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Small BIPOC organizations and/or historically excluded/led
organizations have greater access to funding.

Affirmation: We must center the most marginalized, underfunded, and impactful organizations.

BIPOC, grassroots, and/or historically excluded1 leaders are the most proximate to the populations and communities that face the most pressing social issues and should be central to designing solutions and funded; yet they are often overlooked or ignored as real change-makers.

They are underinvested in by major funders and are often left to struggle on their own; and when they are funded, grants are small and often highly restricted.

Some funders have artificially high budget requirements, require collaboration with larger “more sophisticated” organizations, won’t fund fiscally sponsored groups, or emphasize leadership requirements that are increasingly out of date or exclude vital lived experience.

Community organizations are exploring innovative and egalitarian management structures, such as co-directorships, collectives, and collaboratives, that do not resemble the constructs of the past.

Leadership comes in all structures, sizes, and identities; funders must seek to recognize and fund those who are doing effective work and re-evaluate their views of accepted leadership patterns. For BIPOC, grassroots, and/or historically excluded leaders to succeed, we must provide flexible resources and professional development support while they are leading.

Activities
Below are activities your organization can engage in that will advance your equity focus

• Agree as a community of practice to a shared definition of BIPOC, grassroots, and/or historically excluded-led organizations to foster a common frame of reference to help guide this work.
• Create networking and referral opportunities for BIPOC, grassroots, and/or historically excluded leaders to expand their access to funding and opportunities similar to that of larger, mainstream groups.
• Invest in the development and pipeline of BIPOC, grassroots, and/or historically excluded leaders.
• Remove funding barriers for small BIPOC, grassroots, and/or historically excluded organizations that have traditionally been precluded from funding because of budget size, leadership structure, auditing requirements, and similar obstacles.
• Actively partner with BIPOC, grassroots, and historically excluded organizations to make funding decisions on issues closest to their communities.
• Provide significant, multi-year, general operating funding to organizations and movements led by BIPOC, grassroots, and/or historically excluded communities.

Short-term Outcomes
• Progress is tracked into addressing the barriers to funding BIPOC, grassroots, and historically excluded-led organizations in NJ.
• A greater number of BIPOC, grassroots, and/or historically excluded-led organizations are funded than before, by new and existing funders.
• Professional development and capacity building as requested by BIPOC, grassroots, and/or historically excluded leaders is funded.

Long-term Outcomes
• BIPOC, grassroots, and/or historically excluded leaders can access funding and opportunities similar to that of larger, mainstream groups.
• A greater percentage of support to organizations and movements led by BIPOC, grassroots, and historically excluded communities is provided as significant, multi-year, general operating funding. In this context, “significant” can refer to both the quantity, size or percentage of grants awarded by the funder in any given year.

How to Begin Doing Good Better on Equity

Learning opportunities
• Which criteria and practices are creating, perpetuating or exacerbating exclusion of BIPOC, grassroots, and or historically excluded-led organizations?
• For funders that exclude or limit funding to small organizations, why are these barriers in place? What biases or missed opportunities are resulting from these obstacles?
• When funders are actively prioritizing BIPOC, grassroots, and historically excluded -led organizations in their philanthropic partnerships, what definitions, outreach, and partnership strategies are being used? How has this evolved based on lessons learned?

Pre-Work
• Funders should become educated about how traditional ways of identifying grantees and other criteria often excludes BIPOC, grassroots, and/or historically excluded-led organizations.
• Actively seek and share ways to center, identify, fund, and partner with applicants or community-based partners to create solutions in all efforts.
• Identify forums or protocols for introductions, dialogue, and relationship-building between funding community and BIPOC, grassroots and/or historically excluded-led organizations to pave the way for ongoing or stronger partnerships.

As we enter the spring months, I want to let you know that registration has now opened for CNJG’s 2025 Conference for the Social Sector —Stronger Together: Philanthropy & Civic Engagement!

This very special convening on June 18 will bring together funders and nonprofits for a full day of shared learning, exchange, and networking. Our conference features national and local thought leaders, and a range of experts, for a day of connection, not-to-be-missed discussion, and side-by-side learning with foundation and nonprofit colleagues. 

We’re pleased to announce our keynote speaker, Dale R. Anglin, Director, Press Forward, a growing coalition of 88+ local and national funders committed to investing more than $500 million to strengthen communities through local news. Press Forward now includes 36 locally led chapters in 29 states, including one in our state — the New Jersey Civic Information Consortium.

This is CNJG's largest event of the year and your chance to join us as we examine how funders and nonprofits can work together to address and increase civic engagement, focusing on several key areas, including advocacy, local media, participatory budgeting, guaranteed income, public-private partnerships, the arts, and youth education through the lens of civic participation. Special early bird rates are available until April 12 – so please register soon.

We’re thrilled to have PSEG as our Signature Sponsor, Sixers Youth Foundation as a Collaborator Sponsor, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation as a Connector Sponsor. We have several opportunities available to support this very special event, and I hope you will consider sponsorship. Please reach out to Development Associate Fortunata Cuomo for more information. 

In case you missed it, we recently launched the Funder Briefing Series: Making Sense of Federal Policy: Understanding What it Means for New Jersey. This series provides an overview of key issues that directly impact philanthropy, and more broadly, the charitable sector. The next session, on April 3 at 4:00 p.m., will focus on Education. There’s still time to register for the program. 

And for your planning, the next briefings in this series are:

• April 10: Making Sense of Federal Policy: Understanding What it Means for NJ: Housing
• April 17: Making Sense of Federal Policy: Understanding What it Means for NJ: Media & Journalism
• April 24: Making Sense of Federal Policy: Understanding What it Means for NJ: Arts

We recorded the last three briefings in this series in case you missed them. We’re also creating a written summary for each briefing as another way for you to review the information. You must be logged in to access the recordings, summary documents, and resources.

• Making Sense of Federal Policy: Understanding What it Means for NJ: Immigration
• Making Sense of Federal Policy: Understanding What it Means for NJ: Health
• Making Sense of Federal Policy: Understanding What it Means for NJ: Environment 

We believe that active participation in CNJG programs is essential for all members, their staff and trustees. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to attend and to share our programs with your staff and trustees. 

The federal funding rollbacks and executive actions continue to harm nonprofits and the work they’ve built across education, healthcare, science, the arts, public media, climate, immigration, gender and racial justice, and countless other issue areas that are at stake. Foundation leaders and funders are exploring ways to respond and step up. The Trust-Based Philanthropy project, along with Grantmakers for Effective Organizations and the National Center for Family Philanthropy, coordinated a call-to-action for philanthropy to “meet the moment.”  While philanthropy can’t replace federal funding, funders can “work together to move in solidarity with nonprofits, mobilize money in trust-based ways, and nurture possibility and innovation.” I invite you to join our colleagues from across the county in signing this pledge to be part of the solution. 

In a recent NJ Spotlight News op-ed entitled “NJ nonprofits need your help,” Linda Czipo, President and CEO, New Jersey Center for Nonprofits, reminds us:

There is a good chance that your life has been made better because of a nonprofit… Perhaps you were born, gave birth, or received life-saving treatment at a nonprofit hospital. Maybe you learned from “Mister Rogers,” “Sesame Street” or other shows developed by nonprofits. You may have enrolled your children in childcare or after-school programs so you could go to work. You may have been uplifted, moved, or inspired by a performance at a nonprofit theater….It’s easy to take the helpers for granted; after all, they’ve always been there in our hour of need. But now it’s the helpers who need help.

It's clear we’re in a time of uncertainty, and we’re wading into deeply uncharted waters. Philanthropy has a role to play, and CNJG is here to help navigate and inform your work. In addition to the learning series, we are curating resources, information, webinars, and convenings, as well as sharing CNJG member actions, New Jersey-focused response funds, and more via the Executive Actions Response & Info tab. Please check back often. And please help us keep the information current and updated by sharing your actions and stories with Manager of Communications Shakirat Odunsi.

If you’re hearing of surveys to gather information from NJ nonprofits, please share that information with us as well. Having the latest information supports thoughtful collaboration and decision-making in times of change.

The bottom line is, we must stand together with our nonprofit partners, do our part, and take courageous action now.  

On your side,

Theresa Jacks, President and CEO
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers

A CNJG member queried our listserves on policies regarding: 1) number of vacation days for new full-time employees; 2) paid time off (PTO); and 3) working remotely. CNJG compiled the answers from responding members.

There are many ways to start a giving circle. These 10 steps can give you a starting point and a basic roadmap.

Step One - Set Goals and Structure

Bring your group together for a first meeting. Take time at this first meeting to discuss what a giving circle is. Begin the process of setting goals and structure now. Some of the decisions that you may want to discuss at this meeting are:

• How many times will the group meet?
• How will we determine our funding focus?
• Where do we hold meetings?
• Is there a limit on number of participants?
• What is the size or range of the financial contribution each member will make?
• What is the time commitment?

Remember: giving circles go beyond individual “pet” charities to pool your resources for a common goal with greater impact. Members will contribute time as well as dollars in the process.

Step Two – Establish Mission and Commitment

Once the group sets up regular meetings, it is a good idea to:

• Establish a mission
• Agree on common goals and objectives
• Name your group
• Set up an operating structure

Remember: The contribution amount can vary. Circles requirements vary – starting at $10 and going up to $25,000 or more. The group decides what is reasonable for their circle. It is important for the group to agree on the final amount.

Many circles choose one contribution level for everyone. Since no single vote on a potential grantee should outweigh another, many circles find this arrangement the best. Other circles find that a tiered giving structure or anonymous giving meets their needs.

Step Three – Decide Where to Place Your Collective Dollars

At the start of each year, members should make a financial commitment to the giving circle (i.e., write the check). There are options for where your circle members’ money can sit. There are benefits to all the options, depending on the circle’s needs, experience, and structure. Giving circles generally have no administrative “overhead.” Volunteers administer the circle and all dollars go to the designated nonprofit/s. However, some circles have found it useful to pay for administrative costs. They then receive a level of service that they cannot provide for themselves. You can:

• Open a joint bank account. (Check with a professional advisor on the tax implications)
• Partner with an organization that can act as a financial administrator of the funds.
• Establish a Donor Advised Fund at a Community or Public Foundation.
• Create a public foundation.
• Write individual checks to the chosen nonprofit/s.
• Explore other creative options that interest the group.

Step Four – Establish an Issue/Focus Area

This step may take significant discussion. Encourage the group to be as specific as possible. For example, if the group is interested in health issues for women – what specific health issues, age range or demographic? In what geographic area will you focus?

You may also want to invite “experts” to talk to the group. Some circles assign group members to investigate particular issues. Consensus is important when a giving circle decides on its focus area.

Step Five – Create Smaller Work Groups

Having members of the group volunteer for particular tasks will build personal commitment. Smaller groups make task members with different tasks.

Step Six – Develop Process and Criteria for Funding

You may decide to ask for written applications from a charity. Or, you may evaluate a group in another way. Some questions to consider as you determine your funding philosophy:

• How will we decide who receives funding?
• Will we review grant applications?
• Will we visit specific organizations that could “qualify”?
• What kind of a report will we want at the end of the project period from the recipient of these funds?

This process can be simply choosing a recipient organization based on information you gather. Or the process can be more involved. Some circles review written applications, visit the organizations and ask for a presentation on the work the organization does.

If your group is unsure of how to assess an organization, you may want to consider asking someone with a background in grant making or nonprofit administration to give the group assistance.

It is also important at this stage to establish final evaluation criteria. How will you measure your giving circle’s impact? How will the organization/s that receive funding measure the impact of this funding?

Note: Many circles try to match the level of effort they require from the grantee to the amount of money that they have to give. Nonprofits are often understaffed and short on time. It can be a burden for them to create lengthy proposals and reports for relatively small amounts of money.

Step Seven – Define Partnership with Recipient of Grant Award

Do members of your circle want to volunteer for an organization you have funded? Your circle should define in what ways they could offer assistance. Web development, finances, program planning, legal work, and mentoring are some examples of how your members might get involved. Be sure to be clear with the expectations of all involved in this new partnership.

Step Eight – Review Potential Recipients

Conducting site visits with potential grantees can be helpful in the grantmaking process. This is the time to ask questions, get clarification, and see the organization in action.

The group should set aside plenty of time to discuss the potential grantees. Members may feel strongly about funding different organizations. There needs to be time to go through this process to reach agreement.

Smaller giving circles often use a consensus model for decision-making. Larger circles tend to rely on committees and voting systems.

Be willing to take a risk by funding a start-up nonprofit, or by funding a nonprofit that may seem unconventional to traditional funders. Remember you are the “Board of Directors” and can set your own guidelines.

Step Nine – Make Grant Awards

Immediately following the group’s decision, alert the recipient and let them know when they can expect a check. It is good practice to let organizations who are not receiving funds from your circle know of your decision, too.

Step Ten – Evaluate Your Giving Circle

On a regular basis, examine the short term and long term goals of the giving circle. This will help develop a sense of satisfaction with the work you are doing and show how your contributions have made a difference. Try to determine what impact the group has had. Candid feedback from the organizations you have funded and partnered with will be an important ingredient of this process.

You don’t need to be a technologist to understand that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing our world, including philanthropy and the nonprofit sector. 

As you attend next month’s CNJG 2024 Spring Colloquium – A Conversation for the Social Sector on June 18, consider what philanthropy does best as the conversation unfolds. Philanthropy takes risks. Philanthropy tests new ideas and concepts, that can then be scaled. Philanthropy drives experimentation. Philanthropy convenes thought leaders, practitioners, and community voices, to engage in full and deliberate conversations.

We’re excited to welcome Jean Westrick, Executive Director of the Technology Association of Grantmakers (TAG), to moderate the morning panel session. TAG and Project Evident recently released their Responsible AI Adoption in Philanthropy framework to help grantmakers adopt AI in a manner that aligns with their mission. Jean will help us dig deeper into the framework during an afternoon session. Not only does the framework provide practical guidance, it is a clarion call for philanthropy to play a crucial role in advancing the responsible use of AI for nonprofit enablement. 

Understanding this seminal role, last year, ten major foundations announced a $200 million investment to ensure AI advances the public interest. The investment is centered around five areas of need including: ensuring AI advancements protect democracy and the rights and freedoms of all people, empowering workers to “thrive amid AI-driven changes,” and supporting the development of AI international norms and rules. 

Colloquium panelist Don Chen, President and CEO of the Surdna Foundation, recently spoke at the Partnership for AI’s 2024 Philanthropy Forum. There he discussed the importance of working with partners to make investments in responsible infrastructure. He expanded on these ideas, encouraging ongoing AI conversations to be reparative and healing, especially for racial equity and justice.

Governor Murphy created the New Jersey State Office of Innovation in 2018 to "improve the lives of New Jerseyans by solving public problems differently.”  Colloquium panelist Dave Cole, Chief Innovation Officer, in a recent StateScoop Priorities Podcast, shared his commitment to solving problems for NJ residents using human-centered design and leveraging AI to improve services. The practical and pragmatic conversations about AI are central to philanthropy’s role in harnessing technology for good. 

Our third panelist, Rachel Kimber, joined fellow social sector leaders in calling for philanthropy to move forward with “responsible AI development and adoption.” Published by the Center for Effective Philanthropy, the blog Responsible AI: How Philanthropy Can (and Should) Support the Movement outlines four critical concepts for philanthropy: drive sector-level vision, fund the back-end, develop guidelines, and invest in equitable innovations. 

I encourage you to review the resources we’re gathering on the Colloquium web area to further inform your thinking. 

While AI and analytical technologies are revolutionary tools reshaping industries, as Vilas Dhar, Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, said in an interview with the Chronicle of Philanthropyrecently, “These conversations are very rarely actually about technology.” In the article, How A.I. Could Solve Humanity’s Biggest Problems — If Philanthropy Catches Up, Dhar implores philanthropy to look closely at how AI is changing our world and challenges us to examine how philanthropy must change. Indeed, philanthropy has several roles to play, including fueling the big picture and visionary conversations, and helping to drill down on the more practical applications of AI for grantmakers and nonprofits in support of a just and equitable world.

Join us at the CNJG 2024 Spring Colloquium: A Conversation for the Social Sector - Empowering the Future: Harnessing AI and Data for Philanthropic Social Impact on Tuesday, June 18, to engage in these big, bold, and transformative conversations. 
 
We look forward to seeing you there!
 
Sincerely, 

Theresa Jacks, President and CEO
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers

The Trust-Based Philanthropy Project is pleased to announce a six-part webinar series addressing common questions, clarifying misconceptions, and exploring ways to overcome obstacles in implementing trust-based philanthropy. CNJG is pleased to share this opportunity with our members.

Series Description: Trust-based philanthropy is a philosophy and approach rooted in values of relationship-building, mutual learning, and systemic equity – with a vision of advancing a healthier and more impactful nonprofit sector. While this approach is generally associated with six core grantmaking practices such as multi-year unrestricted funding and streamlined paperwork, the day-to-day work of trust-based philanthropy is very nuanced and dynamic. In fact, funders who have embraced this approach are finding that it requires ongoing self-reflection and rigor with regards to how they think about – and evolve – many of the deeply embedded practices and assumptions of traditional philanthropy.

Given these nuances, it is not surprising that there are many questions and occasional misperceptions about what it actually means to embody trust-based philanthropy in practice. In this 6-part webinar series, the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project will explore some of the most commonly asked questions and the underlying misperceptions that may be roadblocks to understanding and operationalizing trust-based philanthropy.

Each session in the series will focus on a frequently asked question from the field, and will feature perspectives from foundation leaders and others who have grappled with similar or related questions. At the end of each session, participants will walk away with: 1) a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the underlying cultural philosophy of trust-based philanthropy; 2) tips for how to think about and approach these nuances in their own work; and 3) talking points for how to answer these FAQs when they come up from colleagues or peers.

Each session will also provide dedicated space for small-group peer dialogue (among CNJG members) about ways to implement these practices into your grantmaking.

Cost: Free

Who should attend: Anyone in a grantmaking role that is curious about understanding the nuances of trust-based philanthropy and how it applies to your work. This series will be ideal for those who have some baseline familiarity with trust-based philanthropy and have questions about how it manifests in practice.

Please note: this webinar series is separate from CNJG’s 2023 Conference for the Social Sector, which features an in-person luncheon keynote by the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project. CNJG’s conference is open to both funders and nonprofits, so the keynote will differ from this series. Because CNJG’s Doing Good Better initiative leans on the principles of Trust-Based Philanthropy, we encourage our members to register for these sessions - as time allows - for funders to learn about different approaches to changing systems in New Jersey.

Demystifying Trust-Based Philanthropy Series Sessions
Session #1: Does Trust-Based Mean Unconditional Trust?
Session #2: Does Unrestricted Funding Automatically Make a Funder Trust-Based?
Session #3: How Do We Approach Risk and Due Diligence in Trust-Based Philanthropy?
Session #4: What Does Grantee Accountability Look Like in Trust-Based Funding?
Session #5: How Do You Measure Impact in Trust-Based Philanthropy?
Session #6: What Does Racial Equity Have To Do With Trust-Based Philanthropy?

Resources
Recording: Session 4: What Does Grantee Accountability Look Like in Trust-based Philanthropy?
Transcript: Session 4: What Does Grantee Accountability Look Like in Trust-based Philanthropy?
Presentation: Session 4: What Does Grantee Accountability Look Like in Trust-based Philanthropy?
Trust-Based Philanthropy Peer Exchange for Grantmakers
The 6 Practices of Trust-Based Philanthropy
Trust-Based Philanthropy in 4D Overview
Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project Welcome Packet
Center for Effective Philanthropy’s Grantee and Applicant Perception Report

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s summer – and that means summer reading! Whether you’re reading at home or in the coffee shop, at the beach, or while traveling by train or airplane, I'm thrilled to share a collection of summer reading recommendations from CNJG’s Board of Trustees and staff. While some recommendations speak directly to philanthropy and the social sector, others explore leadership, civic engagement, economics, and personal growth, all offering insights and ideas to excite our curiosity and inspire us.

Board Chair Craig Drinkard has been re-reading the timeless classic Good to Great by Jim Collins. Craig shared that so much more is resonating this time around as he re-reads it. The first time he read the book, the theory is what stood out; this time it’s deeper, more strategic, and thought provoking, with fresh insights gained during this second look. This book is worth a read for everyone dedicated to leadership and organizational improvement.

First Vice Chair, Justin Kiczek continues to be inspired by our recent convening, 2025 Conference for the Social Sector - Stronger Together: Philanthropy & Civic Engagementand recommends Habits of Heart and Mind: How to Fortify Civic Culture from Our Common Purpose - a publication he says has been a "continued source of wisdom and good ideas" and passes on to pretty much anyone he knows! He also follows two Substack columns focused on civic culture and renewal: Daniel Stid’s The Art of Association and Gabe Lerner’s Democracy Notes.

Treasurer Catherine Wilson has been diving into a diverse reading list including Autocracy, Inc.by Anne Applebaum, The Art of More: How Mathematics Created Civilization by Michael Brooks, and The Heat Will Kill You First: Life and Death on a Scorched Planet by Jeff Goodell.

Also from our board members:
 
Paul DiLorenzo is catching up on his back-dated New Yorker magazines and especially loved a story called Amelia Earhart’s Reckless Final Flights.
 
Maisha Simmons recommends checking out this insightful blog post: The Challenge and Opportunity for Funder and Nonprofit Listening Right Now.
 
Tammy Rice Herman has been reading the weekly blog, "Better Allies" where author Karen Catlin shares five simple actions each week to create a more inclusive and engaging workplace. You can sign up here to receive the blog every Friday.
 
Margarethe Laurenzi recommends listening to Ann Patchett at Parnassus Books talk about all the great books being written that serve as a rebuttal to the idea that literary fiction has lost its way.
 
Jasmyne Beckford has been enjoying reading Choosing Purposeful Alignment: The Messy Middle of Transformation. The book really speaks to her, “because it’s all about how growth happens in that uncertain, messy middle where you have to keep choosing what aligns with your values.”

Lucy Vandenberg’s summer reading and all year round includes her “daily devouring of The New York Times and NJ Spotlight!”
 
The CNJG team has a few reading recommendations for you too!

Senior Director, Member Experience, Craig Weinrich recommends Doughnut Economics by Kate Raworth, who argues that GDP should no longer be the sole indicator for a nation’s (and the world’s) economic health. Measuring something as complex as an economy needs an updated tool – thus the doughnut model that includes social and ecological benefits and harms, resulting from economic activity.
 
Manager of Programs and Learning, Chanika Svetvilas is currently reading Systemic: How Racism Is Making Us Sick by Layla Liverpool. She notes Liverpool's observation that “Racism is an insidious threat to our health precisely because it is so easily overlooked or, in some cases, perhaps willfully ignored.”
 
Manager of Communications Shakirat Odunsi picked up two books at United Philanthropy Forum’s UnConference last month: Future Good: How to Use Futurism to Save the Worldby Trista Harris and A New Era of Philanthropy by Dimple Abichandani. These picks reflect her interest in how our sector can evolve and adapt. Harris's work explores how futurist thinking can be applied to social change, while Abichandani's book examines the transformation happening in philanthropic practices and approaches. Both seem perfectly timed for those of us thinking about where philanthropy is headed next. 

For my own summer reading, I've been reassured by reading Who is Government? The Untold Story of Public Service edited by Michael Lewis – the stories of the real women and men working in the public sector without bravado and bluster. These are the civil servants that oversee our veterans’ cemeteries, explore our universe, hunt down cyber criminals and preserve our archives. These unsung heroes do the daily, unseen, yet necessary work of the people. “Although they often go unnoticed, public servants are the heartbeat of our nation.”
 
I also recently read, Meditations for Mortals - Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts by Oliver Burkeman. I plan on re-reading it so I can gain some deeper insights during my upcoming sabbatical.
 
Yes – that’s correct - I will be on sabbatical beginning Monday, August 11, and will return to the office on Tuesday, October 14! I started my journey at CNJG in May 2008. I’m grateful to the CNJG Board of Trustees for giving me this opportunity, and grateful to an incredibly dedicated and competent team that will ensure work of the Council continues during my absence! Thank you!
 
Special thanks to Craig Weinrich, who will be the senior executive in charge, while I am on sabbatical. Please feel free to reach out to Office Manager Dana Schwartz, as well, at [email protected].
 
I'm struck by the breadth and depth of what our community is reading, from civic engagement and economic models to health equity and the future of philanthropy. These recommendations reflect the commitment to continuous and shared learning that makes our CNJG community so special. I’m looking forward to exploring some of these recommendations during my time away. And in case you missed it, the annual CNJG 2024 President's Report also celebrates what makes our CNJG community so special!

With appreciation,

Theresa Jacks, President and CEO
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers