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This white paper examines the relationship between encouraging sustainable communities and enhancing access to opportunity for lower-income people and people of color.
You will have an opportunity to learn about the collaborative process that resulted in this first version of the framework. In addition, you will hear from peers and practitioners who contributed to the development of the framework. Don't miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the framework's design principles and how they foster equity, transparency, and responsible AI adoption.
Speakers
Jean Westrick, Executive Director, TAG
Gozi Egbuonu, Director of Programs, TAG
Who Should Attend
Grantmaking Executives
Philanthropy Tech Professionals
Program Managers
Technology Leaders
AI for Good Enthusiasts and Advocates
COST: Free for CNJG Members and Non Member Grantmakers
Jean Westrick, Executive Director
Technology Association of Grantmakers
Jean Westrick is the Executive Director of the Technology Association of Grantmakers, a nonprofit organization that cultivates the strategic, equitable, and innovative use of technology in philanthropy. Westrick brings two decades of experience building communities, leveraging technology, and leading innovative and programmatic strategies. Prior to being named Executive Director of TAG, Westrick was the Director of IT Strategy and Communications at The Chicago Community Trust where she led change management efforts for the foundation’s $6M digital transformation initiative. Also, while at The Trust, Westrick directed On the Table, an award-winning engagement model designed to inspire resident action that was replicated in 30 cities nationwide. A longtime advocate for equity in STEM education, expanding technology access and increasing science literacy, Westrick holds a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University and a Master of Science from DePaul University.
Gozi Egbuonu, Director of Programs
Technology Association of Grantmakers
Gozi Egbuonu is the Director of Programs at the Technology Association of Grantmakers (TAG), a nonprofit organization with a mission to cultivate the strategic, equitable, and innovative use of technology in philanthropy. Prior to TAG, Gozi was an Impact Officer at Network for Good’s (now Bonterra) capacity-building program called Jumpstart. Through her advocacy for philanthropic investments in the technological capacity of talented nonprofit leaders and organizations throughout the United States, Gozi helped generate more than $500,000 in capacity-building funds to help nonprofits become more sustainable. In addition to helping generate lasting impact for nonprofits, Gozi created meaningful content and events aimed at educating philanthropic communities on the power of trust-based partnerships between grantmakers and nonprofits. Committed to using technology to improve lives and advance social change, Gozi is researching the use of medical technology to improve healthcare delivery while earning her doctorate in behavioral health from Cummings Graduate Institute. She also holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Washington and Lee University, a Master of Arts from Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and Psychology, and a Master of Science from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.

This document promotes more effective funder partnerships for social justice. The report highlights lessons from grantee collaboration and aims to inspire philanthropy rooted in equity and justice.

This document provides strategies for high-impact philanthropy, including examples of nonprofits using effective approaches. It also includes resources for due diligence, advancing equality, crisis-grantmaking, and tips for avoiding fraud.
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.

I hope you had a rejuvenating and wonderful summer and found some moments to relax and hopefully take a vacation.
As we close out the summer and look forward to autumn, I would like to share an opportunity with you. If you are interested in serving on the CNJG Board of Trustees, or know someone who would make a good trustee, we encourage you to complete the application form and send it, along with a brief biography by Thursday, September 12, 2024. You can read the full “call for trustee nominations” letter from Governance Committee co-chairs Justin Kiczek and Kate Barrett for more details. If you have any questions, please reach out to our Office Manager, Dana Schwartz.
The Board will present a slate of candidates to CNJG members at our Annual Meeting. Please mark your calendar for the CNJG Annual Meeting & Holiday Gathering on Wednesday, December 11, at the APA Hotel Woodbridge.
As we transition from summer, we already have a jam-packed fall with a range of programs to enhance your learning and connections! Upcoming affinity and interest group programs include the Monmouth & Ocean County Funders Roundtable on September 11; Health and Aging Funders Affinity Group: Reconnecting on September 18; Newark Funder Affinity Group: Building the Capacity of Newark’s Nonprofit Sector on September 19; and the Culture Funders Affinity Group: ArtsPay Equity on September 26. The funders briefing, New Jersey’s Latest Affordable Housing Reforms: Implications for Philanthropy on September 12 will outline the significant reforms to the ways that NJ enforces municipal affordable housing obligations that Governor Murphy signed into law in March 2024. Don’t miss First Fridays for Philanthropy September 6 and family philanthropy webinar Effective Communication and Building Consensus through Change on September 9 &10 – both programs are part of two ongoing monthly series. You’ll also want to register for part 1 of the 2024 Disability & Philanthropy Webinar Series: Disability and the Care Economy on September 19.
And that’s just September! Please take some time to visit all our upcoming programs. I look forward to reconnecting with you this fall and seeing you at the Annual Meeting & Holiday Gathering, December 11. Registration will be opening soon.
Sincerely,
Theresa Jacks, President and CEO
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers
This year marks the 5th anniversary of the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers’ biennial Spring Colloquium – A Conversation for the Social Sector - being held on May 24 at the George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick. A CNJG signature event since 2006, the Colloquium brings together foundations and non-profits with national thought leaders to explore topics of critical interest to foundations and non-profits whose work impacts our state’s quality of life.
“The Colloquium is a natural outgrowth of our role as a central force in amplifying the voice of philanthropy in New Jersey,” said Nina Stack, President of the Council. “This special event gives foundation and non-profit leaders the benefit of hearing from our country’s leading social sector experts and the opportunity to apply what they learn to the important work they do to improve the lives of those they serve in New Jersey.”
The 2016 Spring Colloquium conversation will focus on how privatization and de-funding of many services once provided by the public sector has led to the expectation that grantmakers and their non-profit partners will increasingly assume responsibility for these services, despite dramatically diminished resources. The social sector is responding to this challenge with innovative funding initiatives. Detroit’s foundations, for example, devised the “Grand Bargain” to help solve that city’s pension crisis. Likewise, the use of social impact bonds is rising as a means of underwriting safety net programs. “This change in the ‘public contract’ necessitates thoughtful planning on the part of foundation and nonprofit leaders who must be prepared to meet this significant paradigm shift,” said Emily Tow Jackson, Executive Director and President of the Tow Foundation, and a 2016 Colloquium panelist.
Other panelists at this year’s Colloquium include moderator Robert S. Collier, the President and CEO of the Council of Michigan Foundations; Elizabeth T. Boris, Founding Director of the Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy at the Urban Institute; and Michael McAfee, Vice President for Programs at PolicyLink.
Over the years, the Colloquium has considered a diverse range of topics including philanthropy’s role in restoring civility to society; strategies to ensure community and nonprofit sustainability; philanthrocapitalism; and driving change by being fearless. The event has featured such prominent speakers as former New Jersey Governor Tom Kean; Idealist founder Ami Dar; U.S. editor of The Economist Matthew Bishop; and Philadelphia Federal Reserve Board Chairman, Jeremy Nowak, among many others.
In addition to serving New Jersey’s social sector, the Spring Colloquium will be viewed by CNJG regional philanthropy association members across the country via simulcast-hosted gatherings.
“PSE&G strongly believes in the power of the social sector’s collective impact and the leadership that CNJG has exhibited over the years by providing New Jersey’s foundations and non-profits with access to our counterparts from across the country,” said Ellen Lambert, Chief Diversity Officer, Senior Director Corporate Citizenship and President, PSEG Foundation, a sponsor of the 2016 CNJG Spring Colloquium. For more details about the Colloquium please visit www.cnjg.org/investmentforum.
The Council of New Jersey Grantmakers works to strengthen and promote effective philanthropy throughout New Jersey. The leading resource for networking and information for New Jersey's philanthropic community, CNJG provides representatives of all types of grantmaking organizations access to valuable services and meaningful activities to advance their work.
It’s always a mad dash to the end of the year, and this year is no exception.
But before we close out the year, CNJG members and special guests will gather next Thursday, December 14, at the 2023 Annual Meeting & Holiday Gathering, to learn together at the pre-meeting workshop, welcome new members, attend the annual business meeting of members to elect trustees and recap our year, enjoy conversation and networking over lunch, and hear a dynamic discussion related to an important topic for New Jersey’s philanthropic sector. The Annual Meeting & Holiday Gathering is always a great opportunity to see longtime friends, meet new colleagues, and network with other funders!
Our theme this year couldn’t be more timely - collaboration. The fireside chat, Sustainable, Effective, and Equitable Collaboration – A Conversation that Centers Community, will feature Nidhi Sahni, Partner and Head of US Advisory Group, Bridgespan, and Lucy Vandenberg, Executive Director, Schumann Fund for New Jersey. And the learning doesn’t stop - we’ve also curated several resources to help inform your collaborative efforts.
Thank you to our Annual Meeting sponsors, Signature Sponsor – Prudential; Collaborating Sponsor - Victoria Foundation; Connecting Sponsors - Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Devils Youth Foundation; and Supporting Sponsors – Grunin Foundation, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Princeton Area Community Foundation, and WSFS Bank. CNJG thanks the NJM Insurance Group for a donation in support of the Annual Meeting. Sponsorship underwrites our Signature events. It is only through the generosity of our sponsors that we can provide our Signature events. We are grateful for your support.
Thank you for your membership and support in 2023. CNJG supports and elevates New Jersey’s philanthropic community through shared learning, collaborative and trusting relationships, network building, and leadership. We greatly value your membership in the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers, and your ongoing support of our work to strengthen philanthropy in the state.
We can’t wait to see you next week! This event is often the place where the first seeds of collaboration and partnership are sown.
Theresa Jacks, President and CEO
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers
Resources gathered from our colleagues at other philanthropy-serving organizations, state nonprofit associations, and city, state, and federal governments.
Philanthropy Serving Organizations Resources
Candid: Funding Summary for Global Philanthropic Response
Center for Disaster Philanthropy
Disaster Philanthropy Playbook
Complex Humanitarian Emergencies: Philanthropy’s Role in Recovery Webinar - Held 2/13/2020
COVID-19 Coronavirus: How Philanthropy Can Respond Webinar - Held 3/5/2020
COVID-19: Past Epidemics and Vulnerability - Lessons for Funders Webinar and Webinar Slides - Held 3/26/2020
COVID-19: Making Effective Rapid Response Grants Webinar and Webinar Slides - Held 4/14/2020
COVID-19: Managing Multiple Disasters Amid the Pandemic Webinar - Held 4/28/2020
Report: Philanthropy and COVID-19 in the First Half of 2020 - May 2021
Report: Philanthropy and COVID-19 Measuring One Year of Giving - March 2021
Report: Philanthropy and COVID-19 Examining Two Years of Giving - May 2022
Center for High Impact Philanthropy: COVID-19 Pandemic: Resources
Council on Foundations
Philanthropy’s Response to Coronavirus Outbreak Resource Page
Sharing Approaches to COVID-19 Community Response Webinar and Webinar Slides - Held 3/12/2020
Funders: Sign the Council on Foundations’ Pledge to act with urgency, loosen restrictions, reduce what you ask of non-profits, contribute, communicate, and listen.
Exponent Philanthropy:
Resources for Lean Funders
Blog: How Lean Funders Are Responding to COVID-19
Funders Together to End Homelessness:
COVID-19 Response and System Redesign: Recommendations for Philanthropy to Support Solutions to End Homelessness
Grantmakers for Effective Organizations: Smarter Grantmaking Practices During—and Beyond—COVID-19
Minnesota Council on Foundations: Coronavirus Webinar and Webinar Slides - Held 3/4/2020
National Center for Family Philanthropy
COVID-19: Response and Recovery Resources
Family Philanthropy’s Response to COVID-19 Webinar - Held 3/27/2020
National Center for Responsive Philanthropy: Local Foundation Funding for Immigrant & Refugee Groups
Philanthropy New York
COVID-19 Updates & Resources
Preparing for COVID-19: Philanthropy’s Response in Times of Crisis Webinar - Held 3/12/2020
Philanthropy Network of Greater Philadelphia: Philanthropy’s Response to the Coronavirus
United Philanthropy Forum
3/12 Letter to Congress - Include Nonprofits in Coronavirus Package
3/18 Letter to Congress - Nonprofit Community COVID-19 Stimulus Letter
State Nonprofit Association Resources
New Jersey Center for Nonprofits: Resources for Non-Profits in Response to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Outbreak
1st Rapid Response Survey Report
2nd Rapid Response Survey Report
Washington Nonprofits: Open Letter to Funders
Government Resources
Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
City of Newark: News & Updates
Federal Emergency Management Agency: A Guide to the Disaster Declaration Process and Federal Disaster Assistance
NJ Department of Health: Up-to-date Information about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in New Jersey
State of New Jersey: COVID-19 Information Hub
U.S. House of Representatives: House passes HR 6201: Families First Coronavirus Response Act
World Health Organization: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak
Additional Resources
Condon O’Meara McGinty & Donnelly, LLP: Guidance for Private Foundations
