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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.
We’re thrilled to announce the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers’ 2024 Spring Colloquium – a timely conversation exploring the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data in the social sector.
Empowering the Future: Harnessing AI and Data for Philanthropic Social Impact will take place on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024, at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center opening at 9:30 AM with networking and check-in, Resource Marketplace, and continental breakfast.
The main event begins at 10:30 AM and will feature a distinguished panel discussion moderated by Jean Westrick, Executive Director of the Technology Association of Grantmakers, (TAG). Our esteemed panelists will delve into critical topics such as:
- Optimizing Problem-Solving: How can AI enhance our ability to address social issues without sacrificing human connection?
- Equity in Action: How can we ensure AI is used ethically and fairly to promote a more equitable society?
- Funding for the Future: How are foundations leveraging AI for strategic grantmaking initiatives?
- Gen Z and AI: What role will AI play in shaping the future generations of philanthropic leaders?
Following lunch and conversation, we’ll have 2 afternoon sessions focused on the practical side of AI usage for foundations and nonprofits. The Spring Colloquium is your chance to gain valuable insights from leading experts, network with fellow New Jersey grantmakers and nonprofit leaders, and discover innovative strategies for using AI to maximize your own social impact.
Registration is now open! We’re opening registration exclusively to CNJG members until Friday, April 26, so please secure your spot for this essential event by registering today.
As this is such an important topic for our sector, I invite you to consider sponsorship of the event. Sponsorship is an excellent opportunity to support our work, while also increasing visibility for your own organization and philanthropic efforts. We have a number of outstanding sponsorship opportunities for this event. Please reach out to me if you need more information or require an online application to secure your sponsorship. We can also customize a sponsorship package for you. Thank you to our sponsors to date: Connector Sponsors - Campbell Soup Company, Sixers Youth Foundation and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
In the coming weeks, we’ll share more details about the 2024 Spring Colloquium, including the full panel line-up. Stay tuned for further updates in the newsletter and on our website.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Sincerely,
Theresa Jacks, President and CEO
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers
Directors & Officers liability insurance provides financial protection for a foundation and its directors, officers, employees, and volunteers in the event of a lawsuit. CNJG offers its members the D&O liability insurance program provided through Aon Association Services, underwritten by The Hartford and endorsed by the United Philanthropy Forum. A discount is available to foundations with current membership with CNJG.
Fiduciary Liability and other coverage is also available to members at a discounted rate. Coverage is available in all states. Brokers can access the Forum’s D&O program through Aon Association Services.
Learn more using the documents below, on the Aon website or by contacting Jason Tharpe, program administrator at Aon Affinity, at 202-429-8561. To obtain the discount, foundations should let Aon know they are a member of CNJG, a member of the United Philanthropy Forum.
In 2003, with member support, CNJG commissioned a report on the impact a potential conversion of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield to a for-profit might have on access to health care in New Jersey. Research from the Center for State Health Policy (CSHP) at Rutgers University, provided details about the law governing such conversions in New Jersey and the experience of other states with conversions. The report identified questions raised in other states when such conversions occur, especially about the valuation of assets, the impact on low-income families, and the operation of the philanthropic foundations that have been established as stewards of the assets generated by the conversions. CNJG’s purpose was to seek answers to critical questions relevant to the availability of healthcare coverage for New Jersey’s citizens and to discuss models of best practice for healthcare conversion foundations across the United States.
The Bridgespan Group collaborated with ABFE to co-author "Guiding a Giving Response to Anti-Black Injustice," with additional input from proximate leaders. This memo offers philanthropy potential paths to invest in organizations and movements within the Black-led racial justice ecosystem. It provides principles for giving that can help funders make investments with sustained change in mind, and highlights priority investment areas and example organizations within those areas that represent tangible opportunities. Our list is not exhaustive, but rather a starting place for funders who seek to support Black-led organizations and movements committed to anti-racist social change.
In a 2013 survey, funders were asked about the biggest transparency challenges they faced. The highest response was “not enough clarity around practical steps for being transparent.” This guide from GrantCraft & Glasspockets is helping foundations open up with clear action steps. Opening Up: Demystifying Funder Transparency explores how transparency can strengthen credibility, improve grantee relationships, facilitate greater collaboration, increase public trust, reduce duplication of effort, and build communities of shared learning. It is organized into five topical chapters so that you can focus on exploring one approach to transparency at a time.
Excellence in Giving
In 2005, CNJG adopted Guiding Beliefs & Principles to offer a thoughtful source of direction and inspiration to help guide our state’s philanthropic sector into the future. CNJG first launched its Excellence in Giving initiative in 2007 with the goal is to provide grantmakers the practical tools necessary to ensure best practice in their operations and grantmaking.
The first booklet, Guiding Beliefs & Principles for New Jersey Grantmakers includes a wealth of insights and tips related to board governance, legal compliance, grantee communications, fiscal responsibility, public disclosure, and many other key areas of foundation governance and operations. It contains wisdom provided by leaders of all types of giving organizations within the CNJG’s membership, and is intended to serve as a practical resource to assist New Jersey foundations in their grantmaking. CNJG’s board is in the process of updating these beliefs and principles in 2023/2024. For more information on the updating process, please contact Theresa Jacks.
In 2010 CNJG released a second, comprehensive resource to help the state’s philanthropic community understand their ethical, legal, and fiduciary requirements and obligations - What Every Grantmaker Should Know and Frequently Asked Legal Questions. These two booklets are key publications in CNJG’s Excellence In Giving Series. While the Guiding Beliefs & Principles is available publically, members will need to log into access the legal guide for download.
Members can request additional copies of the booklets mentioned on this page by contacting Theresa Jacks.
In the third session of Putting Racism on the Table (2016), Julie Nelson, Director of the Government Alliance on Race & Equity, Haas Institute for a Fair and Inclusive Society, focused on implicit bias. We encourage check out the viewing guide and discussion guide to be used with the video.
Watch the video
The Disaster Philanthropy Playbook, a comprehensive resource of best practices and innovative approaches to guide the philanthropic community in responding to future disasters, is now available for use at www.disasterphilanthropy.org/disaster-philanthropy-playbook/.
Designed as a multimedia, interactive website, the Playbook will be an “evergreen” resource designed for continued updates and knowledge-building. Community planning, civic rebuilding, legal services, housing, addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, working with local, state and federal government, mitigation and preparedness are some of the common issues faced by communities post disaster that are covered in detail in the Playbook.
The Disaster Philanthropy Playbook is a joint project of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy and Council of New Jersey Grantmakers in association with the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers.