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The Grunin Foundation, in partnership with CNJG, invites you to join the next Monmouth & Ocean County funder roundtable. The conversation will continue around what we can to do together to move to action and create greater impact in our communities. The roundtable will be held from 10:00am - 12:00pm with an optional lunch following, from 12:00pm - 1:00pm. To help with planning, please indicate during the registration process if you will be staying for the lunch.

Cost: Free for CNJG Members and Non Member Grantmakers
This program is open to grantmakers only and is geared towards those who fund in Monmouth & Ocean Counties.

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

New Jersey Impact Investment Landscape Scan

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 Bridging The Gap: Blacks in Philanthropy conference, is organized by the Smith Family Foundation.

Their mission for this conference is to promote philanthropy and drive social change in the community, and this event is a vital step toward achieving that goal. The conference is expected to draw over 300 attendees, including philanthropy professionals, non-profit executives, community leaders, and interested individuals. The agenda features keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops on racial equity, diversity, and inclusion in philanthropy, and strategies for advancing social justice. This conference is a unique opportunity to engage in collaborative discussions, gain valuable insights, and build meaningful connections with like-minded individuals who share a passion for creating positive change. Together, we will explore innovative strategies, best practices, and impactful initiatives that empower and uplift black lives.

Cost: $100
Open to all Grantmakers

Welcome to the new year! It was wonderful seeing so many members at the 2023 Annual Meeting & Holiday Luncheon on December 14. Both our luncheon plenary and workshop helped us explore how and why funders can collaborate and increase their impact. You can find resources from the event, including workshop slides, on the resource tab of the Annual Meeting page. You must be logged in to access resources. (Forgot your password – click here.)
  
As part of the meeting, we elected two new board members for their first 3-year term, as well as re-electing board members for a second term. Welcome and congratulations to new board members Jasmyne Beckford, Prudential Foundation, and Paul DiLorenzo, Salem Health and Wellness Foundation. And we said good-bye to René Deida, Prudential Foundation, and Atiya Weiss, Burke Foundation. We’re grateful for your service. Jeff Vega, Princeton Area Community Foundation, also rotated off the board. Jeff served as board chair during the pandemic, strategic planning, and leadership transitions. Thank you, Jeff, for your wisdom and guidance. We appreciate you!
 
Following the annual meeting of members, the board elected their officers for 2024: Craig Drinkard, Chair (Victoria Foundation), Christine Healey, 1st Vice Chair, (The Healey Education Foundation), Justin Kiczek, 2nd Vice Chair, (The F. M. Kirby Foundation), Maisha Simmons, Secretary, (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation), and Catherine Wilson, Treasurer, (United Way Greater Newark). Congratulations!
 
Thank you to everyone that expressed interest in serving on a committee by completing the form at the Annual Meeting. January’s organizational tasks include working with the new CNJG board chair to review committee membership and invite participation. Stay tuned. Click here to read a full wrap-up of the 2023 Annual Meeting & Holiday Gathering.
 
Looking towards our programming year, beginning in February, we’re pleased to introduce First Fridays for Philanthropy – a virtual meet up for members to connect and share, network, ask questions, and learn from one another. Please reach out to Director of Member Services, Craig Weinrich, for more information. 
 
We’re also excited to offer the 3-part series Impact Investing Bootcamp: Fundamentals for Driving Sustainable Philanthropy in New Jersey. The series will take place from March to May 2024. Impact investing can generate positive, measurable social and environmental impact alongside financial returns. There is no cost for CNJG members, however space is limited with no more than 2 attendees per organization, and registrants are strongly encouraged to attend all three sessions. To learn more, please reach out to Manager of Programs and Learning, Chanika Svetvilas. Thank you to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Victoria Foundation for supporting this series. 
 
Foundations on the Hill is just around the corner, and will take place in Washington, D.C. from February 25 - 28. FOTH is an annual opportunity for foundation leaders to meet with their representatives, talk about issues of interest to philanthropy, and strengthen relationships. Space is limited. If are interested in attending or would like to learn more, please contact me.
 
I want to end with gratitude to and for the CNJG Board of Trustees, our committee chairs and members, affinity group chairs, our partners, and you – our members. You are truly our champions. And thank you to our Annual Meeting sponsors for their generous support, Prudential, Victoria Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Devils Youth Foundation, Grunin Foundation, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Princeton Area Community Foundation, and WSFS Bank.
 
Happy New Year!

Theresa Jacks, President and CEO
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers

The 2020 Census is coming and it counts — in more ways than one.

The Census isn’t just a population tally. State and local governments, businesses, nonprofits and foundations, rely on Census data to allocate funding, define where services are delivered, and promote economic development. The information is valuable for health care, education, housing, transportation, and business. It helps determine congressional representation, political participation, and other fundamentals of community wellbeing and American democracy.

A full, fair count is crucial, but it isn’t guaranteed.

The Census disproportionately misses people of color, young children, and the rural and urban poor. Our state and nation have too much at stake for the social sector to stay on the sidelines.

The Council of New Jersey Grantmakers’ 2019 Spring Conference brought together foundation and nonprofit leaders throughout the state to learn what their organizations can do to make sure New Jersey is counted.

The Conference featured national and state experts who shared information and tools to meet the many challenges communities across the state will face to be counted. We heard serious concerns regarding access to the Census, hard-to-count people, and potential funding cuts and changes in the process that could hamper participation.

Speakers offered a number of opportunities for action and partnership, from spreading awareness about the importance of 2020 Census in your communities and networks to funding outreach efforts from grass-roots organizations. The Conference raised and answered the most important questions about the Census and what needs to be done for a complete and accurate count. Now, the social sector must build the capacity to meet this once-in-a-decade obligation to engage at the deepest level.

The Council of New Jersey Grantmakers looks forward to continuing conversations, partnerships, and action around the 2020 Census. Please explore our resources from the conference below and visit our webpage Philanthropy’s Role in the 2020 Census to learn more.

AGENDA
Opening Plenary: Census 101
A comprehensive update on all things census, including how the Census Bureau is getting the word out, what is guiding the planning for 2020, and what still needs to be done before Census Day.
Presenter: Jeff T. Behler, Regional Director, US Census Bureau - New York

What Philanthropy Can Do for the 2020 Census
Explore ways in which the philanthropic sector can leverage resources to ensure the most accurate census information, so the voices of undercounted groups and regions are heard in the decade to come.
Presenters: Gary D. Bass, Ph.D., Executive Director, Bauman Foundation
Vanita Gupta, President and CEO, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
Moderator: Maria Vizcarrondo, President and CEO, Council of New Jersey Grantmakers

Session 1: Challenges to a Fair Count
Two experts in civil and voting rights law will walk us through what the citizenship question really means for the census count, and the potential impact it will have on already hard-to-count communities.
Presenters:
Ryan P. Haygood, Esq., President & CEO, New Jersey Institute for Social Justice
Ezra Rosenberg, Co-director of the Voting Rights Project, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
Facilitator: Bob Atkins, Director, New Jersey Health Initiatives--Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Session 2: Where are the Kids? The Undercount of Children
Children are one of the largest undercounted populations in the Census. In this session, we will learn what your organization can do to prevent an undercount in 2020, and why an accurate count is essential for our children’s futures.
Presenters:
Peter Chen, Policy Counsel, Advocates for Children of New Jersey
Alana Vega, Kids Count Coordinator, Advocates for Children of New Jersey
Facilitator: Melissa Litwin, Early Childhood Program Director, The Henry and Marilyn Taub Foundation

Panel Discussion: Opportunities for Action
Nonprofit, foundation, and government leaders invite your organization to step up for the 2020 Census count. Panelists will provide concrete examples and resources to get involved now.
Panelists:
Kiki Jamieson, President, The Fund for New Jersey
Betsy Plum, Vice President of Policy, New York Immigration Coalition
Inge Spungen, Executive Director, Paterson Alliance
The Honorable Tahesha Way, New Jersey’s 34th Secretary of State, Department of State
Moderator: Linda M. Czipo, President & CEO, Center for Non-Profits

Luncheon Plenary: Call to Action for the 2020 Census: A Once-in-a-Decade Opportunity to be Counted
Another undercount for 2020 means another ten years of relying on inaccurate data to inform our state’s political representation and funding for vital resources. For too long, the census has missed disproportionate numbers of people of color, young children and the rural and urban poor, and with new challenges in 2020, participation of hard-to-count populations may be hindered further. With the count only a year away, now is the time for the philanthropic sector to step up and get New Jersey counted.
Speaker: Arturo Vargas, Chief Executive Officer, NALEO Educational Fund

CNJG thanks our conference sponsors and supporters: Signature Sponsor – PSEG; Collaborator Sponsors – The Fund for New Jersey and JPMorgan Chase & Co.; Connector Sponsors – New Jersey Natural Gas and Wells Fargo; Colleague Sponsors – FirstEnergy Foundation and Subaru of America Foundation; Exhibitor Sponsors – Glenmede and PKF O’Connor Davies; and Venue Sponsor – The Palace at Somerset Park.

Conference Photos

Additional resources, articles, and videos about the Census may be found on our webpage - Philanthropy's Role in the 2020 Census.

On this webinar, speakers focused on mental health during this difficult time. Our speakers included Steve Margeotes from Main Street Counseling, Sonia Rodrigues-Marto from Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care, and Ron Chaluisan from the Newark Trust for Education on their social-emotional learning work in schools. We were then be joined by Aisha Glover of the Newark Alliance who is working with the City of Newark, Partners in Health, and the MCJ Amelior Foundation to help to coordinate the city's contact tracing initiative.

Speakers
Steve Margeotes, Executive Director, Main Street Counseling
Sonia Rodrigues-Marto, Program Director, Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care
Ron Chaluisan, Executive Director Newark Trust for Education
Aisha Glover, President & CEO, Newark Alliance

Cost: Free for CNJG Members/ $35 for Non Member Grantmakers

Webinar Video

TD Bank has announced the launch of a $100 million equity fund to support minority-owned small businesses.

The fund will enable specialized small business investment companies (SSBICs) and community development financial institutions (CDFIs) to provide small business loans and technical assistance that give businesses the capacity to scale and adapt long-term. The commitment includes $75 million of capital through an SSBIC initiative to be launched later this year and $25 million specifically earmarked for Black- and Latinx-owned small businesses, funded through CDFIs.

"The pandemic has highlighted the depth of disparities that exist in communities of color, especially as it relates to small businesses, which serve as the backbone of our economy," said TD Bank president and CEO Greg Braca. "The equity fund will ultimately infuse capital and help stabilize these small businesses. But it's also about contributing to job creation, stimulating economic development, revitalizing these vibrant communities, and, just as important, breaking the cycle of disinvestment [that] systemically prevents communities of color from thriving. Small businesses are the heart of our communities — especially communities of color — and it's up to us to help them succeed."

Newark Arts has announced the awardees of its annual ArtStart mini-grant program. Seventeen winning proposals were granted a total of $50,000 for the year 2021-2022. The ArtStart program supports organizations and individuals who create and curate music, dance, theatre, film, visual and/or literary art projects to benefit the residents and neighborhoods of Newark, New Jersey.

This year marks the 20th for ArtStart, which was designed to nurture arts and cultural activities throughout the city of Newark, especially for youth and underserved populations.

“Issuing $50,000 in ArtStart grants this year and nearly $600,000 over the years is a critical part of Newark Arts’ mission,” said Regina Barboza, Interim Executive Director, Newark Arts. “These investments help to provide in-community access to the arts in every ward, from music and dance programs to filmmaking and visual arts.”