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A CNJG member queried our listserves for sample questions (not included in the grant application) you might ask grantees or potential grantees during site visits. CNJG compiled these responses, and other documents members use.
Get the complete 2024 Joint Policy Forum Resource List including a printable Agenda on the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits website.
Conference Photos
"What is the ongoing impact of social change on grantmaker support for grantees? How common is it for foundation staff to be back in the office? How can I leverage peer benchmarking to advocate for change within my organization?”
In July 2022, Technology Association of Grantmakers (TAG) conducted a survey to better understand the technology environment, practices, and perceptions in philanthropy. Now in its third version, the 2022 State of Philanthropy Tech survey compiled results from 277 grantmaking organizations throughout North America, the EU, and UK. The findings are fascinating!
Topics covered include:
· Technology budgeting and staffing
· Staff turnover and retention
· Remote, hybrid, and in-person work trends
· Cybersecurity breaches, training, and protections
· Trends in tool selection for grants management, remote work enablement, and more
Join TAG executive Director, Chantal Foster, and TAG Survey Committee Member, Tess Hanrahan of the Hewlett Foundation, for this interactive webinar that will explore key findings and trends just in time for your 2023 planning. TAG cultivates the strategic, equitable, and innovative use of technology in philanthropy. Their work builds knowledge, strengthens networks, and advances the social sector.
This program is for members of the following philanthropy-serving organizations: Maryland Philanthropy Network, Council of New Jersey Grantmakers, Florida Philanthropic Network, Grantmakers of Western Pennsylvania, Philanthropy Wisconsin, NY Funders Alliance, and North Carolina Grantmakers.
Webinar Recording
TAG’s State of Philanthropy Tech Survey Presentation Slides (and attached)
2022 State of Philanthropy Tech Survey
6 Tech Trends to Watch in Philanthropy
Selecting Systems for Community Foundations
Favorite Productivity Apps of Webinar Participants: Asana, Microsoft Planner, Calendly, Slack, Evernote, iCalender, Google Calendar, Doodle, DownDetector, Trello, Outlook, Monday.com, Microsoft Bookings, Docusign, OneNote
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
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 only statewide study ever published on giving, CNJGs New Jersey Gives report provides a status report on the strength of charitable giving in New Jersey and its influence on the state's economy. First published in 2001 with an updates produced in 2003 and 2005 New Jersey Gives features key statistics on corporate and community foundations, individual giving and more.
The 2018 President’s Report is our annual look back at CNJG’s robust programming and services for our members and, by extension, the communities they serve. The Council is an engaged and cohesive network of grantmakers dedicated to our state’s communities and people.
The 2020 President’s Report is our annual look back at CNJG’s robust programming and services for our members and, by extension, the communities they serve. The Council is an engaged and cohesive network of grantmakers dedicated to our state’s communities and people.
The 2021 President’s Report is our annual look back at CNJG’s robust programming and services for our members and, by extension, the communities they serve. The Council is an engaged and cohesive network of grantmakers dedicated to our state’s communities and people.
We are pleased to share the 2022 Newark Philanthropic Liaison Report to the Field. The role continues to demonstrate meaningful impact in Newark while serving as a model to other cities and states across the country interested in deepening the intentionality of public-private partnerships.
CNJG is pleased to partner with the Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth (OCIG) within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration at the U.S. Department of Commerce on this series to help the funding community know about the federal government’s investment into broadband access, and how communities, residents and organizations can take advantage of these funding opportunities.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the New Jersey Office of Broadband Connectivity are hosting a series of public virtual roundtable meetings, which will take place once per month from February through July 2023. Join us to learn more about Internet for all, Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) and the Digital Equity Grant funding planning in New Jersey.
These meetings are intended to create open communication and collaboration on BEAD and DE projects. This first meeting is an introduction to these programs, explains the coordination between NTIA and the NJ Office of Broadband Connectivity, and outlines upcoming important upcoming dates.
Resources
Webinar Recording
BEAD Info Sheet
Digital Equity Act Info Sheet
Ways to Get Involved – Local Governments
Ways to Get Involved – Tribal Entities
Ways to Get Involved – Community Based Organizations
Ways to Get Involved – Communities of Color
Ways to Get Involved – Industry
The Future of Work and the Role of Philanthropy
Date: This event has been postponed.
After much consideration and in light of the ongoing spread of coronavirus, CNJG has decided to postpone the 2020 Spring Colloquium, entitled The Future of Work and Philanthropy’s Role.
This was a difficult decision, but the health and safety of attendees and staff are of the utmost importance at this time. It is especially significant because our communities--and indeed our state--rely so heavily on the services and programs made possible by New Jersey’s foundations and charitable organizations. We do not want to do anything that could impede the good work being done by our philanthropic and nonprofit staff, leaders and stakeholders.
We are tremendously grateful to PSEG, our Signature Sponsor, for their continued support, and thank the CNJG Program Committee for their thoughtful guidance and ongoing assistance.
Monmouth and Ocean County funders, join us at the PEEP at the Jersey Shore BlueClaws event! This is a time for connection and relationship building with people we don't always get a chance to see in the philanthropic and nonprofit world. Most importantly, this is for ALL levels of your organization, including those doing direct service and operations, and board members. This is a family-friendly event so feel free to bring your kids!
PEEP (started by Vu Le, writer of the blog, Nonprofit AF)—Party to Enhance Equity in Philanthropy - is a nationally celebrated movement to bring together nonprofit and philanthropic leaders to help break down the pervasive power dynamics in our work and a small tool to help us see each other in our full humanity.
Cost: Free for CNJG Members and Non-Member Grantmakers
This program is open to Monmouth and Ocean County grantmakers and nonprofits only.
This event is available to philanthropic and nonprofit professionals at no cost thanks to the generous support of members of the Monmouth-Ocean Roundtable of Funders, a program through the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers.
New Jersey’s philanthropic and nonprofit sectors are in the forefront of helping communities respond and recover from the worst health and economic crisis of our lifetime.
On these pages, CNJG offers resources to help our members get the knowledge and information needed to be the most effective possible grantmakers.
CNJG is helping to track New Jersey philanthropy’s pandemic response through our “Get on the Map” campaign partnership with Candid, which launched a coronavirus map in response to funders’ requests. As you can see, the information collected is not complete, so please help. Visit our Share Your Giving Data webpage for information about how to share your COVID-19 grants data.
Sharing information with other funders is critical to informing philanthropy in the weeks and months ahead. Knowing where money is going, and how — and having the latest information — facilitates thoughtful collaboration and decision-making in times of crisis.
CNJG Response
Communications
CNJG created a Coronavirus Response webpage and listserve for the COVID-19 Response
Email to Members: NJ Philanthropic Response to COVID-19 (March 13)
Email to Members: Working Remotely Ensuring Service to Members (March 17)
CNJG participated in: Creative NJ Statewide Conversations - NJ’s Philanthropic Response (April 8)
CNJG Member Query: COVID-19 Rapid Response Funds
CNJG asked their members to share your grants data to update the coronavirus map and track philanthropy’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
CNJG Member Query: Grant Approval Templates Related to COVID-19
CNJG signed onto letter calling on philanthropy to act to curb bias attacks as virus spreads.
CNJG created a FAQ page about philanthropy’s COVID response.
NJ COVID-19 Response and Recovery Funds Learning Community
The NJ COVID-19 Response and Recovery Funds Learning Community helps grantmakers involved in special purpose COVID 19 funds get timely updates on what is happening on the ground, share information about what and where services and help are needed most, and explore strategies for the most effective grantmaking investments. Designed around the Center for Disaster Philanthropy's key principles of grantmaking -- resilience, equity, sustainability, and civic participation -- the Learning Community is committed to holding the difficult conversations about how philanthropy can best respond to community needs and help those who need it most.
COVID-19 Funders Briefings
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.
Newark COVID-19 Webinars
CNJG’s Newark Philanthropic Liaison, Kevin Callaghan, organized a series of webinars for our Newark Funders Affinity Group and other funders to know the specific challenges of New Jersey’s largest city responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Guest speakers included, Mayor Ras Baraka, Newark Public Schools Superintendent Roger Leon, consulting firm McKinsey & Co., and Catherine Wilson, CEO of United Way of Greater Newark.
Affinity and Interest Group COVID-19 Webinars
In order to dig deeper into the impact of the pandemic on certain communities and stay connected during this difficult time, CNJG worked with our affinity group chairs and other members to develop programming that supplemented our COVID-19 Funders Briefing Series and Newark COVID-19 Series. These virtual affinity and interest group meetings were designed for colleagues to update each other on coronavirus response efforts, hear about the greatest needs in their funding area, and share what they have learned.
CNJG Member Actions
News articles showing members philanthropic responses to the coronavirus pandemic which include announcements, emails, blogs, grants given and other resources gathered by and for our members.
New Jersey Focused Response Funds
A list of all of the response funds that foundations and philanthropic organizations have set up to help local communities, residents, non-profits, and businesses throughout New Jersey and news of the grants being awarded by each fund.
PSO, State, and Government Resources
Resources gathered from our colleagues at other philanthropy-serving organizations, state associations of nonprofits, and city, state and federal governments.
State and National COVID-19 News Articles
Some of the top COVID-19 news stories, centrally located for easy access.
CNJG provides this information free to the philanthropic community. If you are not a CNJG member, please join so you can take full advantage of the many benefits of membership and help underwrite the cost of services like this.
The presence of lead in New Jersey, whether in drinking water, paint, or soil, is one of many environmental justice issues that disproportionately affect low-income communities and communities of color. This funder briefing for all funders in New Jersey will cover how lead affects New Jersesyans, where it comes from, as well as local solutions, success stories, and partners to help communities equitably remove lead. Panelists will also discuss what funders can do in partnership with local governments to address the issue, including understanding new state mandates for lead pipe replacement and lead paint inspections and remediation.
Speakers:
Deandrah Cameron, New Jersey Future
Ruth Ann Norton, Green and Healthy Homes Initiative
Heather Sorge, Lead-Free NJ
Shereyl Snider, East Trenton Collaborative
Moderator: Anthony Diaz, Newark Water Coalition
Cost: Free for CNJG Members; $50 for Non Member Grantmakers
This program is only open to staff and trustees from grantmaking organizations.
Deandrah Cameron
Deandrah develops and advances state policies that affect health, water infrastructure, and redevelopment, with a primary focus on lead in drinking water. Prior to joining New Jersey Future, Deandrah worked as a case investigator at the Monmouth County Health Department to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Deandrah holds a B.S. in Public Health from the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, as well as a Master of Public Health focused on Health Systems and Policy with a Graduate Certificate in Public Health Nutrition from the Rutgers School of Public Health.
Ruth Ann Norton
Ruth Ann Norton, President & CEO of the Green & Healthy Homes Initiative, joined the organization in 1993 and has led its development into one of the nation’s most effective and foremost authorities on healthy housing and its impact on the social determinants of health. GHHI is dedicated to addressing the social determinants of health and racial equity through healthy housing. An expert on lead poisoning prevention, healthy housing and the intersection of climate, energy and health, Ruth Ann directs GHHI’s national strategy, policy framework and services to integrate climate, healthcare and healthy housing as a platform for improved health, economic, educational and social outcomes for low-income communities.
Heather Sorge
Heather is the Lead-Free NJ program manager and oversees its day-to-day operations. Lead-Free NJ is a new inclusive and equitable collaborative focused on addressing lead hazards and preventing childhood lead poisoning. Heather’s work is centered on facilitating a diverse statewide network that hopes to ultimately ensure the eradication of childhood lead poisoning in New Jersey within 10 years. Prior to joining New Jersey Future, Heather was the organizer for Healthy Schools Now with the New Jersey Work Environment Council (WEC), a coalition of over 80 organizations representing a diverse set of stakeholders dedicated to ensuring all New Jersey children and school employees learn and work in safe, healthy, modernized school buildings. Heather graduated from Churchman Business School with a degree in Accounting Finance.
Shereyl Snider
Shereyl Snider joined the East Trenton Collaborative (ETC) in 2019 as a Community Organizer. Originally a New Yorker, she has lived in East Trenton since 2003. As an ETC staff member, Shereyl provides dynamic leadership, amplifies the voices of the marginalized, facilitates collaboration among individuals from diverse backgrounds, and develops a robust commercial and residential community. After moving to Trenton, she earned an associate’s degree in Early Child Care from Mercer County Community College and worked as a substitute teacher in the Hamilton School District for five years. As a neighborhood resident and volunteer at the ETC, she learned how to organize in her local community. In addition to her work in the East Trenton neighborhood, Shereyl is also a member of The City of Trenton American Rescue Plan Committee championing for a lead safe Trenton.
Anthony Diaz, moderator
Anthony Diaz was born and raised in Newark, NJ where he currently resides and is the oldest of 4 boys. He is the co-founder and executive director of the Newark Water Coalition, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about the city's lead water crisis and other social justice issues. The Newark Water Coalition has given out over 100,000 gallons of water and over 90,000 lbs of food. He has traveled nationally and internationally to work on water issues on indigenous lands and rural communities. Anthony was able to represent Newark at the United Nations Climate Conference in Glasgow, Scotland. He believes that people power can win against the interconnected struggles of humanity. He is an avid Star Wars and Anime fan.
Webinar Video
Articles of Interest
Gov. Murphy announced grants for organizations ridding NJ of lead exposure
New Jersey will grant $38 million to lead abatement. Here’s where it will go.
New Jersey Lead Poisoning Prevention Action Plan
Jersey Water Works Lead in Drinking Water Task Force
Facts about Lead in the Home
Lead in Drinking Water, a Permanent Solution in New Jersey
Lead in Drinking Water in Child Care Facilities: Ensuring the Future for New Jersey’s Children
Lead Free NJ
East Trenton Collaborative
Newark Water Coalition
Green & Healthy Homes Initiative
These links and materials are presented as guides to help facilitate foundations and government agencies seeking partnerships or engagements to support mutual goals.
Council on Foundations’ Public-Philanthropic Partnership Initiative
Risks and Rewards of Partnerships an article from Let's Talk Philanthropy
The Essentials for Collaboration Between Foundations and Government from the Council on Foundations
What's the right relationship between philanthropy and government? results from a GrantCraft Study
Working with Government: Guidance for Grantmakers a guide from GrantCraft
Hosted by United Philanthropy Forum, in partnership with the Council on Foundations and Independent Sector, Foundations on the Hill (FOTH) is an annual opportunity for foundation executives, staff, and board members, philanthropy-serving organizations, and other philanthropic and social sector leaders to meet with their federal lawmakers, talk about issues of interest to philanthropy, and strengthen relationships with their representatives.
The overall purpose of Foundations on the Hill is to:
- Inform and educate Congress about philanthropy
- Advocate on issues affecting foundations
- Build CNJG’s relationships with lawmakers and their staff
- Create visibility for foundations and philanthropy on Capitol Hill
- Encourage Congress to view foundations as resources on key public policy issues
CNJG Makes Strong Showing at Foundations on the Hill 2025
The Council of New Jersey Grantmakers joined over 350 colleagues nationwide at Foundations on the Hill (FOTH) from February 23rd to 26th. This premier policy conference brought together the philanthropic sector for advocacy and education.
The CNJG delegation, led by our President and CEO Theresa Jacks, included Board Chair Craig Drinkard, Executive Officer, Victoria Foundation, Policy Co-chairs, Lucy Vandenberg, Executive Director, The Schumann Fund for New Jersey and William Engel, President, The Union Foundation, as well as a diverse group of foundation leaders representing various regions and interests across New Jersey. Notably, Linda Czipo, President and CEO of the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits, also participated, providing valuable insights from the nonprofit perspective.
FOTH offered a rich program beyond meetings with legislators. Attendees participated in conference sessions, learned about key national trends in philanthropy, and engaged with experts on critical issues like equitable grantmaking, tax reform, and the budget reconciliation process.
The CNJG delegation met with all New Jersey Congressional and Senate offices, including meeting directly with Congressmen Josh Gottheimer and Herb Conaway, and Senator Andy Kim, along with a photo meet-up with Senator Cory Booker. They advocated for the bipartisan Charitable Act, H.R.801/S.317). These bills modify and extend the deduction for charitable contributions for individuals who do not itemize deductions on their tax returns, thereby incentivizing charitable giving and encouraging greater philanthropic support for nonprofits and the communities they serve.
Beyond policy discussions and sharing what is happening on the ground in our state’s communities as a result of executive actions, FOTH provided valuable networking opportunities. The annual CNJG dinner fostered connections and relationships within the delegation, as well as time to debrief about what we were hearing on the Hill. Special thanks to Jermey Grunin, President, Grunin Foundation and Bill Engel for underwriting our dinner!
Overall, CNJG's participation in FOTH proved successful. By advocating for key legislation, educating Congress, and building relationships, CNJG helps ensure the voice of New Jersey philanthropy is heard on Capitol Hill.
2025 CNJG Delegation:
Carrie Bersak, Program Officer, The Burke Foundation
Sharif Braxton, Director, EQUIP NJ
Naeema Campbell, Program Officer, The Fund for New Jersey
Linda Czipo, President and CEO, New Jersey Center for Nonprofits
Kortney Swanson Davis, President and CEO, Forman S. Acton Educational Foundation
Craig Drinkard, Executive Officer, Victoria Foundation
William Engel, President, The Union Foundation
Alma Garcia, Director, Equity Ahora
Jeremy Grunin, President, Grunin Foundation
Theresa Jacks, President and CEO, CNJG
Jessica Johansen, Manager of Portfolio and Strategic Operations, The Tepper Foundation
Sharnita Johnson, Vice President, Victoria Foundation
Jessica Nugent, Senior Program Officer, The Burke Foundation
Katherine Nunnally, CEO, Smith Family Foundation
Jonathan Pearson, Executive Director, The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey
Shelley Skinner, Managing Director of Portfolios, The Tepper Foundation
Nelida Valentin, Vice President, Grants & Programs, Princeton Area Community Foundation
Lucy Vandenberg, Executive Director, The Schumann Fund for New Jersey
Renee Woodside, Associate Director, The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey
Hellen Zamora-Bustos, Grassroots Community Advocate, Equity Ahora