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Nina Stack has dreamed of being a philanthropist since long before she could probably even spell the word.
As a child, Stack would fantasize about working for the United Nations. She loved "trick-or-treating for UNICEF," and the idea that she could help children who lived in such horrible conditions was profound, Stack said. "To me, naively perhaps, the UN meant there would be no more war and children wouldn’t die of starvation," she said. "In many ways, collecting donations in that little orange box was my first experience with philanthropy."
Stack loved those early experiences. Today she continues to reach out to help others. Stack is president of the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers (CNJG), which she has led since 2005. The statewide association serves as a network, advocate and resource for more than 100 foundations in New Jersey.
On this webinar, Newark funders discussed the childcare practice and policy during COVID-19 and heard front line observations on matters of mental health and domestic violence.
Speakers:
Ceil Zalkind, President and CEO, Advocates for Children of New Jersey
Beverly Lynn, CEO, Programs for Parents
Maria Ortiz, Executive Director, Student Life, Newark Board of Education
LaKeesha Eure, Director, Shani Baraka Women’s Resource Center and Chair, Newark Anti-Violence Coalition
Webinar Video
CNJG hosts regular briefings where funders hear from government officials, disaster recovery and health experts, nonprofit leaders, funders, and other stakeholders dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. The briefings provide an opportunity to share how colleagues are changing grantmaking practices for rapid response, learn about new policies and government actions, and connect with local leaders who work with people whose financial, physical, and mental health suffers due to COVID-19. Series I topics included food insecurity, mapping response funding, racial health disparities, federal and state policy, and updates from New Jersey response funds and Rapid Response Surveys, completed in partnership with the Center for Non-Profits in March, April, and July 2020.
The Rippel Foundation, a national nonprofit operating foundation focused on health system transformation, is pleased to announce grants to nine organizations working to advance health and well-being in New Jersey and other local communities. Nominated by the Rippel Board and staff members, each organization has received $25,000 in unrestricted funds, which will be used toward general operating and programmatic support.
“As an operating foundation, Rippel is particularly delighted to be able to provide support to organizations that are advancing equitable, sustainable approaches to health and well-being in their communities. These organizations embody the principles and culture of stewardship that Rippel is dedicated to promoting—creating the conditions that all people need to thrive by focusing on vital conditions like access to care, stable housing, food security, a healthy environment, employment, and educational opportunity,” said Laura Landy, president and CEO of The Rippel Foundation. “Rippel has a 70-year history and strong roots in New Jersey, and our work has had a transformative impact on communities throughout the nation. It is gratifying to know that these funds will contribute to the well-being of our neighbors here in our own backyard as well as residents in other deserving local communities.”
With a resounding endorsement, The Westfield Foundation recently voted in three new board members: Toni Janota, Michael Moye and Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift, all of Westfield. At the same time, the organization recognized the service of outgoing members: Tim Boyle, Stan Gersch and Rich Elbert.
“We express our deepest appreciation for the invaluable contributions of Tim Stan and Rich and their unwavering commitment during their tenure!" said outgoing president Larry Darrow.
Our new board members had the privilege of witnessing our Q2 grants meeting in early May where we funded over $100,000 to community programs. Some notable grants this quarter: providing a new mode of transportation for the Westfield Community Center, renovation funds for The Our House Foundation’s New Providence Day Program site, and continued support for the Presbyterian Church of Westfield’s mission to supplement local in-need families with nutrient-dense food.
The Devils Youth Foundation, which serves as the charitable arm for the New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center, recently awarded a $100,000 grant to United Community Corp. to support the agency’s community refrigerator initiative and ongoing nutritional programming.
The foundation also raised an additional $80,000 through the first round of the NHL playoffs for another community refrigerator and $60,000 through the second round of the playoffs for a food delivery truck. These efforts brought a total of $240,000 in funding to back UCC’s efforts in mitigating hunger in Greater Newark.
UCC Executive Director Craig Mainor obviously was thrilled.
“We could not be more grateful for the generous grant award, funds raised and support from the Devils Youth Foundation that will allow UCC to create greater accessibility for fresh, nutritional food in Newark for thousands of people,” he said.
“Whether it’s installing another community refrigerator or educating youth about proper nutrition and health and wellness, we want to ensure that we uplift community members through this award to transform each ward of the city.”
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.
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.
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. For 2023, CNJG will cover the cost of the South Jersey Funders Consortium lunch thanks to a grant from the Pascale Sykes Foundation.
There is no cost to attend. Space is limited to 18 people.
The cost of lunch is underwritten by the Pascale Sykes Foundation.
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin recently announced that the Juvenile Justice Commission (JJC), in conjunction with the Governor’s Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (JJDP) Committee, has awarded 17 grants totaling more than $369,000 to police departments, schools, and non-profit organizations across the State to expand summer programs for at-risk youth.
The grants provide organizations already operating successful summer programs for at-risk youth with up to $30,000 in additional funding to enhance their programs and/or increase the number of young people they serve.
Due to these new grants, approximately 500 additional youth throughout New Jersey will be able to participate in an array of recreational, educational, and character-building activities being offered in their communities this summer.
“I’m pleased that New Jersey is able to continue its investment in programs that serve our most vulnerable young people,” said Attorney General Platkin. “The funding announced today by the Juvenile Justice Commission is emblematic of the Murphy Administration’s commitment to make sure all of New Jersey’s youth have opportunities to develop new skills, overcome challenges and achieve their optimal potential.”
CNJG is pleased to re-convene the South Jersey Funders Consortium for a lunch meeting at the Green Olive in Bridgeton. 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 2024, CNJG will cover the cost of this South Jersey Funders Consortium lunch thanks to a grant from the Pascale Sykes Foundation.
CNJG is pleased to re-convene the South Jersey Funders Consortium for a lunch meeting at a location to be determined soon. 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 2024, CNJG will cover the cost of this South Jersey Funders Consortium lunch thanks to a grant from the Pascale Sykes Foundation.
CNJG is pleased to re-convene the South Jersey Funders Consortium for a lunch meeting at the Forman Acton Foundation office in Salem. 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 -- with a particular focus on any work happening in Salem city.
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
Lunch provided.
Thank you to the Forman Action Foundation for hosting and underwriting the cost of lunch!
I Am Trenton Community Foundation is proud to announce awarding $135,000 total through the recent “Making Trenton Even Better” grant program to community champions transforming vacant lots, encouraging art and artists, teaching new skills and providing compassionate support with respect and dignity.
“These community groups will make a real impact across our city and we are excited to support their work,” said IAT Co-President Marelyn Rivera. “Our community faces challenges together, and working together we make Trenton even better.”
Grant Committee Chair Regina Podhorin-Zilinski noted that more than 100 applications were received – and many worthwhile projects were not able to be funded. “This was our most generous grant round ever – with more funding and more applicants than ever before,” she said. “Our only regret is that many good ideas did not receive support – this time.”
The Blacks in Philanthropy Conference, Bridging The Gap: Staying the Course, Rest over Resilience, hosted by the Smith Family Foundation NJ, brings together nonprofit leaders, funders, and changemakers to expand access and drive lasting impact in the philanthropic sector.
Why It Matters
Black communities have long led powerful giving traditions, yet face ongoing barriers to funding and leadership. This conference uplifts Black-led initiatives and redefines what inclusive, impactful philanthropy looks like today.
What to Expect at the Blacks in Philanthropy Conference
◆ Inspiring Keynotes – Hear from influential Black leaders driving change in philanthropy and social impact.
◆ Engaging Panel Discussions – Explore critical topics like wealth-building, access to funding, and community-led solutions.
◆ Workshops & Networking – Gain practical tools, connect with funders, and build partnerships to expand your organization’s reach.
◆ Celebrating Black Philanthropy – Highlighting the power of Black-led giving and its lasting impact on communities.
Foundation funding in support of global human rights initiatives totaled $2.8 billion in 2016, up from $2.4 billion in 2015, according to the report from Candid and the Human Rights Funders Network. The report from the Advancing Human Rights research hub found that 785 funders in 43 countries awarded 23,016 grants to 13,242 organizations working to address the root causes of injustice and inequality and ensure the protection and enjoyment of internationally recognized human rights. Twenty-one percent of those grant dollars were awarded in the form of general support grants.