Site Search
- resource provided by the Forum Network Knowledgebase.
Search Tip: Search with " " to find exact matches.
What comes after “strategic...?” If you said, “planning,” you’re not alone. And for many leaders of community foundations, especially small ones who don’t have the time or money for a big process, anxiety is the feeling that follows. If that’s the case, this guide is for you.
It invites you to test-drive some activities to bring your current program, operations and community leadership strategies into focus before you decide whether to create a plan or not. It helps you discover ongoing strategic practices and decide whether to keep them or not. If you already have done a strategic plan, and it is languishing on a shelf, this guide will help you refresh it.
PART A: Good Strategy Takes Practice (Not Just Planning)
PART B: Do Your Discovery
PART C: Jumpstart Your Strategy Narrative
PART D: Bring It Together
Looking To What’s Next
This report highlights three philanthropic efforts to build the capacity of local communities in the West - The Ford Family Foundation’s Ford Institute Leadership Program, the Northwest Area Foundation’s Horizons Program, and the Orton Family Foundation’s Heart and Soul Community Planning Program.
A CNJG member queried our listserves on what online grants management system members use and would recommend for a small foundation. CNJG compiled these responses, and listed the different systems that members do use.
This paper explores community democracy as a cultural choice and a potential organizing system for philanthropy using stories that demonstrate its principles and practices, primarily growing from the experience of northern California communities. This experience offers a framework of principles and a beginning set of conclusions about how philanthropy can develop productive partnerships from the perspective of a place-based, community democracy.
CNJG’s listserves facilitate ongoing group e-mail discussions among subscribed members. Members can share information and expertise, ask questions, and gather opinions of colleagues across the network. Listserves also enable members to get the most up-to-date information on related programs being offered throughout the field.
These listserves can be a great resource if members participate on a regular basis. You can use the listserves to:
- Pose a question to the group.
- Discuss and brainstorm issues related to New Jersey grantmaking.
- Request assistance on a specific topic, problem or issue.
- Alert members about time-sensitive or other helpful information.
Members are automatically included in relevant listserves based on their member profiles. You can begin using the listserves to communicate with your colleagues as soon as you’d like. Please refer to the Listserves’ Membership Policies page for access to the direct email address of each listserve, information on using the listserves, and the directories of who is subscribed to each list.
CNJG now offers 25 listserves.
- Bergen Funders
- Camden Funders
- Community Foundation CEO’s (this list connects to a national listserve for Community Foundation CEO’s)
- CNJG Member CEO's
- CNJG Member CFO’s and Finance Managers
- CNJG Member Communications Staff
- COVID-19 Funders
- Culture Funders
- Corporate Funders
- Disaster Response Funders
- Education Funders
- Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy
- Environmental Funders
- Family Funders
- Food Funders
- Health Funders
- Monmouth & Ocean Roundtable of Funders
- Newark Funders
- New Jersey Census Funders
- Paterson Funders
- Racial Equity Funders
- South Jersey Funders
- STEAM Funders
- Strong and Thriving NJ Community Funders
- Trenton Area Funders
If you would like to join, opt out, have questions, comments or concerns about the listserve, please contact Craig Weinrich at (609) 414-7110 x802.
To answer the basic question of how many active family foundations are planning to spend down or exist in perpetuity (or have not yet made a decision), and to examine foundations’ motivations and decision-making, the Foundation Center, in collaboration with the Council on Foundations and with additional assistance from the Association of Small Foundations, launched a study of family foundations in 2008. This report presents the full range of study findings, which are based on survey responses from 1,074 family foundations.
What CNJG Can Do for You
Foundations of all types and sizes are engaging in grantmaking efforts with a complexity that often calls for input from colleagues. CNJG is the go-to center for information, connection, and leadership among a growing network of grantmakers throughout New Jersey.
We are connectors, conveners, knowledge brokers, facilitators and collaborators. We are a network serving Family Foundations, Private Foundations, Corporate Grantmakers, Public/Government Grantmakers, Giving Circles, Federated Funds, Trusts, and Family Office Advisors. CNJG's membership works toward the shared goals of improved practice, expanded impact through collective action, and most importantly, stronger communities.
98% of CNJG members with an opinion say CNJG
- Provides access to programming they wouldn’t find elsewhere
- Makes them better philanthropy practioners
- Has high quality programming
- Provides access to relationships and collaborations they wouldn’t have established otherwise.
- Meets or exceeds their expectations for membership
Corporate Foundations
Corporate Foundations and Giving programs work smarter and extend the reach of their philanthropic dollars through CNJG. We provide:
- Benchmarking tools and data to help you set goals and measure impact.
- Broad access to peer funders, influential leaders and legislative decision-makers throughout New Jersey.
- Cost-effective, local, high-quality knowledge-building programs that will boost your operational effectiveness – available online and in person.
- The latest news and information that impacts and drives corporate philanthropy locally and around the world.
- Affinity groups that deepen your understanding of needs and opportunities in areas that align with your corporate giving mission, including our newest affinity group – the New Jersey Corporate Network.
- Listserves that enable you to connect to not only other corporate funders, but other grantmaking colleagues on different issues and/or geographic areas.
“The Council provides a network where I can tap into colleagues who may have valuable experience with an issue, grantee or vendor. In addition, Council research can prove extremely useful for any number of decisions, large or small.” -Etta Denk, Senior Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility, Bank of America
“The programs and seminars that CNJG produces are always substantive. From a professional development point of view Council membership is extremely cost effective.“ –Marion O’Neill, Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability, PSEG
Family Foundations
Family foundations represent approximately one-third of the membership of the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers. Join CNJG and you will:
- Have the opportunity to participate in monthly interactive 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 webinars take place on the second Thursday of each month.
- Have complimentary access to Family Philanthropy Online — a web-based knowledge center that provides practical advice and knowledge on a variety of relevant topics. Continually updated, the site provides members with access to the latest resources to inform their philanthropic efforts. Logged in CNJG members may access Family Philanthropy Online directly from our website through our members-only portal.
- Participate in Affinity Groups that deepen your understanding of needs and opportunities in areas within your foundation’s giving mission.
- Connect to the experience, knowledge and best practices of other grantmakers throughout the country.
- Get access to discounts on board liability insurance, technology and industry publications.
- Take advantage of CNJG’s vast library of how-to resources.
- Attend cost-effective, local, high-quality knowledge-building programs that will boost your operational effectiveness – online, by phone and in person.
- Save on CNJG’s signature events featuring national experts, workshops focused on skill-building and best practices, and networking opportunities.
- Meet influential leaders and legislative decision-makers throughout New Jersey.
“One of the greatest benefits has been the opportunity to meet people who are working in much larger foundations...people who are doing things on a different scale, and to be able to hear what they’re doing and learn from them.” -Sharon Karmazin, President, The Karma Foundation
“Our CNJG membership has helped us to be more effective and efficient grantmakers, and allows us to tap into the expertise of the broader philanthropic community.” -Bill Gibson, Trustee, Leavens Foundation
“Access to the Family Foundation teleconferences has been helpful. What we have listened to has been good, engaged discussion germane to family foundations, in particular issues around multi-generational family philanthropy and the dynamics on such Boards.” - Dillard Kirby, President & Director, F.M. Kirby Foundation
Out of State Funders
Organizations and individuals (as defined on the Eligibility & Criteria page) headquartered outside of New Jersey that provide charitable funding in New Jersey can stay informed of the latest news and important information regarding New Jersey’s philanthropic community through membership in CNJG. As membership is organization-based, any of your representatives, including staff and trustees located in or near New Jersey, are welcome to attend our programs.
Please note that dues for out-of-state funders are based only on your giving in New Jersey.
Private Donors
Private donors who are unaffiliated with a private or family foundation, or whose giving assets might be held with a Community Foundation or other donor advised funds, may join CNJG and engage with other grantmakers to enhance their personal giving.
To learn more about CNJG membership, contact Craig Weinrich at (609) 414-7110 x802
Learn about a new report on the care economy narrative change landscape in the U.S. supported by the Care for All with Respect and Equity (CARE) Fund and developed by Asset Funders Network, Economic Opportunity Funders, Early Childhood Funders Collaborative, Grantmakers In Aging, Grantmakers In Health, and Disability & Philanthropy Forum.
Coming together for the first time across issues and constituencies represented by this diverse range of PSOs, the discussion will center the evolving landscape of narrative change efforts across the care economy, lessons being learned by practitioners and by funders, and potential opportunities for further learning and action.
Cost: Free for Members and Non Members
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.