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A corporate member queried the corporate listserve which technology tools they use for their corporate giving system/platform. CNJG compiled the responses and combined it with previous responses from other technology systems queries to create this list of “Who Uses What Technology Systems.” If your organization is not listed, please email the names of those systems to Craig Weinrich.
Community colleges offer greater affordability than private or state colleges, are adept at providing flexible education schedules and delivery, and are often deeply tied to the local areas in which they reside. This type of accessibility and inclusivity provides enormous opportunities for students left out of traditional higher education models. And while there is a road to recovery for community colleges post-COVID, they can play a critical role in building a future workforce in local communities and creating a more equitable higher education system for New Jersey students.
During this program, we’ll hear from several community college leaders on the impact of the pandemic on enrollment and learning, the biggest challenges facing higher education right now, and the opportunities they see to close education gaps and improve student outcomes. Join us to learn more about community colleges as a pathway to success for students in New Jersey, and philanthropy’s role in supporting more accessible, affordable, and flexible higher education models.
Speakers include:
Brian Bridges, Ph.D., Secretary of Higher Education, State of New Jersey
Dr. Michael Gorman, President, Salem Community College
Steven M. Rose, President, Passaic Community College
Cost: Free for CNJG Members; $50 for Non Member Grantmakers.
This program is only open to staff and trustees from grantmaking organizations.
Webinar Video
This “How to Collect and Share DEI Data” guide is a resource for the field and has been written with nonprofits who want to start collecting their organization’s data in mind. The questions and choices of answers have been carefully considered with expert partners – CHANGE Philanthropy, Equity in the Center, and RespectAbility.
Effecting systemic change through philanthropic initiatives requires not only a strategy but a well-constructed implementation plan focused on "people, partners, and platforms.” According to a new report, Moving Beyond Theories of Change: A Framework for Strategic Implementation, philanthropic organizations hoping to achieve impact must align the partners, approaches, and organizational commitments before they begin to design programs, issue Requests for Proposals, or even hire staff. The report further suggests frameworks should include diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts and partnerships with intermediaries and donor collaboratives.
This report is designed to inform stakeholders in complex change strategies involving multiple partners, funders, intermediaries, and evaluators. It is framed by a literature review on partnership structures, trust building, and developing a learning culture, and offers case studies of three different partnerships. The report was commissioned by The James Irvine Foundation and collaboratively developed by Equal Measure, Engage R+D, and Harder+Company Community Research.
The Provident Bank Foundation (PBF) today named its Major Grant recipients for its second cycle of 2021. The Foundation awarded nearly $450,000 of total funding to 27 nonprofit organizations within the Foundation’s three priority areas of Community Enrichment, Education and Health, Youth & Families.
Grants provide funding between $5,000 and $25,000 to organizations across the New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania communities served by Provident Bank.
“We are thrilled to offer funding opportunities to some of the outstanding nonprofits that are continually raising up our community,” said Samantha Plotino, Executive Director of The Provident Bank Foundation. “From medical services to educational programs to food banks, these organizations are very valuable to residents across New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. Additional funding will allow their various programs to continue to thrive and make an impact.”
The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey (HFNJ) has awarded $534,762 in grants to five New Jersey nonprofit organizations in its first quarter of giving in 2025. All five of the awards are renewal grants of projects previously funded by HFNJ and reflect HFNJ’s commitment to deepening its ties with grantees through year-after-year funding.
“One of the ways that The Healthcare Foundation of NJ makes a long-term impact is by cultivating continuing relationships with grantees and funding projects that have proven to be successful for additional years,” said Michael Schmidt, executive director/CEO of The Healthcare Foundation of NJ. “This quarter, we are delighted to provide another year of funding for five exemplary projects that have made significant impact in the communities we serve.”
A CNJG member queried the Health & Aging listserves asking for sample letters of inquiry. This document includes a few responses from fellow members. If you would like to add yours to this list, please email us.
Theresa Jacks, President and CEO
Contact Theresa E. Jacks / (609) 414-7110 x805
Theresa Jacks joined the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers in 2008. A creative, versatile leader with over 25 years’ experience in government, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors, she was appointed President and CEO in December 2022.
As President and CEO, and previously Deputy Director and Manager of Advancement & Special Initiatives at the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers, Theresa has been instrumental in strengthening CNJG's leadership work, leading policy and advocacy efforts, building relationships with partners, developing and increasing funding to support operations and special projects, providing learning opportunities, and enhancing capacity and management processes. She has a deep knowledge of best practices in grantmaking.
Prior to joining the Council, Theresa served as Executive Director of the Whitesbog Preservation Trust, a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring a 19th century historic village. Leading the operations of both the Trust and the ongoing restoration of the historic village included working closely with the Board of Trustees, effectively guiding board and committee initiatives, developing and coordinating educational and recreational programs, fundraising, member relations, ensuring long-term strategic and day-to-day management and administration of the organization, and building partnerships with the community.
Prior to launching a career in the nonprofit sector, Theresa worked in New Jersey state government for nearly twenty years in varying levels of management and leadership.
Theresa graduated from Central Michigan University with a Master of Science in Administration, and Rowan University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She graduated summa cum laude from both.
Kevin Callaghan, Newark Philanthropic Liaison
Contact Kevin Callaghan / (609) 414-7110 x804
The Office of the Newark Philanthropic Liaison is an innovative collaboration between the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers and the City of Newark. Kevin began serving as the Newark Philanthropic Liaison on September 1, 2016.
In the role of Newark Philanthropic Liaison, a cabinet-level position, Kevin works directly with the Mayor and his senior cabinet to leverage private and government assets to support the Administration’s agenda in areas such as public safety, summer youth employment, workforce development, economic development, health and wellness, education and literacy, arts and culture, and neighborhood and place-based initiatives. The Office of the Newark Philanthropic Liaison also convenes and connects Newark and regional funding partners, Newark community-based organizations, and other key stakeholders by providing thought leadership, facilitating content and affinity groups, and raising awareness about critical issues facing the city.
Immediately prior to serving as the Newark Philanthropic Liaison, Callaghan was a Project Lead on the City’s Summer Youth Employment Program where he worked to implement system and program enhancements to one of the Mayor’s signature programs. Before this short-term appointment, he served for nearly five years as the Program Officer at the Foundation for Newark’s Future (FNF), the local arm of national philanthropic funding donated to the City of Newark to improve education opportunities for youth. Prior to joining the Foundation for Newark’s Future, Kevin worked for the federal government as a Special Assistant at the Overseas Private Investment Corporation in Washington D.C. and was a classroom teacher of middle school Social Studies in Philadelphia.
Callaghan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and History from St. Peter’s University in Jersey City and a Master’s Degree in Urban Education from the University of Pennsylvania. Born and raised in New Jersey, Kevin is a proud resident of Newark.
Fortunata Cuomo, Development Associate
Contact Fortunata Cuomo / (609) 414-7110 x807
Fortunata Cuomo joined the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers in November 2024. A dedicated professional with a strong background in development, fundraising, and advocacy. Her education and previous work experiences have empowered her and allowed her to realize her passion for philanthropy.
She graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey, in 2020, where she majored in History and minored in Global and Cultural Studies. During her time at university, she gained practical experience through internships at international organizations such as UNICEF USA and the United Nations Office for Partnerships. These early experiences helped shape her passion for justice and equality.
After completing her degree, Fortunata transitioned into the nonprofit sector, where she has been deeply involved in initiatives focused on empowerment, justice, and advocacy. She has worked with various organizations that aim to create positive change, providing strategic support and operational expertise to projects that empower communities.
Currently, Fortunata serves as the Development Associate at the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers, where she plays a pivotal role in supporting the organization’s partnership-building efforts and fundraising initiatives. She collaborates with stakeholders and partners to actualize common objectives and goals.
Outside of her professional life, Fortunata is an avid reader, traveler, and writer. Her love of learning extends beyond the workplace, as she seeks to broaden her perspective through literature and exploring new cultures.
Shakirat Odunsi, Manager of Communications
Contact Shakirat Odunsi / (609) 414-7110 x806
Shakirat Odunsi 
joined the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers in February 2024 as the Manager of Communications. With over 20 years of B2B and B2C marketing experience, Shakirat will lead all aspects of the organization's digital communications strategy. She will promote the CNJG brand, its events, programs, and campaigns through innovative digital platforms and interactive communications. Shakirat will oversee CNJG's online presence, manage its website and social media channels, and lead the marketing efforts for CNJG's diverse services and offerings.
Shakirat has a wealth of experience in the marketing and communications field, having worked on successful client-based projects in the past. She has collaborated with major brands, further enriching her marketing and strategic planning expertise. Shakirat's exposure to diverse industries and high-profile collaborations has honed her ability to navigate complex marketing landscapes and foster partnerships that drive success. She is excited to use her extensive background in marketing and communications to make a meaningful impact in the philanthropic sector. Shakirat has a track record of creative campaign execution and team leadership. She is deeply committed to volunteerism and is eager to apply her skills to promoting social good and community development.
Shakirat holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.
Dana Schwartz, Office Manager
Contact Dana Schwartz / (609) 414-7110 x801
Dana Schwartz joined the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers in 2022. As office manager, her role is assisting the CEO with day-to-day operations, and attending to the needs of the CNJG Team, members, nonprofit partners, and others. She will also assist with program coordination and logistics, including for Signature events.
A lifelong reader and writer, Dana always knew she’d be an English major, and for several years after graduating college worked in the book publishing industry in Manhattan. Not long after receiving her Master’s in Creative Writing from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Dana spent the next decade at home raising her two children, and reading to them as often as they’d allow.
Since moving to New Hope, Pennsylvania in 2014, she has worked in education both as a volunteer and professional. First as a Girl Scout leader, and more recently as an instructional assistant in a multiple disabilities classroom. She is currently fulfilling her second term as School Board Director for her local district, New Hope-Solebury. She is excited to be working in the nonprofit sector in New Jersey, the state where she was born and raised.
Chanika Svetvilas, Manager of Programs and Learning
Contact Chanika Svetvilas / (609) 414-7110 x803
Chanika Svetvilas ( [Chu-nē-kgha Swet-vē-las] (she/her/hers) joined the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers in 2023. As Manager of Programs and Learning, she organizes and manages programming for membership including signature events, affinity group gatherings, and educational programs that provide professional skill-building, issue-based knowledge development, as well as opportunities for networking.
Prior to CNJG, Chanika worked in the nonprofit sector as a program coordinator for community based organizations as well as larger institutions and in higher education. She served as the Conference Manager for the International Sculpture Center, Program Coordinator for for the Charles B. Wang Center at Stony Brook University, and Grants Assistant for the Arts for the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. Additionally, she has served as a grant panelist for several art councils including the New York State Council on the Arts. She was the co-founder of ThaiLinks, a collective dedicated to issues affecting Thai communities and co-founder of the Thai Takes film festival, its signature program presented in New York City.
Chanika is a practicing artist and curator. She holds a BS in Studio Art from Skidmore College, and an MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts from Goddard College. Chanika currently resides in Princeton Junction, NJ.
Craig Weinrich, Senior Director, Member Experience
Contact Craig Weinrich / (609) 414-7110 x802
Craig Weinrich joined the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers in 2014, as the Director of Member Services. Promoted to Senior Director, Member Experience in 2025, Craig oversees the recruitment and engagement with members, including communications and programs. During his tenure, Craig has also been CNJG’s Salesforce administrator, curated communications, developed and ran programs, researched, redesigned, and wrote the Philanthropy Benefits and Salary Survey, and maintained our website with our webmaster.
Craig discovered the nonprofit sector through an intense desire to avoid working in the dining hall at Dickinson College by interning with the Eaken Piano Trio, where he learned about the world of arts administration. From there, he served as Development Directors for the Delaware Symphony (promoted from Development Assistant) and Springfield (MA) Symphony Orchestras, where he could even be found clad in the costume of their newly-created penguin mascot! Craig then moved to Nonprofit New York, a membership association of nonprofits in the New York City area, serving as their Membership, Outreach and IT Director for nine years. While there, he earned a nonprofit management certificate from Baruch College through the United Way Nonprofit Leadership Institute. Prior to joining CNJG, Craig served as the Membership Director for Maryland Nonprofits. At each organization, Craig has served as the “accidental techie.”
Craig is happy to be back in New Jersey for the third time. He grew up in Madison, lived in Bloomfield while working in NYC, and now resides in Hamilton. He served twice on church council at Living Waters Lutheran Church in Ringoes; graduated from Lead NJ in 2015 (go Green!); and in July 2018, married Kacy O’Brien. In 2022, he was appointed to serve on the Governor’s Council on Volunteerism and Community Service. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, playing board games, and hiking with Kacy and their dog, Clyde.
ADJUNCT STAFF
Mary Trimbach, Webmaster
Mary Trimbach joined CNJG as their Webmaster & Communications consultant in 2012, bringing 35 years of experience in the technology field to the position. In addition to managing the website and proving support to their communications work, Mary serves as liaison for CNJG to the Forum’s Knowledge Management Group.
Prior to joining CNJG, Mary worked in multiple sectors including non-profit, business and education providing her with a broad base of organizational knowledge. Her experience in the technology field ranges from programming, p.c. repair and support, and network management to her real love of system implementation and user training. In her career she has led in the start-up and support of several state and nationwide technology groups.
Mary holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from Aquinas College. A Michigan native, Mary and her husband recently had the opportunity to spend 2 years living their dream and taking telecommuting to a new level, working from their motorhome as they traveled the United States. Now settled back down in Michigan to be near their daughters, sons-in-law and three grandsons, they continue their travels as often as they can sneak away!
FAQs for Benefit Survey
What is the New Jersey Foundation Benefits & Salary Summary Report?
Developed exclusively for CNJG members, the New Jersey Foundation Benefits & Salary Summary Report presents comprehensive benefits data specific to New Jersey's grantmaking community, alongside data from the Council on Foundations' annual salary survey. The last report, produced in 2017, can be found on our website.
Given increased scrutiny in the areas of compensation and benefits, the need to benchmark this information within the field has become even more important. The 2020 New Jersey Foundation Benefits & Salary Summary Report will make available critical information needed to determine fair compensation and benefits in the state across multiple organizational levels.
Who is eligible to participate in this survey?
To be eligible to participate in the survey, your organization must have at least one PAID (full-time or part-time) employee. The beginning of the survey will help respondents determine if they are eligible to participate. Even if you are NOT eligible to participate, please complete the first four questions of the survey. You will then be directed to the last page of the survey where you will be asked to submit your data. You do not need to be a CNJG member to participate. If you do participate, but are not a CNJG member, you will receive a copy of the report.
Where do I complete the survey?
The survey may be completed here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2020CNJGBenefitsSurvey.
When does the survey need to be completed?
The deadline for submitting completed surveys is August 10, 2020.
I'm not the right person to complete this survey, can I email it to someone else to complete?
You may forward the email that contains the survey link to someone else in your organization. The recipient will be able to click on the survey link to access the survey.
How long will it take to complete the survey?
It is estimated that entering in the data should take around one hour (not including the time it will take to research your organization’s information). If you offer more benefits, it may take more time; if you offer less, the less time it will take to complete. Logic is built into the online survey, enabling you to skip questions or entire sections depending on what your organization offers. CNJG suggests looking through the questions first (available in PDF form) and compiling your answers to then enter in the data all at once online.
How do I submit our information to the survey?
CNJG developed the survey using SurveyMonkey, so that you may enter all of your data online. The prompts at the bottom of each page guide you as you enter your information.
Can I see all of the questions first?
Yes! The survey in its entirety can be found below. Feel free to use this document to gather your benefits data, and then enter the information all at once online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2020CNJGBenefitsSurvey.
For which year/time period should I provide compensation and benefits data?
The Benefits Survey should be based on benefits data for the 2020 calendar year. Please complete the survey questions by indicating the benefits that your organization is currently offering to employees in 2020.
Help! The way that this question is structured is difficult (or impossible) for me to answer.
We understand organizations provide different kinds of benefits and have developed novel benefit packages. And, often, benefit packages differ within an organization. Please complete the survey questions by indicating the benefits that are offered to the majority of employees in your organization, and please use the comment boxes after some of the questions and at the end of the survey to further explain/clarify your responses. Please also note that, while many questions are required (indicated with an asterisk) some questions in the survey are optional and can be skipped.
Once I've started the survey, can I save it and complete it another time?
Yes! You may leave the survey at any time by clicking on "Exit this survey" on the upper right hand corner of the page. Note: if you have just entered a page of data, proceed to the next page before you exit, otherwise the data just entered for the current page will not be saved. To reopen the survey, click on the link in the survey email that was sent to you.
Once I've completed the survey, how do I submit my input?
To submit your input, go to the last page of the survey and click on "Submit Survey." Your input will automatically be submitted.
I clicked on "Submit Survey," but I wasn't finished completing the survey - what should I do?
To make changes in a survey that has already been submitted, please contact Craig Weinrich. It will be possible for you to make changes to your survey input until the survey is officially closed on August 10, 2020.
What topics will be covered?
The following topics will be covered in the survey:
• Survey Eligibility
• Organization Information
• Employment
• Leave Benefits
• Insurance Benefits
• Retirement
• Other Benefits
• Retiree Benefits
• Benefits Cost
Who do I contact if I have questions?
Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Craig Weinrich.
CNJG thanks you in advance for your time and assistance with this endeavor. The report that we create becomes an important tool for you to benchmark your salaries and benefits plans for the coming years, so the time and effort will be incredibly valuable to your organization and other CNJG members.
Philanthropy-serving organizations and their members are eligible for 25% off the subscription price for new subscriptions from Forum members and their member organizations. Inside Philanthropy works every day to explain who's funding what and why. It offers in-depth analyses of foundations and major individual donors found anywhere, along with updates on grants and funding trends.
To receive the discount, use FORUM25 during checkout. When offering this discount to your members, please have them use the same code.
The Center for Disaster Philanthropy is proud to partner with Foundation Center, the leading source of information about philanthropy worldwide, to present this interactive dashboard, which provides an analysis of disaster-related funding by foundations, governments, corporations, and individuals. The data presented here illuminate funding trends, expose imbalances in where and when contributions are made, and can help donors make more strategic decisions about their investments in the full life cycle of disasters, including preparedness and recovery efforts.