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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.

“It was so great to meet everyone at the New Members Orientation. Thank you for creating the space; I learned a lot more about NJ funders, the amazing work they're doing, and all the impactful programs CNJG has to offer and how to stay involved.” -Verinda Sood; Rippel Foundation

Join your CNJG CEO colleagues for a monthly peer-to-peer gathering via Zoom focused on you, your role, and your unique and particular challenges as the leader for your organization. If you’re the CEO, Executive Director, Executive Officer – this time and space from 4:00 – 5:00 pm on the third Wednesday of the month - is just for you. This is an opportunity to connect directly with your CEO peers for conversation, community and lightly facilitated topical conversations. The space is yours to share your experiences and challenges, ask questions, and offer ideas on how to support each other and your work. This is also an opportunity to build your relationships with you colleague CEOs in the CNJG network.

Cost: Free for CNJG Members

For more information, please reach out to Theresa Jacks, President and CEO, CNJG.

Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees (GCIR) is hosting a discussion with three nonprofit newsrooms, moderated by a foundation actively investing in racial equity in journalism. You will have the opportunity to learn about the critical role independent media plays in supporting our multiracial democracy and how philanthropy can help undergird the sector. 

As the United States grapples with rising authoritarianism and anti-immigrant sentiment within both government and the general population, the fourth estate remains a critical bulwark in the defense of our democracy. While it is undeniable that journalism and independent media have suffered significant setbacks in recent decades, the power of robust, rigorous, and accessible media can help inoculate communities from mis- and disinformation, and can elevate important perspectives that might otherwise not be heard.

For many immigrants and refugees, nonprofit media outlets led by and for their communities, such as Futuro Media Group, Radio Campesina and El Tocolote, exist as culturally competent and linguistically accessible news sources covering relevant issues such as immigration policy, community events and resources, and local politics. These outlets also serve as an important counterweight to toxic and sensationalized mainstream media narratives about the role of immigrants in our society.

Join GCIR for a discussion with three nonprofit newsrooms, moderated by a foundation actively investing in racial equity in journalism. In this session, we will learn about the critical role independent media plays in supporting our multiracial democracy while exploring how philanthropy can help support and strengthen the sector.

SPEAKERS
Nissa Rhee, Executive Director, Borderless Magazine
Chao Xiong, Director of Editorial, Sahan Journal
Mazin Sidahmed, Co-Executive Director, Documented NY

MODERATOR
Alicia Bell, Director of Racial Equity in Journalism Fund, Borealis Philanthropy

Cost: Free for Members and Non Members
You will need to register for a free web account on GCIR’s website before being able to register (much like the process to register for an account on CNJG’s website).

Developed in partnership with United Philanthropy Forum and Northern California Grantmakers, this guide shares seven practices and 12 tools for Philanthropy-Serving Organizations who seek effective ways to mobilize resources to sustain their organization’s work. The guide features perspectives from dozens of leaders of national and regional PSOs and examples from our work with these organizations. Much of the content is based on conversations and strategy work with PSO leaders, staff and board members.

Join your peers to learn more about the Disability & Philanthropy Forum and the Disability Inclusion Pledge in a session facilitated by Sarah Napoli, Learning Services Director for the Forum. Current signatories will share their progress as pledge signatories and how the Disability & Philanthropy Forum can support your journey to implement accessibility in your work. This is a great opportunity to come with questions if you are interested in becoming a pledge signatory or are a current pledge member. This will also offer some informal learning on disability fundamentals and allow space for Q&A.

This session is a part of our Grantmaker Toolkit Series in collaboration with The Council of New Jersey Grantmakers, New York Funders Alliance, Florida Philanthropic Network, Wisconsin Philanthropy Network, Maryland Philanthropy Network, Philanthropy West Virginia, Grantmakers of Western Pennsylvania, Philanthropy Network of Greater Philadelphia, and the North Carolina Network of Grantmakers.

The Disability & Philanthropy Forum mobilizes philanthropy to dismantle ableism by increasing funding for disability inclusion, rights, and justice; amplifying the leadership of disabled people in the philanthropic sector; and educating philanthropy to build a culture of inclusion.

Speaker: Sarah Napoli is the learning services director at the Disability and Philanthropy Forum. From 2019-2023, she acted as the lead disability inclusion project officer within the people and culture Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity team at Open Society Foundations (OSF), where she developed and facilitated disability inclusion learning and embedded proactive disability inclusive practices throughout the global network. In addition to OSF, she has over 20 years of experience teaching and conducting training on social justice and advocacy in higher education and nonprofits, most recently as the director for the inaugural Center for Inclusion at Manhattanville College and as the assistant head of Goodricke College at the University of York, England. She specializes in facilitating engaging workshops and designing curriculum that challenge and encourage participants to foster a culture of inclusion.

She holds two MA degrees, one in social justice in intercultural relations from the SIT graduate institute and one in applied human rights from the University of York. She identifies as a proud disabled person and enjoys chatting about Geek culture—all things fantasy and sci/fi and her former life as a hip hop researcher and dancer. Her research on how hip hop creates human rights identities was recently published in the University of Michigan press text, For the Culture: Hip Hop and the Fight for Social Justice.

She has conducted workshops and training all over the USA and in the world, including Japan, Guatemala, throughout Europe, South Africa, and Canada. Click here to read Sarah’s story, “The Disabled Mindset: Embracing My Disability Identity.”

Cost: Free for CNJG Members; $50 for Non Member Grantmakers

Newark’s 40th Mayor Ras J. Baraka (pictured, second from right) invited the Newark Funders Group to hear his vision for the city at special August meeting.  Just 30 days into his term, the Mayor called on the Newark Philanthropic Liaison Jeremy Johnson (far left) to organize a convening with the Newark group, co-chaired by Etta Denk of Bank America (second from left) and Barbara Reisman of the Schumann Fund for New Jersey (third from left).  Irene Cooper-Basch (far right), Chair of the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers and Executive Officer at the Victoria Foundation, introduced the Mayor to more than 50 grantmakers who attended the session at the PSEG headquarters in downtown Newark.   Rick Thigpen (not pictured), ‎Vice President, State Government Affairs at PSEG, welcomed the Mayor and Grantmakers to the company’s conference center.

Mayor Baraka talked about new interventions for youth at risk and targeting crime in hot spots in the city.  He said increased “literacy” would help get to the core of many of Newark’s problems.  During the questions and answer period, the Mayor elaborated on his proposed response to the budget, the arts, downtown development, prisoner reentry, early childhood education and the city’s relation to Newark Public Schools.  He thanked grantmakers for their contributions to “The Blueprint for a New Newark,” a document of transition recommendations.

The Newark Funders Group is an affinity group of CNJG and meets quarterly.  The group’s activities include an active Education Subcommittee, Early Learners Funders Group, and College Access and Success committee.

We will hear from four organizations which have varying focuses and strategies, but share the same goal to help struggling New Jersey communities fight against the growing impact of the coronavirus. Join us for an overview of the purpose and progress of these COVID-19 funds and assistance programs.

We’ll hear about the ALICE Recovery Fund from CEO Kiran Gaudioso and Senior Vice President Theresa Leamy from the United Way of Northern New Jersey and the PHL COVID-19 Fund from Kate Houstoun, Managing Director for Capacity Building at the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. These funds support two different locals and populations reeling from coronavirus crisis. The ALICE (Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed) population is especially vulnerable to economic disruption and illness during this pandemic. The PHL COVID-19 Fund focuses on the 5 southern counties of Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, and Cumberland.

We’ll also hear from Tim Sullivan, CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, who will outline how they are working with philanthropy and nonprofits to develop funds and programs that support our communities during this difficult time. We’ll round out the webinar with a presentation from Wayne Meyer, President of New Jersey Community Capital, who will discuss the Garden State Relief Fund, and its focus on providing low interest loans to nonprofits and small business which have been disproportionately affected by this crisis.

Register now to keep up to date with the latest COVID-19 funds and programs helping to address critical needs and provide equitable relief throughout New Jersey.

Cost: Free for CNJG Member and NonMember Grantmakers.
This program is only open to staff and trustees from grantmaking organizations.

Webinar Video

Newark is one step closer to its highly anticipated Guaranteed Income Pilot Program following the release of a report by the city, the Jain Family Institute and the Economic Security Project outlining findings and recommendations that would put more cash into residents’ hands.

Mayor Ras Baraka first broached the idea of a universal basic income pilot program at a 2019 State of the City address, saying it would be a welcome experiment in Newark, where more than a third of residents live below the poverty line. Universal basic income is a government benefit that aims to reduce income inequality through direct cash infusion.

More than a year later, the report completed by the city’s special task force is positioning Newark to join a national body of research on guaranteed income. The pilot program would focus specifically on residents struggling with housing insecurity, according to the city.

“What we really want to do is add to the national body of research and put Newark on a national stage,” said Kevin Callaghan, Newark’s philanthropic liaison. “This is Mayor Baraka entering a conversation and saying this is something that we support, and the top recommendation of the report is that there should be a federal guaranteed income policy.”

With the support of JFI and ESP, two internationally recognized research groups, Newark will begin to cast a line to national foundations and donors to fund the pilot. The report estimates anywhere between $4.5 million to $12 million based on three studies, but Callghan put the sweet spot around $5 million for meaningful results.

Estimates say that a Newark family would need $63,000 a year to meet its basic needs, according to United Way of Greater Newark.

Sam Parker, Chief of Staff to Lt. Governor Way and Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Murphy, will discuss ways to become involved with a state board or commission and the appointment process. You will also have the opportunity to learn about the expectations and responsibilities in serving the State as well as why it is important to be involved as a philanthropic organization. Sam oversees the Appointments Department which is responsible for the numerous appointments to New Jersey’s various Boards, Commissions, Councils, Advisory Committees and Task Forces; as well as the Judicial Bench.

Sam Parker (she/her) is an organizational, development and political professional with extensive experience in strategic planning, leadership management, civic engagement, and collaborative partnership building. Sam is currently the Chief of Staff to Lt. Governor Way and Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Murphy. Before joining the administration in March of 2021, Sam served as the Development and Political Affairs for the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide. Sam was also Congressman Frank Pallone’s Deputy Campaign Director (2013) and Deputy Field Director for the New Jersey State Democratic Committee’s Victory Campaign (2012). Previous to her return to her home state in 2012, Sam worked for organizations such as The National LGBTQ Task Force, Human Rights Campaign, EqualityMaine and Equality North Carolina on LGBT+ issue campaigns all over the country. Sam has a BA of English/Creative Writing from the University of Southern Maine and a master's degree in Public Policy and Management and a certificate of Social Justice and Economics from The Muskie School at the University of Southern Maine.

Cost: Free for CNJG Members; $75 for Non Member Grantmakers
This program is only open to staff and trustees from grantmaking organizations.

Webinar Video

Resource
Governor's Boards, Commissions, and Authorities Directory