve better outcomes towards a healthy and thriving Western Montana. Brenda Solorzano, CEO of Headwaters, has been at the helm of the foundation since its inception in 2017. With over 20 years of experience in traditional philanthropy, Brenda began asking big questions about standard philanthropic practices. Brenda is especially focused on tapping into the collective knowledge and experience of the community to create impactful systems. Early on in her tenure as CEO, Brenda shared her vision for Trust Based Philanthropy with the foundation’s board and they have supported her as she’s stewarded the foundation through its strategic planning process.
Community input and feedback was important to Brenda. With the board’s support, she took this a step further by engaging the community as co-creators and decision-makers. To accomplish this, Brenda invited 600 nonprofit representatives across the state to the table to share their thoughts. Brenda asked each person 2 questions: “If you were in my seat, what do you think the foundation should prioritize?” and “What’s the biggest challenge in your work?” By creating a space for open dialogue, Brenda took the pulse of the real challenges in Western Montana communities.
Soon after her introduction to Western Montana’s nonprofit sector, Brenda called on the community again to help design the foundation’s strategic focus. She hosted a series of public community meetings in each of Montana’s 15 counties. Headwaters facilitated a design-thinking process for members to discuss their challenges and co-create solutions. Two key strategies emerged: upstream systems and social change determinants prioritizing children and Indigenous populations.
Brenda engaged the community as decision-makers as Headwaters explored partner organizations for the foundation’s child thriving portfolio. The community nominated and voted on non-profit partners in a live meeting. This was a new approach and even some staff were nervous about the outcome. Headwaters proudly reports that a few years later, many of the organizations selected have grown to become blossoming collaborations. Grounded in Trust-Based principles since its inception, Headwaters is an exemplar of what it means to Do Good Better. Brenda says, “Trust Based Philanthropy is about starting from a place of trust.”
Co-Creating Goals by Soliciting and Acting on Feedback
T. Rowe Price Foundation
When John Brothers joined T. Rowe Price Foundation as President in 2015, the Foundation’s home in Baltimore was in the midst of social unrest following the tragic murder of Freddie Gray, a 25-year old Black man arrested over his legal possession of a knife and sustained injuries while being transported by the Baltimore Police. The T. Rowe Price Foundation recognized that it was a critical time to pause and listen to the Baltimore community. Within months of joining the Foundation, John Brothers and the Foundation team began an ongoing dialogue within Baltimore – in homes, places of worship, and community spaces. By leaning into the expertise and experience of community partners, John developed the T. Rowe Price’s Theory of Philanthropy, which mirrors principles to those similar to Trust-Based Philanthropy.
T. Rowe Price’s Theory of Philanthropy centers long-term impact by strategic investments in areas identified in partnership by those who live and work within the Baltimore community. The Foundation and community partners co-define a vision for success and community partners are trusted with the agency to make decisions in pursuit of shared goals. T. Rowe Price’s Theory of Philanthropy is considered a distinct model among other large corporate foundations. When asked how John managed to gain board consensus on this novel approach, he characterized the Theory of Philanthropy with a business metaphor: “People don’t buy stocks for an iPhone – they invest in Apple.” The Foundation focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations in a holistic way. By listening to the community early on, John shifted the Foundation’s approach from funding a variety of important, yet disconnected, programs to a co-creating strategic investment of capital and other support on more focused efforts that will have a lasting impact. To learn more please visit troweprice.com/foundation.
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.
The Office of the Newark Philanthropic Liaison (NPL) —an innovative collaboration between the city of Newark and the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers (CNJG) —is tasked with harnessing interest, fostering greater effectiveness, and attracting resources toward policy and programmatic areas that affect and improve the lives of Newark’s residents. Supported by a dedicated cohort of funders through CNJG, the office is non-partisan and based in the Mayor’s Office in Newark City Hall. The Liaison represents one of the nation's first formal partnerships between a city and the philanthropic community, and has become a national model for public-private alliances. At its core, the role has three main functions:
- Connect – Align citywide initiatives and bring together cross-sector partners for collective action.
- Convene – Foster strong partnerships with regional and national philanthropic leaders and support Newark and New Jersey funder collaboration through funder affinity groups.
- Leverage – Identify and maximize public and private resources for City priorities.
As Newark is at a pivotal time in its growth and development, the Office of Newark Philanthropic Liaison is focused on a number of big issues including equitable economic development in our neighborhoods, educational equity, employment, serving the needs of our immigrant and other vulnerable communities, housing for the homeless, and expanding broadband and health services. Now more than ever, we need collaboration and partnerships. These issues are too big for any one person or entity to solve alone.
The Newark Philanthropic Liaison project is supported by Bank of America, the Burke Foundation, the Community Foundation of New Jersey, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, Maher Charitable Foundation, the MCJ Amelior Foundation, The Prudential Foundation, Schumann Fund for New Jersey, Turrell Fund, and the Victoria Foundation. While the Nicholson Foundation sunset in late 2021, we acknowledge and thank the foundation for its long-term support of the initiative.
We also acknowledge the City of Newark for its commitment to collaborating with the position and elevating the voice of philanthropy. A special thank you to the Community Foundation of New Jersey, which facilitates and manages grant funds for many of our partnerships.
2025 CNJG Membership Renewal
Thank you for your membership investment with CNJG!
We continue using our contactless renewal process for the 2025 membership year. We no longer mail renewal notices. The “primary contact” for each member will receive the renewal notification by email in mid-October, 2024
“[CNJG has] done an amazing job of meeting people where they need to be in terms of providing additional resources and access to people in the know to help us navigate through very unchartered waters.”
-Margarethe Laurenzi, Maher Charitable Foundation
The dues investment for 2025 includes a Board-approved 3% increase. Members should base their 2025 dues on either:
1. Your 2024 giving or
2. An average of the past three years in giving (2022, 2023, 2024).
The chart of dues, based on your annual giving is below:
| Annual Giving Level | 2025 CNJG Dues |
| $ 0 to $ 100,000 | $ 770 |
| $ 100,001 to $ 250,000 | $ 925 |
| $ 250,001 to $ 500,000 | $ 1,440 |
| $ 500,001 to $ 750,000 | $ 1,850 |
| $ 750,001 to $ 1 million | $ 2,575 |
| $ 1 million to $ 2 million | $ 3,580 |
| $ 2 million to $ 3 million | $ 5,715 |
| $ 3 million to $ 5 million | $ 8,240 |
| $ 5 million to $7.5 million | $ 10,400 |
| $ 7.5 million to $10 million | $ 10,750 |
| $ 10 million to $15 million | $12,875 |
| $ 15 million to $20 million | $15,750 |
| $ 20 million to $30 million | $23,000 |
| $ 30 million to $50 million | $25,750 |
| $ 50 million to $75 million | $35,800 |
| $ 75 million and above | $41,700 |
The membership period begins January 1, 2024 and runs through December 31, 2025.
Some members choose to make all or a portion of their dues in the form of a grant. For tax purposes, all dues in excess of $770 may be reasonably reported as a grant.
Government Agency members and Associate members (CDFIs and Philanthropic Advisors) each have a different dues calculation. Government Agencies dues are a percentage of your administrative budget, and associate members are a flat rate for dues. Please click on the appropriate renewal button below to renew.
For additional criteria for dues calculations (ie. sun-setting foundations, those headquartered outside the state, and other special circumstances), please visit the Membership Policies section of our join page.
Renewal notices are due annually by March 31 with payments due by June 30. You can complete the renewal form today and wait to pay any time before June 30. If you need to pay after June 30, please note the alternate payment date on the renewal form. Please contact Craig Weinrich, Director of Member Services at 609-414-7110 x802 to make payment arrangements by check, EFT, or credit card (CNJG will add a 3% fee for memberships paid by credit card).
Leadership Gifts
“Engagement with other COVID funds throughout the state as we think about how to be most strategic have been really helpful to understand what others are doing and the implications of how we do our grantmaking activities.”
-Andy Fraizer, Community Foundation of South Jersey
Some members include an additional gift to help cover the costs of CNJG’s operations. Membership dues cover about 40% of our operations. These welcomed and unrestricted funds help underwrite the many programs and services that CNJG provides to our members and the philanthropic sector.
Please indicate your additional leadership gift on the renewal form when you complete it.
2025 Renewal Timeline
- Mid-October 2024 – CNJG membership renewal notices are emailed to the designated “primary” contact;
- March 31, 2025 – CNJG membership renewal commitments due (payment can be received later)
- June 30, 2025 – Dues should be paid by this date. Some members pay in the second half of the year, and CNJG appreciates knowing before then that you are renewing. Members that have not paid by this date, or indicated to CNJG that payment is forthcoming by this date, will be considered lapsed and removed as members.
- Mid-October, 2025 – Renewals for 2026 will be emailed.
2025 Member Renewal Process
- The link to our online renewal notice will be emailed to your designated “primary contact” in mid-October. In subsequent reminders, the invoices will be emailed to both the "primary contact" and the "billing contacts" at the organization. If you have not received any renewal notice, please let Craig know. You can complete the renewal notice here.
- Complete and return the renewal notice with either:
The amount of dues you are paying (based on your giving outlined above) and when CNJG can anticipate the payment.
or
Your pledge to pay at a later point in the year. Payment should be received by CNJG before June 30. Please contact Craig if an alternate payment date is needed. - Submit the renewal notice/invoice with payment or your pledge to renew by March 31.
- Update your contact information by having one of your “administrative contacts” update this information on the website. There are tutorials on our website about this process, or contact Craig with questions.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Our expectation is that for 2026, we’ll ask members to base their giving on your past three years average, or on your 2025 giving. We will also include the annual CNJG board-approved 3% increase in dues. CNJG has mapped out the dues rates for the next several years, so members can budget accordingly.
Thank you for being a part of the CNJG membership as we support and elevate New Jersey’s philanthropic community through shared learning, collaborative and trusting relationships, network building, and leadership.
Developed by and for philanthropy, CNJG events provide collaborative opportunities to enhance key skills and examine critical issues facing the state. Each year, CNJG provides philanthropy with practical, educational opportunities through dozens of funder briefings, affinity and interest groups, skill-building workshops and webinars, Conversations with the Cabinet, partner programs,and signature events throughout the year for members to:
- Share best practices in grantmaking, governance, administration, and other key areas
- Explore the potential for strategic alliances and leveraging resources
- Exchange successful strategies and details about past and upcoming projects
- Engage in critical dialogues with policy and thought leaders
Affinity Group Meetings
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. More information on the various Affinity Groups may be found here.
Funders’ Briefings
“The programs and seminars that CNJG produces are always substantive. From a professional development point of view Council membership is extremely cost effective.“
–Maria Spina, Manager Corporate Social Responsibility & PSEG Foundation
Throughout the year, CNJG funder briefings provide a forum to exchange knowledge and insights relating to pressing societal issues that affect our day-to-day work. Many times, these topics are not addressed by one of our affinity groups or span multiple groups. These briefings may include panel discussions and webinars.
Grantmaker Skill Building
As philanthropy’s challenges and opportunities continue to grow in complexity and variety, it has never been more important for you to have the knowledge and tools you need to succeed. CNJG is an excellent source of timely skill-building programming for our members with a focus on due diligence, best practices, and the core techniques that assure proficiency in grantmaking and related work.
Whether you are a family, independent, or corporate foundation, CNJG offers professional development for all members. For example, our programs such as “Due Diligence for Small Foundations” helped participants understand the fiscal health of current and prospective grantees, and “How to Do a Site Visit” gave small foundations a working checklist of management and governance best practices to use when observing a non-profit in advance of funding.
In autumn of 2025, CNJG will present a new Philanthropy 101 series. This multi-module series is focused for those new to the sector, and can be a great review for those with more experience. More details to be announced soon.
Conversations With The Cabinet
Since 2006, CNJG has hosted a series of highly successful gatherings entitled Conversations with the Cabinet. These programs provide representatives of New jersey’s philanthropic community with the opportunity to learn first-hand the priorities, activities and goals of various departments of the current Governor’s administration. At each gathering, attendees discussed initiatives of mutual interest to government and the philanthropic community and opportunities for partnership to support the goals and missions of each.
Family Philanthropy Online
Each month, CNJG family foundation members have the opportunity to join webinars featuring presentations and Q&A sessions with nationally recognized experts in different areas of family philanthropy. Presented in partnership with the National Center for Family Philanthropy, these monthly webinars focus on a wide range of topics, including raising charitable children, effective family governance, and new trends in family philanthropy.
CEO to CEO Conversations
A monthly online gathering of CEOs from CNJG member organizations. Conversations focus around the CEO role and the particular challenges that CEOs face. These meetings are an opportunity to connect directly with fellow CEO peers for conversation, community, and lightly facilitated topical conversations. The time and space is available for CEOs to share experiences and challenges, ask questions, and offer ideas on how to support each other and your work, and build relationships with other CEOs in the CNJG community.
Signature Events
Each year, CNJG hosts a series of statewide signature events for New Jersey's social sector: the philanthropic and nonprofit communities, which bring funders and their nonprofit partners together for shared learning and valuable interaction.
CNJG's Spring Conference for the Social Sector
The Spring Conference brings together staff and trustees from both philanthropy and nonprofits for a full day of networking and focused sessions dealing with key issues that affect both the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. Past conference themes have looked at: “Doing Good Better” CNJG and the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits joint initiative to deepen philanthropic and nonprofit partnerships; the 2020 Census; Leadership; and looking 20 years into the future.
CNJG's Spring Colloquium
The Spring Colloquium: A Conversation for the Social Sector is a half-day event that features nationally-known speakers on big picture topics that directly affect the nonprofit and philanthropic communities. Past speakers have featured Governor Tom Kean, writer David Borenstein, Idealist.org found Ami Dar, Rachel Kimber, Michael McAfee, Tulaine Montgomery, and more. Topics discussed have included the promise and perils of AI; systems change; the public contract; and breaking through the new media paradigm.
Summer Joint Policy Forum
In partnership with the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits, CNJG co-hosted the inaugural Summer Joint Policy Forum in August 2024 that brought together philanthropy and nonprofits to discuss current and emerging nonprofit and philanthropic policy issues, the state budget, voter engagement, and more. We plan on co-presenting this forum annually.
Annual Meeting & Holiday Luncheon
Held each December, CNJG's Annual Meeting & Holiday Luncheon convenes our members from across across the state for a day of networking and reflection on challenges facing the field. The luncheon includes CNJG’s business meeting where we elect a new class of Trustees. Past Annual Meeting speakers have included Genius Grant winner Dr. Jeffrey Brenner, Bridgespan Founder Tom Tierney and former NJ Attorney General Ann Milgram, Center for Effective Philanthropy’s CEO Phil Buchanan; and PantaRhea Foundation’s Chief Strategy Office Amalia Brindis Delgado. Paired with a skill-building workshop preceding the Annual Meeting, the day is full of knowledge gathering and sharing, building community, and celebrating the end of the year.
Past events:
Investment Forum for Foundations and Endowments
Sustainable philanthropy thrives on careful stewardship of the corpus. With that in mind, CNJG created the Investment Forum for Foundations and Endowments, inaugurated in 2014 and held again in 2016 and 2018.
The Investment Forum offered a rare opportunity for leaders of private foundations and endowed charities in the Tri-State region to come face to face with leading professional advisors and investment experts to engage in discussion focused on successful endowment management.
Corporate Skill-Building Curriculum
Maximizing Corporate Community Investments (MCCI) is a comprehensive 6-part module curriculum on corporate giving designed for small to medium-sized corporate giving programs. The high-powered program - for both new and veteran corporate foundation and giving professionals - addressed the basic skills needed to build a strategic corporate giving program and the advanced skills to take an existing program to the next level.
New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund
Hosted by: Community Foundation of New Jersey
The New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund (NJPRF) was established to raise funds and organize and coordinate resources to fight the medical, social and economic impact of COVID-19 on New Jersey’s most vulnerable. One hundred percent of donations received online by NJPRF will be used to fight the medical, social, and economic impact of COVID-19, supporting organizations that provide essential services and aiding those on the front line of the pandemic.
4/20 - New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund announces statewide health grants
5/8 - NJPRF gives out 27 additional food security and need-based grants
5/13 - New Jersey Pandemic relief fund announces fourth round of grants
5/15 - Pandemic Relief Fund’s Murphy, Weinreich offer details on its goals — now … and moving forward
7/16 - Pandemic Relief Fund wraps up phase 1, having raised $37M and provided $18M in immediate relief
7/30 - Pandemic Relief Fund Provides $4.5 Million in Cash Assistance
9/11 - NJPRF Matches Grants to Newark and Camden Teachers
11/20 - New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund gives $2.6 Million to help close digital divide
12/2 - New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund gives $4.5 Million to organizations helping minority and women owned businesses
12/16 - New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund received $20 Million from Mackenzie Scott
2/2 - N.J. Pandemic Relief Fund to provide $2.5 million in grants to address mental health issues
South Jersey COVID-19 Response Fund
Hosted by: Community Foundation of South Jersey
The South Jersey COVID-19 Response Fund is an opportunity for individuals and organizations to pool resources to address both the short and long-term impact of COVID-19 in local towns, counties, and the South Jersey region as a whole.
6/4 - South Jersey COVID-19 Response Fund Announces Second Round of Grants
7/20 - South Jersey COVID-19 Response Fund Announces Third Round of Grants
Restaurant Rescue Fund
Hosted by: Heart to Harvest Foundation (NY)
The Restaurant Rescue Fund will establish a grant program for restaurateurs in the New York Metro area and New Jersey. The goal is to help owners reopen their restaurants and the small farmers who supply them. Ongoing assistance will be available to grant recipients, to include assistance with landlords, vendor payments, resources that can help with HR and more.
Hoboken Relief Fund
Hosted by: Hoboken Rotary Club Foundation
The Hoboken Relief Fund will solicit donations and provide grants to local businesses and Hoboken residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Hoboken Relief Fund will be Hoboken’s authorized vehicle for COVID-19 relief, and act in ways as an umbrella for other, ongoing, complementary efforts to address various pressing needs in our community related to COVID-19, such as food insecurity.
5/11 - Virtual fundraising event headlined by Buddy Valastro and local Hoboken artists streamed in May
8/25 - Hoboken Relief Fund issues grants to local businesses
COVID-19 Emergency Financial Assistance Fund
Hosted by: Interfaith Neighbors
Funded by the generosity of several local foundations including the Jules L. Plangere, Jr. Family Foundation, the Stone Foundation of New Jersey and the Jay & Linda Grunin Foundation, as well as many individual donors; the COVID-19 Emergency Financial Assistance Fund is providing financial assistance to individuals and families in Monmouth County that have experienced financial distress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jersey City COVID-19 Community Relief Fund
Hosted by: Jersey City Economic Development Corp
The Jersey City COVID-19 Community Relief Fund will provide resources and support to Jersey City’s most vulnerable residents. It will help minimize hardships for needy families and seniors by improving access to food and other necessities. The Fund will also invest in the local Jersey City economy by helping small businesses and nonprofits - the backbone of Jersey City’s neighborhoods - get back on their feet.
COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund
Hosted by: Jewish Federation of Southern Jersey
The COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund will provide direct support to individuals and families by providing essential resources for those in crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Montclair Foundation Emergency Fund
Hosted by: Montclair Foundation
The Montclair Foundation Emergency Fund was created to support key local outreach organizations with emergency grants so these community partners can receive immediate financial help in this difficult time.
5/5 - Montclair Foundation Awards $15,000 From COVID-19 Emergency Grant Fund
5/13 - Montclair Foundation Funnels $65K To Coronavirus Relief
New Jersey 30 Day Fund
Hosted by: New Jersey 30 Day Fund
The New Jersey 30 Day Fund provides forgivable loans for New Jersey-based small businesses. The forgivable loan is intended to provide immediate financial assistance (within maximum three days) to meet payroll, preserve healthcare coverage for employees and save jobs while they await recently approved federal funding and reopening.
7/10 - 30 Day Fund Announces 100 Small Business Loans
Garden State Relief Fund
Hosted by: New Jersey Community Capital
The Garden State Relief Fund ensures that small businesses and non-profits are provided with quick yet equitable and inclusive opportunities for relief, stability, and growth through low interest loans. The fund provides this financial support for those that often lack access to conventional capital and have been disproportionally affected by this evolving public health crisis.
NNJCF COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund
Hosted by: Northern New Jersey Community Foundation
The NNJCF COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund provides immediate resources to vetted small nonprofit organizations in Bergen County, New Jersey with limited budgets serving vulnerable populations in this area. The fund will also support nonprofit arts organizations and those providing arts programs and services in the county to build community engagement in a time of isolation.
4/30 - Northern New Jersey Community Foundation's COVID-19 Rapid Respond Fund Raises Nearly $240,000
5/22 - NNJCF awards $240K worth of grants for COVID-19 response
9/29 - Northern NJ Community Foundation's COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund Awards Over $300,000 to Nonprofits in Region
PHL COVID-19 Fund
Hosted by: Philadelphia Foundation & United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern NJ
The PHL COVID-19 Fund rapidly and equitably deploys solutions and resources to help nonprofit community navigate near-and longer-term challenges from COVID-19 and ensure that critical resources remain available for those in their community who need it most. This fund supports nonprofits in the Greater Philadelphia Area—five Pennsylvania counties (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia) and five Southern New Jersey counties (Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, and Cumberland).
4/16 - PHL COVID-19 Fund grants $2.5 million to Nonprofits
4/23 - PHL COVID-19 Fund Provides Rapid Response to Community: $7.3M Distributed to Nearly 200 Nonprofits in Three Weeks
4/24 - PHL COVID-19 Fund, ‘A Godsend’ For Nonprofit Organizations, Distributes 3rd Round Of Grants
5/14 - PHL COVID-19 Fund Continues to Meet Deep Community Needs in Fifth Round of Funding to Nonprofits
6/25 - PHL COVID-19 Fund Deploys Funds to Aid Pandemic Recovery Efforts
7/1 - PHL COVID-19 Fund Awards $4 Million for Arts in Philadelphia Region
9/25 - PHL COVID-19 Fund Awards $400,000 to Philadelphia-area nonprofits
COVID-19 Relief & Recovery Fund
Hosted by: Princeton Area Community Foundation
The foundation assembled a coalition of funders to create the COVID-19 Relief & Recovery Fund to help support nonprofits working with the most vulnerable residents in Mercer County and the surrounding region.
5/29 - COVID-19 Grants Total Over $900,000
New Jersey Arts and Culture Recovery Fund
Hosted by: Princeton Area Community Foundation
A coalition of funders has established the New Jersey Arts and Culture Recovery Fund (NJACRF) to help ensure the survival of the state’s cultural sector that has faced economic devastation from the COVID-19 pandemic. NJACRF will provide grants to the cultural community to offset expenses incurred due to pandemic cancelations, reopening adaptations, and support for artists and sector professionals.
8/20 - NJACRF announces launch of fund
9/3 - WPIX-TV Channel 11 profiles the NJ Arts & Culture Fund by interviewing Jeremy Grunin of the Grunin Foundation and SHarnita Johnson from the Dodge Foundation
9/7 - The Mellon Foundation and NJ’s Own Colberts and Stewarts Help Grow the New Jersey Arts and Culture Recovery Fund
Coronavirus Emergency Relief Fund
Hosted by: Princeton Children’s Fund
The Coronavirus Emergency Relief Fund benefits economically-disadvantaged Princeton families impacted by work stoppage during the outbreak. The fund is supported in part with a grant from the COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund of the Princeton Area Community Foundation.
Sustain Summit Fund
Hosted by: The Summit Foundation and Summit Downtown
The Sustain Summit Fund will provide grants to support small businesses that operate in the City of Summit and are experiencing economic hardship as a result of recent closings and restrictions from COVID-19. The first $50,000 in donations will be matched on a 1:1 basis by The Summit Foundation.
5/7 - 'Sustain Summit' Initiative Awards $270K Among 117 Hilltop City Businesses
5/21 - 'Jumpstart Summit' Program formed to Further Assist Summit Businesses' Reopening and Recovery
UWCJ COVID-19 Recover Fund
Hosted by: United Way of Central Jersey
The UWCJ COVID-19 Recover Fund will provide assistance with crucial expenses including rent, utilities, prescription medication/medical supplies, child care and food, identifying clients who are most in need of temporary assistance utilizing referrals from their non-profit community partners.
Salem County Does More: Covid-19 Rapid Response Fund
Hosted by: United Way of Delaware
The Salem County Does More COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund will assist in providing food, shelter, utilities, rent assistance, and other critical services for Salem County residents struggling in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.
COVID-19 Compassion Fund
Hosted by: United Way of Greater Mercer County
The COVID-19 Compassion Fund supports struggling families in Mercer County financially impacted by the health crisis. Donations will support relief programs, like food pantries and other services to help with basic needs. They continue to work with their partners to identify resource and service gaps and plan for long-term recovery.
Community COVID-19 Fund
Hosted by: United Way of Greater Newark
The Community COVID-19 Fund supports the community and their non-profit partners during the COVID-19 crisis. This is a regional fund serving their 13-municipality footprint including Newark, Irvington, East Orange, West Orange, South Orange, Orange, Belleville, Nutley, Maplewood, Kearny, Harrison, East Newark and North Arlington.
4/17 - United Way of Greater Newark Raises More Than $4M in Donations for Community COVID-19 Fund
4/24 - Mayor Baraka Announces First Round of Newark Grant Awards
UWGUC COVID19 Emergency Fund
Hosted by: United Way of Greater Union County
The UWGUC COVID19 Emergency Fund assists individuals financially impacted due to loss of wages or who incurred debt as a result of COVID19 in the areas of Union County, South Plainfield, and North Plainfield.
Community Response & Recovery Fund
Hosted by: United Way of Gloucester County
The Community Response & Recovery Fund addresses the critical needs of the Gloucester County community through partnership with local non-profit providers. The funds will only be utilized to assist individuals in Gloucester County, New Jersey.
UWMOC COVID-19 Recovery Fund
Hosted by: United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties
The UWMOC COVID-19 Recovery Fund addresses the unmet needs of those economically impacted by this crisis in the long-term. This fund will help ensure resources are available today, and in the months and years ahead, to assist residents during the recovery process--primarily through our Financial Success Center (FSC) Network.
9/11 - United Way of Monmouth & Ocean Counties Awards $70,000 in Pandemic Relief Funds
ALICE Recovery Fund
Hosted by: United Way of Northern New Jersey & United Way of Hunterdon County
The ALICE Recovery Fund (#ALICErecovery) is a crisis recovery fund that will address emerging needs of ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households and those in poverty in response to the spread of COVID-19. The state of emergency created by the spread of the coronavirus is exposing critical shortcomings in our economy, health care system, and public education. No one is immune to its direct or indirect effects, but ALICE families are particularly vulnerable to hardship from both illness and economic disruption.
COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund for Passaic County
Hosted by: United Way of Passaic County
The COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund for Passaic County addresses immediate and long-term needs of residents and non-profits in Passaic County. Immediate needs to be addressed include food, education and support for critical non-profits. Longer term, the fund will make grants to nonprofits to ensure their continued viability in Passaic County and address unmet needs of residents in the aftermath of COVID-19.
We Love Local Fund
Hosted by: Westfield United Fund
The Westfield United Fund is dedicated to helping independently owned local businesses in Westfield during this crisis.
5/10 - Westfield couple raise over $7000 in pallet painting fundraiser for fund
CNJG provides this information free to the philanthropic community. If you are not a CNJG member, please join so you can take full advantage of the many benefits of membership and help underwrite the cost of services like this.
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
New Jersey’s philanthropic and nonprofit sectors are in the forefront of helping communities respond and recover from the worst health and economic crisis of our lifetime.
On these pages, CNJG offers resources to help our members get the knowledge and information needed to be the most effective possible grantmakers.
CNJG is helping to track New Jersey philanthropy’s pandemic response through our “Get on the Map” campaign partnership with Candid, which launched a coronavirus map in response to funders’ requests. As you can see, the information collected is not complete, so please help. Visit our Share Your Giving Data webpage for information about how to share your COVID-19 grants data.
Sharing information with other funders is critical to informing philanthropy in the weeks and months ahead. Knowing where money is going, and how — and having the latest information — facilitates thoughtful collaboration and decision-making in times of crisis.
CNJG Response
Communications
CNJG created a Coronavirus Response webpage and listserve for the COVID-19 Response
Email to Members: NJ Philanthropic Response to COVID-19 (March 13)
Email to Members: Working Remotely Ensuring Service to Members (March 17)
CNJG participated in: Creative NJ Statewide Conversations - NJ’s Philanthropic Response (April 8)
CNJG Member Query: COVID-19 Rapid Response Funds
CNJG asked their members to share your grants data to update the coronavirus map and track philanthropy’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
CNJG Member Query: Grant Approval Templates Related to COVID-19
CNJG signed onto letter calling on philanthropy to act to curb bias attacks as virus spreads.
CNJG created a FAQ page about philanthropy’s COVID response.
NJ COVID-19 Response and Recovery Funds Learning Community
The NJ COVID-19 Response and Recovery Funds Learning Community helps grantmakers involved in special purpose COVID 19 funds get timely updates on what is happening on the ground, share information about what and where services and help are needed most, and explore strategies for the most effective grantmaking investments. Designed around the Center for Disaster Philanthropy's key principles of grantmaking -- resilience, equity, sustainability, and civic participation -- the Learning Community is committed to holding the difficult conversations about how philanthropy can best respond to community needs and help those who need it most.
COVID-19 Funders Briefings
CNJG hosts regular briefings where funders hear from government officials, disaster recovery and health experts, nonprofit leaders, funders, and other stakeholders dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. The briefings provide an opportunity to share how colleagues are changing grantmaking practices for rapid response, learn about new policies and government actions, and connect with local leaders who work with people whose financial, physical, and mental health suffers due to COVID-19. Series I topics included food insecurity, mapping response funding, racial health disparities, federal and state policy, and updates from New Jersey response funds and Rapid Response Surveys, completed in partnership with the Center for Non-Profits in March, April, and July 2020.
Newark COVID-19 Webinars
CNJG’s Newark Philanthropic Liaison, Kevin Callaghan, organized a series of webinars for our Newark Funders Affinity Group and other funders to know the specific challenges of New Jersey’s largest city responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Guest speakers included, Mayor Ras Baraka, Newark Public Schools Superintendent Roger Leon, consulting firm McKinsey & Co., and Catherine Wilson, CEO of United Way of Greater Newark.
Affinity and Interest Group COVID-19 Webinars
In order to dig deeper into the impact of the pandemic on certain communities and stay connected during this difficult time, CNJG worked with our affinity group chairs and other members to develop programming that supplemented our COVID-19 Funders Briefing Series and Newark COVID-19 Series. These virtual affinity and interest group meetings were designed for colleagues to update each other on coronavirus response efforts, hear about the greatest needs in their funding area, and share what they have learned.
CNJG Member Actions
News articles showing members philanthropic responses to the coronavirus pandemic which include announcements, emails, blogs, grants given and other resources gathered by and for our members.
New Jersey Focused Response Funds
A list of all of the response funds that foundations and philanthropic organizations have set up to help local communities, residents, non-profits, and businesses throughout New Jersey and news of the grants being awarded by each fund.
PSO, State, and Government Resources
Resources gathered from our colleagues at other philanthropy-serving organizations, state associations of nonprofits, and city, state and federal governments.
State and National COVID-19 News Articles
Some of the top COVID-19 news stories, centrally located for easy access.
CNJG provides this information free to the philanthropic community. If you are not a CNJG member, please join so you can take full advantage of the many benefits of membership and help underwrite the cost of services like this.
By now you’ve heard the sad news. One of New Jersey’s most recognized, accomplished, and beloved leaders in the philanthropic sector passed away on Sunday, January 28.
Jeffrey Vega, President and CEO, Princeton Area Community Foundation, CNJG Board Chair from 2021 to 2023, and Board Trustee from 2016 to 2023, succumbed to an especially rare and aggressive form of cancer.
Jeff joined the CNJG Board of Trustees in 2016. As Board Chair, he led and guided CNJG through the pandemic years, a leadership transition, and strategic planning process. His legacy of leadership includes the 2023 - 2025 Strategic Plan, the creation of a Racial Equity Taskforce, now a committee of the Board, strengthening and improving our governance practices and policies, our first policy agenda, and adoption of the New Jersey Principles for Philanthropy, our equity principles.
It was with great pleasure that we celebrated Jeff at the Annual Meeting & Holiday Gathering on December 14, as he rotated off the Board, and presented him with a framed gift highlighting and praising his leadership and work with the Council. Jeff shared with me that the event was one of the best days of his life. He told me how grateful he was for the love and friendship he felt in the room. Angie, his wife, accompanied him to the gathering, and recorded the business portion of the meeting. Jeff said, when he and Angie went home, they watched the event with Nico, his son. Jeff was truly happy and touched. It meant so much to him. I’m grateful that we were able to give him that special day.
The CNJG Board and team are discussing how we can honor Jeff. Once we have a better idea, we’ll share with you. In the meantime, the Princeton Area Community Foundation has created a beautiful tribute – Remembering Jeffrey M. Vega.
On a more personal note, it was an absolute joy to work so closely with Jeff in his role as Board Chair. When Jeff and I were planning the Board agendas and Board discussions, he always wanted to focus on the positive. He always wanted Board members to walk away feeling uplifted, valued, and inspired. He spoke many times about how much he appreciated his Board colleagues, and all the CNJG members. There was a certain kind of harmony that surrounded Jeff. One felt enveloped in that harmony in talking and sharing space with Jeff.
Like all of us, I can’t believe he’s gone, and I miss him. We all miss him. Rest in peace, dear friend, and colleague. Thank you for inspiring us, Jeff. You truly made a difference in the lives of so many. I can truly say that I am a better person for just knowing you. I’ve heard countless others say the same. Your legacy lives on.
Warmly,
Theresa Jacks, President and CEO
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers
The CNJG board is comprised of 20 leaders who come from CNJG member organizations and are elected by the CNJG membership. Each board member provides guidance and leadership to CNJG by serving up to two 3-year terms.
Photo taken after CNJG Annual Meeting on December 11, 2024.
Back Row: Andy Fraizer, Christine Healey, Lucy Vandenberg, Patricia Hartpence, Aaron Turner, Craig Drinkard, Catherine Wilson, Margarethe Laurenzi, Tammy Rice Herman, and Paul DiLorenzo
Front Row: Priti Mehta, Melissa Litwin, Justin Kiczek, Kate Barrett, Theresa Jacks (CNJG), Marcy Felsenfeld, Jasmyne Beckford, and Jeremy Grunin
Not Pictured: Kortney Swanson Davis, Maisha Simmons, and Maria Spina.
CNJG Board Members
Craig Drinkard, Chair, Victoria Foundation
Justin Kiczek, 1st Vice Chair, F. M. Kirby Foundation
Christine Healey, 2nd Vice Chair, The Healey Education Foundation, Inc.
Catherine Wilson, Treasurer, United Way of Greater Newark
Kortney Swanson Davis, Secretary, Forman S. Acton Educational Foundation
Kate Barrett, The Campbell’s Foundation
Jasmyne Beckford, The Prudential Foundation
Paul DiLorenzo, Salem Health and Wellness Foundation
Marcy Felsenfeld, The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey
Andy Fraizer, Community Foundation of South Jersey
Jeremy Grunin, Grunin Foundation
Patricia Hartpence, NJM Insurance Group
Tammy Rice Herman, New Jersey State Council on the Arts
Margarethe Laurenzi, Maher Charitable Foundation
Melissa Litwin, The Henry and Marilyn Taub Foundation
Priti Mehta, Investors Foundation
Maisha Simmons, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Maria Spina, PSEG Foundation
Aaron Turner, Community Foundation of New Jersey
Lucy Vandenberg, Schumann Fund for New Jersey
Theresa Jacks, President & CEO, Council of New Jersey Grantmakers – ex officio
The Board of Trustees are supported by the work of 8 different committees.