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Join this virtual session introducing systems thinking principles and their vital role in driving meaningful change. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, this session will equip you with the knowledge to unlock transformative solutions for your organization and community.
The webinar will explore—and show participants how to apply—a systems change framework that adapts and expands the approach forged by New Jersey grantmaker, The Nicholson Foundation. This approach embodied collaboration with government, foundations, and community nonprofits to promote sustainable change in New Jersey. State leaders in government, nonprofits, and philanthropy will reflect on how they use systems thinking principles in New Jersey and their crucial role in getting to outcomes in health and early childhood education using community-based approaches. In addition to a deep dive on systems change in New Jersey, participants will gain insights from foundation leaders in Texas who are transforming complex systems, including education and behavioral health.
Key Takeaways
· Understand the Systems Change Framework: Analyze the systems affecting your work.
· Practical Tools: Acquire actionable insights to implement complex change.
· Interactive Learning: Engage in discussions, expert presentations, and real-world reflections.
Moderator and Panelists Focused on New Jersey
Kimberly Boller, PhD, former Executive Director of The Nicholson Foundation and CNJG Board member
Denise Anderson, PhD, Inaugural Executive Director of The Center for Health Equity & Wellbeing, New Jersey's Public Health Institute; and former Managing Director for the Office of Primary Care and Rural Health at the New Jersey Department of Health
Wendy McWeeney, MPA, Co-Director, Community Health Acceleration Partnership
Atiya Weiss, MPH, Executive Director of the Burke Foundation and former CNJG Board member
The Nicholson Foundation is sponsoring the webinar in partnership with the Center for Nonprofits & Philanthropy at Texas A&M University’s Bush School of Government and Public Service.
Cost: $99. Please register by May 12.
Contact Kimberly Boller with questions and requests for group pricing.
The Funders Collaborative was an innovative partnership supported by 14 local and national foundations. The collaborative supplemented the programs and grantmaking of its member foundations by working with community organizations, the business sector and public agencies to encourage collaboration, planning and investment “beyond the rail.”
The Green Line opened in June 2014, and the Funders Collaborative concluded its work two years later in June 2016 as planned.
The Funders Collaborative was founded with a belief in light rail’s potential for benefiting the people and places closest to the line. The collaborative envisioned stable, thriving neighborhoods throughout the corridor that reflect community identities and link all people to regional opportunities and local amenities.
The Funders Collaborative concluded its work in June 2016 as planned. The final report and archives document the accomplishments and learnings of this innovative partnership have been archieved for learning purposes.
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
In Q4 2021, our foundation awarded 17 grants totaling over $6.4 million dollars. Of these, three grants were new, while nine were renewals.
Our Q4 grantmaking aligns with our updated funding model, which focuses our work on identifying and fueling the scale of cost-effective programs and solutions that accelerate improvement in key academic and socioemotional outcomes for all children. Inspired by venture philanthropy, the model puts an emphasis on grantmaking and strategic support that unlock innovation, evidence, and growth.
Below we highlight just some of the many direct impact and ecosystem organizations we’re proud to support this quarter as we conclude our 2021 grantmaking.
The Devils Youth Foundation, in an effort to bring life-changing opportunities to New Jersey’s youth through the power of sports and entertainment, recently committed its largest-ever grant, $100,000, to foundation partner La Casa de Don Pedro.
The grant provides the La Casa de Don Pedro facility with a brand new “El Patio de La Casa” — a revitalized area to serve as a vibrant community hub modeled after a Caribbean Plaza with safe spaces for children to play, attend concerts, have a neighborhood communal refrigerator and enjoy festivals.
El Patio de La Casa’s subsequent community programming will serve over 800 youth in Newark annually.
Kessler Foundation approved approximately $2 million in grants in 2021 to support initiatives that promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace. The Foundation allocated funding for three categories: Foundation-Directed Grants, Community Employment Grants, and Special Initiative Grants. Since 2005, the Foundation's Center for Grantmaking has awarded more than $50 million to nonprofit programs that expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities striving to work, adding diversity to American workplaces, and boosting productivity.
Kessler grantmaking has lead to improved job skills and paid employment for thousands of individuals with disabilities.
The Foundation's contributions have led to improved job skills and paid employment for thousands of individuals with disabilities, according to Elaine E. Katz, MS, CCC-SLP, senior vice president for grants and communications at Kessler Foundation. "Our grants support inventive initiatives that open new pathways to increasing inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace," she added.
More than two dozen local nonprofits have received grants from the Summit Foundation totaling more than $325,000. A record number and dollar amount of grant requests were received by the foundation.
In sum, 28 organizations received awards totaling $326,020, grants which will support programs in focus areas that include civic and community needs; health and medical services; arts and culture; education; people with special needs; and older adults.
“Our grantmaking is aimed at building the resources of organizations dedicated to providing innovative and critical services to enhance the quality of life in the Summit area.,” said Summit Foundation President Dana Turk.
OceanFirst Foundation, Toms River, has awarded $718,900 in grants to 104 New Jersey and Philadelphia nonprofits. Organizations will receive General Operating/Flexible Support Grants to help them meet organizational needs. Services include, but are not limited to, healthcare, crisis assistance, emergency response, homelessness prevention, hunger and poverty fighting programs, and job readiness services.
“Our partners are passionate about serving our neighbors, and we’re proud to present them with General Operating/Flexible Support Grants as we work together to uplift our communities,” shared Katherine Durante, executive director, OceanFirst Foundation. “Through unrestricted funding, our partners have the flexibility to adapt to evolving community needs. We are committed to empowering nonprofits and providing resources to neighborhoods served by OceanFirst Bank. I am confident that this year’s incredible grantees will make a positive and long-lasting impact.”
The New Jersey Council for the Humanities (NJCH) has announced $272,408 in grant funding to 22 organizations across the state for Spring 2023.
The awards are split between 11 Incubation Grants and 11 Action Grants. Incubation Grants help organizations plan, research, develop, and prototype public humanities projects and events. Action Grants help organizations implement a wide array of humanities-based projects, including public programs, exhibitions, installations, tours and discussion groups.
“This grant funding represents support for a mixture of new projects and ongoing, important work,” said Carin Berkowitz, Ph.D., executive director of NJCH. “In that way, it mirrors the fundamental purpose of the humanities, examining our history and culture in ways that shape our current understanding of the world.”
Any and all staff and/or trustees from new CNJG members and any new staff and trustees of veteran CNJG members are invited to this Zoom meeting to meet fellow new members, hear about each other’s funding strategies, and learn about the programs and services CNJG offers. This is a great chance to meet fellow funders in a casual, yet professional setting, and build your network within the CNJG network.
There is no cost to attend for CNJG members.
If you have any questions about who can or should attend, please contact Craig Weinrich, Director of Member Services at 609-414-7110 x802.
The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey (HFNJ) is pleased to announce that it has awarded $2,802,521 to twenty New Jersey nonprofit organizations in its third quarter grant cycle of 2023. The total includes renewal funding for 15 projects that had previously been awarded grants from HFNJ, and first-time funding for five new projects.
The projects reflect the many diverse areas in which HFNJ works to fulfill its mission of improving the health and well-being of individuals in Newark and its environs and the Jewish community of Greater MetroWest, NJ. Programs providing vision care for children; dental care for veterans; care for individuals experiencing homelessness; the provision of healthy foods; and more will be supported by the grants awarded this quarter.
The Westfield Foundation recently held its most recent Board Meeting and awarded grants totaling over $40,000 to several local organizations, including two new grantees.
Pediatric Health Center at Trinitas Hospital: The Westfield Foundation supported this project by providing child-sized tables, chairs, and books in both English and Spanish. These resources will enhance the environment for young patients and their families at the Pediatric Health Center.
JCC (Jewish Community Center): The Foundation awarded a grant to the JCC from its Wagner-Hoffart fund, which is dedicated to supporting the Senior Citizen Community. The grant is aimed at facilitating a Musical Exploration series, ensuring that the JCC can continue to offer enriching programming to its members.
In addition to the ongoing partnerships with these established community organizations, two new grantees were introduced.