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At a time when nonprofits and philanthropy were needed the most, the pandemic forced most social sector organizations to go fully or partially remote. As we enter 2021, it seems that many organizations will continue to operate virtually for some time, and others are even considering what it would be like to make this transition permanently.
During this informative webinar session, Christine Michelle Duffy, Director of the New Jersey Program at Pro Bono Partnership, and Christopher Petermann, Partner at PKF O’Connor Davies, will share practical suggestions, policies, and procedures that nonprofits and foundations should consider when some or all of their workforce is working remotely. We’ll also discuss the major challenges that nonprofits have faced when adapting to this new virtual world, and how philanthropy can help its grantee partners moving forward.
Anyone interested in providing a remote work option for employees, going fully virtual for the long-term, or supporting nonprofit operations in the current context will want to attend this webinar.
Cost: Free for CNJG Members; $50 for Nonmember Grantmakers
Webinar Video
More than 20 years ago, the Garden State’s philanthropic community began meeting informally to discuss issues of importance to grantmakers. In the late 1980s, fueled by the observation that philanthropy is more effective when grantmakers have a forum to communicate, exchange information, and take part in continuing education, CNJG was born.
By 1998, CNJG was an independent 501(c)(3) organization with a full-time executive director and approximately 80 members. In the years since, membership has grown to include more than 130 foundations, corporate giving programs, government and other public grantmaking organizations. Informal gatherings of likeminded individuals and organizations have been replaced by robust, highly valued seminars, convenings, workshops and conferences.
Extending Philanthropy's Contribution
Over the years, CNJG also actively engaged in a number of landmark initiatives including commissioning the first study of giving in the Garden State, NJ Gives, the first study of nonprofit health insurance provider conversions to for profit corporations, New Jersey Together (a major funder collaborative centered on youth development), a landmark effort looking at the systemic, long term fiscal challenges facing all levels of government in New Jersey entitled Facing Our Future, the creation of the Community Foundation of South Jersey, and creation of the Newark Philanthropic Liaison position within our state’s largest city administration.
View our CNJG Through the Years pictorial.
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
Join funders for a discussion on the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund.
First Lady Tammy Murphy launched the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund (NJPRF), hosted by the Community Foundation of New Jersey, to fight against the ongoing pandemic by directing funds to local organizations providing “on the ground” services to our state’s most vulnerable populations.
On this webinar, we will hear from Executive Director of NJPRF, Josh Weinreich and President of the Community Foundation of New Jersey, Hans Dekker. Together, they will discuss how funds are being collected and distributed, how NJPRF will help fill gaps in services across the state, and the importance of coordinated efforts between government and the private sector.
The various funds being set up by New Jersey foundations and philanthropic leaders can help ensure funding is directed to areas of greatest need, encourage greater collaboration among grantmaking, nonprofit, and government partners, and create a stronger, more resilient state. Register now to hear about how the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund is providing essential support for our communities.
Cost: Free for CNJG Members and Nonmember Grantmakers
This program is open to Grantmakers only.
Webinar Video
CNJG’s Finance and Investment Affinity Group exists to keep foundation executives informed as they manage the investment of their corpus. Growth of foundation assets and the active exchange of sound investment strategies is the focus of each program.
We are pleased to welcome Ethan Harris, head of Global Economics Research at Bank of America Global Research to lead our breakfast that kicks off the new year with a Market Outlook for 2023. Mr. Harris will give us his insights on:
- Inflation
- Potential for continued interest rate hikes and where might they pause
- Labor market impact on the Fed’s direction
- Impact of Fed moves
- Expectations for US economy and other economies around the world
- Growth and recession risks, and
- Some discussion of the big global issues
Agenda
8:30 a.m. - Breakfast
9:00 a.m. - Program begins
10:00 a.m. - Meeting concludes
Cost: $35 for CNJG Members; $70 for Non Member Grantmakers (includes full breakfast)
COVID-19 Safety and Information
CNJG will follow all health and safety guidelines and recommendations outlined in our COVID-19 Liability Waiver for in-person programs and events.
Please do not attend the program if you are ill, exposed to the COVID-19 virus within 14 days prior to the program, or exhibit any symptoms of the COVID-19 virus prior to the program.
These are the protocols as of June 6, 2022. We will continue to monitor the health and safety protocols and will be sure to communicate if these change prior to the program.
The last few years have certainly been turbulent on many different fronts here in New Jersey, across the country, and around the globe. Life as we knew it has changed for us personally and professionally. Because of this, many of the conversations in philanthropy have changed as well. One thing that remains a constant is that funders in Monmouth and Ocean Counties continue striving to make impact with partners in Monmouth and Ocean Counties. But how do we come together as a philanthropic sector to create even more impact? This can be done in many different ways – knowledge sharing, partnerships, collective giving, shifting the way we do our work, and so much more.
In collaboration with the Grunin Foundation, CNJG invites you to join us for breakfast with an engaging discussion about what funders can to do together to create greater impact in Ocean and Monmouth communities.
Cost: This meeting is free and open to any funder that grants funds in Ocean and/or Monmouth County.
You do not need to be a CNJG member to register, however, if you do not have a website account with CNJG, you will need to create one in order to register. If you have any trouble with the registration process, please contact CNJG.
Please register before April 30.
CNJG thanks the Grunin Foundation for underwriting the costs of the meeting.
From February 26-28, 2023, members of the NLC’s Mayoral Network on Community Safety and Violence Prevention, city representatives and resource guests were welcomed by Mayor Ras J. Baraka in Newark, New Jersey. Attendees saw firsthand the strides made by Mayor Baraka, Office of Violence Prevention & Trauma Recovery Director Lakeesha Eure, and the rest of the Newark team. Alongside community partners, the city team members are advancing new safety strategies alongside longstanding ones. This collaborative, people-centered approach to addressing violence and promoting safety led to 60-year lows in homicides for the city.
The philanthropic community in Newark is an instrumental part of the city’s transformation of its public safety ecosystem over the past nine years. Several local foundations supported the development and implementation of a new public health centered strategy from its infancy by providing the resources for two public safety retreats, multiple community-based violence prevention and interruption organizations, new data tools and collaboratives, and trauma training for community and police.
Lisa Block, Senior Program Officer with the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey, shared her thoughts on the work in this article for Grantmakers in Health.
Shifting Narratives to Change Systems
Wednesday, December 14, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Luncheon & Keynote Presentation
Location: The Sheraton, Edison, 125 Raritan Center Parkway, Edison, NJ 08837
Friday, December 16, 11:00 – 12:15 pm
Virtual Workshop via Zoom
The Council of New Jersey Grantmakers thanks everyone who attended our 2022 Annual Meeting & Holiday Luncheon and the Virtual Workshop! We were delighted to see so many familiar faces, and meet many new staff and trustees of our members.
At the business meeting, members elected the new class of trustees, and heard reports about the state of the organization. After lunch and time to reconnect with each other, we heard from our keynote, Bridgit Antoinette Evans, who explained the narrative ocean in which philanthropy swims, and gave examples of how Pop Culture Collaborative is funding organizations to reframe their narratives in which they operate.
During the virtual workshop, members learned about the changemaker experience, how it affects the relationships between funders and their nonprofit partners and even grantseekers. Attendees were led through an exercise to create a journey map, and think through strategies how to examine the experiences that nonprofits have with their organizations.
CNJG members can view recordings and additional resources from the event on the resources tab, when logged in.
Philanthropic Collaboratives:
Driving Impact and Opportunity
Thursday, December 14, 2023 - 9:00am to 3:00pm
Luncheon, Keynote Presentation & Workshop
Location: Crowne Plaza Edison, 2055 Lincoln Highway, Edison, NJ 08817
The Council of New Jersey Grantmakers thanks everyone who attended our 2023 Annual Meeting & Holiday Luncheon and the Pre-Meeting Workshop that explored Philanthropic Collaboratives: Driving Impact and Opportunity. We were thrilled to reconnect with friends and colleagues and meet new members.
At the Business meeting, the membership elected the new class of Trustees. We also honored our outgoing Board Chair, Jeff Vega, for all the incredible work he accomplished during his term. After lunch and networking time, we listened attentively to Nidhi Sahni, Partner and Head of US Advisory Group, New York, Bridgespan, and Lucy Vandenberg, Executive Director of the Schumann Fund for New Jersey in conversation about the nuances and benefits of collaboration.
At the pre-meeting workshop, Tools for Funder Collaboration, presented by John Harper, Chirlie Felix, and Waheera Mardah of FSG, members were presented multiple models of collaboration and examples of collective impact followed by an opportunity to engage in dynamic discussion to further explore the concepts.
CNJG members can view the FSG PowerPoint and additional resources from the event on the resources tab, when logged in.
CNJG is pleased to offer the 2024 Virtual Budget and Tax Briefing Series, hosted by our partners at Economic Opportunity Funders, to our members.
This year presents opportunities to get ready for transitions both politically and with the expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in 2025. Learn more about key battles and opportunities and what’s at stake and in play in 2024 and beyond.
Part 1 (35 minutes): Noted tax and budget policy expert Sharon Parrott will provide an overview of the key provisions in the federal budget, discuss current and upcoming budget and tax debates, and offer insights on the potential impact on struggling families, workers, and communities.
Sharon Parrott, President, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
Part 2 (55 minutes): A panel of experts will share how funders and the field are working together to build long-term power and achieve a racially and economically just tax system.
Amy Matsui, Director of Income Security and Senior Counsel, National Women’s Law Center (invited, pending confirmation)
Sarah Pray, Executive Director, Better Taxes for a Better America
Amber Wallin, Senior Policy and Outreach Director, State Revenue Alliance
Cost: Free for CNJG Grantmakers and Non Member Grantmakers.
Note: This program is for funders and philanthropic advisors whose primary activity is grantmaking.
This program will be livestreamed via YouTube, starting at 10:55 am. Registrants will receive a link to the livestream prior to the program. Please register by noon on March 18 to receive the link. If you cannot watch during this time, you can use the same link to access the recording on YouTube.
For questions, please contact Chanika Svetvilas, Manager of Programs and Learning.
CNJG is pleased to offer the 2024 Virtual Budget and Tax Briefing Series, hosted by our partners at Economic Opportunity Funders, to our members.
Learn about key trends, battles and opportunities, and what’s at stake and in play in 2024. Panelists will share insights on the recent historic state tax credit expansions, consequential state races and ballot initiatives, and efforts to support the equitable implementation of federal investments, including the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act.
Kamolika Das, Associate Director, Local Taxes, Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy
Chris Melody Fields Figuredo, Executive Director, Ballot Initiative Strategy Center
Justin Maxson, Executive Director, BuildUS (invited, pending confirmation)
Cost: Free for CNJG Grantmakers and Non Member Grantmakers.
Note: This program is for funders and philanthropic advisors whose primary activity is grantmaking.
This program will be livestreamed via YouTube, starting at 1:40 pm. Registrants will receive a link to the livestream prior to the program. Please register by noon on March 18 to receive the link. If you cannot watch during this time, you can use the same link to access the recording and watch at a later time.
For questions, please contact Chanika Svetvilas, Manager of Programs and Learning.
CNJG is pleased to re-convene the South Jersey Funders Consortium for a lunch meeting at La Scala Fire in Glassboro. Join your fellow South Jersey funders for lunch and a round robin discussion on what your organization is funding, and any new initiatives that you are working on.
When the Pascale Sykes Foundation sunset their operations, including gathering this group together on a periodic basis, the Consortium agreed to have CNJG take on the management and stewardship of the group.
Any funder located in or funding in the eight southern counties of New Jersey is welcome to attend (Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland, Cape May, Atlantic, and Ocean). Although Camden city is located in south Jersey, and because we already have a Camden funders affinity group, the topics of discussion of the South Jersey Funders Consortium should focus on south Jersey, outside of the city of Camden.
Cost: Free for CNJG Members and Non Member Grantmakers
For 2023, CNJG will cover the cost of the South Jersey Funders Consortium lunch thanks to a grant from the Pascale Sykes Foundation.
Parking is available in a garage behind the restaurant and is free for two hours.
Lessons from the Measure of America: A Portrait of Newark Report
Please join us for a combined meeting of the Newark Funder Affinity Group and the Newark Education Funder Affinity Group to discuss the recently released Measure of America report, A Portrait of Newark. The Portrait of Newark report was produced in partnership with the Newark Opportunity Youth Network, which convened an advisory panel of local public servants, advocates, and non-profit leaders to contribute their expertise to the research. The report itself provides an analysis of the current state of the city’s many residents, identifies areas of opportunity, and addresses the persistent inequities that we still experience in health, education, and overall well-being of Newark residents.
Speakers:
Alex Powers, Associate Director, Measure of America
Kate Harvey, Program Assistant, Measure of America
Robert Clark, Founder and CEO, Opportunity Youth Network
Mark Comesanas, Executive Director, My Brother’s Keeper – Newark
Cost: Free for CNJG Members; $50 for Non Member Grantmakers.
Calling all funders with interests in the environment, public health, social justice, urban development, and policy! We welcome you to join the Environmental Funders Affinity Group for breakfast and a discussion about one of the most critical funding needs of our time: the intersection of climate justice, public health, and protection of our natural resources for future generations. Please join us at Duke Farms for a light breakfast and an in-person conversation with Chris Daggett, former Commissioner of the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection and former CEO of the Dodge Foundation.
After the meeting, you are welcomed to join a group bike tour of the 20 miles of trails at Duke Farms 2,700 acre environmental center, continue networking at the Terrace Cafe or simply indulge in a bit of self-care on a leisurely nature walk around the Gardens! Fifteen loaner bikes are available on a first come/first serve basis, courtesy of Duke Farms, or bring your own bike.
Chris Daggett is a lifelong New Jerseyan and currently the board chair and interim executive director of the New Jersey Civic Information Consortium. Previously, he served as President and CEO of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation from 2010 until 2018. In addition to his career in philanthropy, Chris served in many public-facing roles including Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Tom Kean, Regional Administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency, and Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Daggett has also served on and led a number of nonprofit boards.
Cost: Free for CNJG Members; $50 for Non Member Grantmakers.
What does the family philanthropy landscape look like? How has it changed across the last decade, and what do those changes mean for the field?
Join National Center for Family Philanthropy to discuss the findings of the Trends in Family Philanthropy 2025 report.
We will explore:
The changes in philanthropic focus for many family philanthropies
How grantmaking practices are evolving, and whether community needs are coming to the fore
How philanthropies are learning about new ideas and approaches
The changes in family dynamics, shifts in how the next generation are being engaged, and the factors that sustain and impede family engagement
Changes in the make-up of boards
What the findings suggest about future trends
Speakers include:
Miki Akimoto, Chief Impact Officer at the National Center for Family Philanthropy (NCFP) and Erin Hogan is a Managing Director and Philanthropic Market Executive for Bank of America’ Philanthropic Solutions
There will be time at the end of the session for Q&A.
About the Trends report
The Trends survey captures and tracks leading trends in the field of family philanthropy. Conducted every five years, this research identifies emerging issues, changes in funding priorities and governance practices, innovative approaches to giving and decision making, and anticipated future giving patterns and practices among US-based philanthropic families nationally. Ultimately, it aims to equip donors with data they can apply to their decision making.
Join funder colleagues to learn about two newly created funds to help address the challenging environment many nonprofits are experiencing today. United Way organizations in New Jersey have a long history of strengthening local communities by providing direct support and fostering collaboration across sectors. In response to the evolving needs of nonprofits and the communities they serve, six United Ways have partnered to establish the New Jersey Sustainability and Resiliency Fund. Learn about how the this newly created fund can help nonprofits recover, adapt, and thrive in the face of ongoing challenges. Equip NJ is also working to establish a fund to assist nonprofits focused on policy and systems change. To set the stage for this introduction, we’ll hear from our colleagues at the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits about how the upheaval of critical supports and systems nationally are posing grave threats to New Jersey’s nonprofit organizations and the people and communities they serve.
Cost: Free for CNJG Members; $75 for Non Member Grantmakers
This program is only open to staff and trustees from grantmaking organizations.
Webinar Video
A Virtual Discussion Series to Activate Collective Action
This is a three part series being held March 26, April 30, & May 29 from 2-3:30pm.
In this moment of rapid change and uncertainty, many in philanthropy are scrambling to figure out what to do next. While a handful of foundations have taken swift action to support grantees – including significant moves to increase payouts – there isn’t yet a groundswell of coordinated action. Meanwhile, nonprofits are going into strategy-and-survival mode to keep their work afloat as our communities face unprecedented challenges.
Amid all this confusion, one thing is clear: philanthropy has a critically important role to play in this moment. As many leaders are pointing out, now is the time for philanthropy to lean into trust-based principles and rise up in solidarity with nonprofits that are working on the front lines of every issue facing our communities. While trust-based philanthropy was not designed as a crisis response strategy, it is exactly in these moments when this approach can be leveraged for impact.
Join the trust-based philanthropy community for a virtual discussion series as we break down insights and recommendations for how funders can meet this moment to support the strength and resilience of our communities. Over time, we have built a collective movement of funders who see the inherent value of partnering alongside nonprofits to meet the needs and dreams of our communities. Now is the time for us to tap into our collective power to ensure that we can weather this storm together.
Register using the above link. Once your registration has been reviewed you will receive a calendar invite to save the dates. A Zoom link will be provided closer to the session's date.
In this second session of GCIR’s Anti-Authoritarian Funder Learning Series, we will lean into the wisdom of advocates, pro-democracy funders, and influential thinkers to unpack the patterns of autocratic governance taking hold in the United States, and explore how philanthropy can help avert our democracy’s decline.
While broad swaths of the American public are grappling with the unmistakable and fearful evidence of our authoritarian drift, the good news is that we do not have to go it alone. The backsliding of democratic norms, attacks on civil society, and centralization of abusive executive power is a story that has played out countless times in fledgling and long-standing democracies alike. The brave, strategic, and resilient resistance of everyday citizens in those countries—along with the documentation and analysis of journalists and historians—offers us not just an understanding of the authoritarian playbook (such as vilifying migrant communities to rationalize immigration enforcement), but a roadmap out of it.
Join us as we learn from international advocates, as well as pro-democracy funders and advocates. Together, we will examine the strategies that have been deployed globally against democratic repression—and, crucially, how philanthropy can resource the movement infrastructure needed over the next 18 months to prevent the consolidation of autocratic rule in the United States.
The Council of New Jersey Grantmakers invites members – and prospective members – from across the state to gather for an evening of connection and community. Rooted in CNJG’s mission of fostering shared learning, collaborative and trusting relationships, and network building, this event invites philanthropic peers to connect, converse, and cultivate meaningful connections in a welcoming and convivial setting.
The afternoon will include a brief welcome from CNJG leadership and our hosts followed by open time to mingle, share stories, and strengthen the trusted relationships that form the heart of our community. A tour of the arboretum grounds will be available for those interested.
Whether you are looking to reconnect with long-time colleagues, meet new peers from across the state, or cultivate new ideas that may spark future collaborations, this social offers the chance to deepen relationships that sustain and strengthen New Jersey’s philanthropic sector.
About the Arboretum: Once a country estate, Reeves-Reed Arboretum is now a 13.5 acre public garden listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places. Its estate and gardens represent design trends by prominent late 19th and early 20th century landscape architects, including Calvert Vaux, a partner of Frederick Law Olmsted. More information can be found here.
This meeting is for grantmakers only.
There is no cost to attend this event.
Light refreshments will be provided.
CNJG thanks Investors Foundation and the Maher Charitable Foundation for underwriting the costs of the social