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What are the biggest needs and challenges New Jersey communities face as result of the pandemic?
- It starts with the basics: food and shelter, medical equipment such as masks for long-term care facilities, and digital access for remote education and medical screenings. For many immigrants and the undocumented community, this challenge is even greater.
- Parents of school-age children need support in navigating remote education and childcare challenges -- and balancing them with employment needs.
- People who’ve lost their jobs need to know how to find the right support services, and those services need to be accessible -- no technology or language barriers.
- Schools are having to re-imagine how they can open in the fall – if they can – with appropriate social distancing that requires changes to infrastructure and schedules.
- Organizations need support to retrofit their public spaces so they can serve the public safely.
How is CNJG leading efforts to prepare the philanthropic sector for an effective response?
- CNJG helped create the Disaster Philanthropy Playbook after Superstorm Sandy in 2012 and uses many of the lessons learned then to inform response and recovery plans for COVID.
- Almost immediately, CNJG began providing funder briefings, webinars, and other forms of information to the philanthropic community.
- With our members, CNJG created the COVID-19 Funder Learning Community for the numerous response funds that are serving New Jersey was established to:
- Get timely updates on the latest pandemic developments
- Share information about what services and help are needed most -- and where
- Explore potential strategies for effective grantmaking that matches resources to needs and avoids duplication
- Learn best practices from each other
How is the pandemic affecting New Jersey nonprofits?
- The COVID-19 crisis is having a significant and alarming financial and programmatic impact on the nonprofits relied on to care for those in need. According to the Center for Non-Profits Rapid Response Survey:
- 83% cancelled programs or events and correspondingly lost revenue
- 77% have budgetary implications related to strains on the economy
- 52% have increased demands for services
- 40% experienced a disruption in supplies or services provided by partners
- 37% have an increase in or sustained absences of staff and volunteers
- 31% have had layoffs or furloughs
- Many nonprofits lack the digital infrastructure needed to employees’ and volunteers’ sudden switch to remote work and many volunteers who do important work are no longer available.
How is New Jersey’s philanthropic sector responding to the needs of nonprofits and the people they serve?
- Many funders have streamlined the grantmaking process so nonprofits can either refocus grants or receive new funding expeditiously to provide immediate relief for those facing the most pressing situations.
- Many funders are reducing what they ask of nonprofit partners – for instance postponing reporting requirements, deferring site visits, and eliminating other demands on their time so they can focus efforts during this challenging time.
- Some are providing low- or no-interest loans or outright grants to small businesses and nonprofits to retrofit their facilities to keep essential workers and the people they serve safe.
- Several community foundations and other nonprofits have established NJ COVID-19 relief funds that make it safe and convenient for donors to give, and that direct resources to where they are needed most.
- The sector is committed to grounding its work in the Center for Disaster Philanthropy's key principles of grantmaking:
- Resilience, to improve communities holistically and make them stronger than before a disaster.
- Equity, to take historical injustices into account and inform investments.
- Sustainability, to take into account a long-term view and factor in uncertainty.
- Civic participation that equips and empowers those often left out to influence what happens in their communities.
How is CNJG responding to longstanding equity issues that the pandemic exposes and makes worse?
- Together with the Center for Non-profits in New Jersey, we put out a statement on behalf of the state’s philanthropic and nonprofit sectors, urging everyone to speak out against racism and discrimination in all forms.
- CNJG established a Racial Equity Task Force to eliminate any structural racism in New Jersey’s philanthropic community.
- Most of the larger COVID funds engaged community-based practitioners to assist in decision-making on grant awards, and CNJG is creating a local advisory group for the Learning Community.
What steps are being taken to make sure grants aren’t duplicative and that money is going where it’s needed most?
- CNJG encourages the philanthropic sector to use a shared mapping tool that shows how much money is being awarded and where. This tool helps grantmakers make informed decisions and helps to eliminate gaps in historically under-funded communities.
- The COVID-19 Funder Learning Community is a vehicle for building relationships and sharing information about what each funds is doing to support relief and recovery across the state.
What’s the best way for people to donate money for relief and recovery?
You can find a list of these New Jersey Relief and Recovery funds and their contact info here.
CNJG's 2018 Annual Meeting & Holiday Luncheon pre-meeting workshop with Michelle Greanias from PEAK Grantmaking focused on how foundation CEO’s, program officers, staff, and trustees could engage internally to put values-based grantmaking into practice.
Walk the Talk Video
A working glossary of terms to help shape a common language for work in Community Capacity. This glossary is intended to help promote philanthropy's roles in building community capacity by defining core concepts and closely related terms.
Private and public foundations can play an important role in advocacy by engaging in advocacy themselves and funding their grantees to advocate on their issues. After this workshop with Bolder Advocacy, your foundation will have a clear understanding of the kinds of advocacy activities you can safely engage in and best practices for grantmaking to give your grantees the most flexibility under the law for their advocacy efforts. Not sure how to make the case for funding advocacy? Uncertain whether you can fund grantees that lobby? Wondering whether your public or private foundation can speak out on a particular issue? This training answers these questions and more! The workshop is designed for foundation staff and trustees.
Participants will learn:
- Why public and private foundation should support advocacy;
- An overview of activities that constitute advocacy and public policy work;
- Various advocacy roles for foundations;
- The tax code’s definitions of lobbying;
- Activities that are exceptions to the definitions of lobbying, including those which private foundations can engage in;
- Rules for private and public foundation grants to nonprofits that lobby, including general support, specific project, and multi-year grants; and
- Grant agreement language that permits support for policy work.
This will be a virtual session; connection details will be provided upon registration.
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.
When any type of disaster strikes, philanthropy comes to the aid to those affected. CNJG, along with our philanthropy-serving organizations across the country through the United Philanthropy Forum, offers local and regional information pertaining to the relief efforts. Here, we offer resources, information, and updates on what is happening in New Jersey for larger disasters that have affected the lives of New Jerseyians, specifically, the water challenge in Newark and Hurricane Sandy, as well as COVID-19.
Disaster Response Listserve
Specifically for funders wanting to share information, news related to their own initiatives and/or NJ’s recovery and rebuilding process. If you are a funder (either in NJ or out-of-state) and are interested in joining this listserve, please send a request to Craig Weinrich.
Playbook for Philanthropic Response When Disaster Hits
While there is no shortage of guides for philanthropies to reference when disaster strikes, there is no comprehensive repository of the innovative strategies and critical work funders have accomplished in response to disasters both nationwide and globally. A partnership with the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, in association with the United Philanthropy Forum, the Disaster Philanthropy Playbook website aims to bring together a meaningful compilation of early stage ideas, tested models and innovative strategies employed by funders throughout the world. Designed as a multimedia, interactive online magazine, the Playbook will be an “evergreen” resource designed for continued updates and knowledge-building. The Playbook addresses community planning, civic rebuilding, legal services, housing, vulnerable populations, working with local, state and federal government, mitigation and preparedness are some of the common issues faced by communities post disaster. Leadership support for the Playbook has been generously provided by The Rita Allen Foundation. Additional support for the Playbook has been provided by Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies Contribution Fund, and PSEG Foundation.
State and National Disaster Relief Organizations and Resources
Disaster relief information and resources for funders or individuals who want to support organizations responding to disasters.
I hope you had a chance to pause and find moments of celebration and peace over the Fourth of July holiday with family and friends.
July 4 was also the day that President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill, a massive tax and spending package. The legislation includes a permanent universal charitable deduction ($1,000/$2,000) empowering all Americans to give, and removal of the foundation excise tax increase, protecting billions of dollars in investments for communities. Among its many devasting provisions, it cuts “$1 trillion from the federal Medicaid program, with over 360,000 in New Jersey potentially losing coverage. Almost $300 billion in cuts are also planned for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), impacting some 800,000 state residents enrolled in that program,” (New Jersey Spotlight). Ultimately these cuts will impact state budgets, including in our own state.
United Philanthropy Forum makes clear in their statement following the Senate passage, that cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and other vital safety net programs will significantly harm communities and people that the social sector – philanthropy and nonprofits – work to empower and elevate. The letter goes on to state:
The irony is cruel: Congress has expanded incentives for charitable giving while simultaneously creating conditions that will dramatically increase the need for charitable services. Philanthropy cannot fill the massive gaps these cuts will create.
In the face of such challenges, the need for robust civic engagement has never been more urgent. Civic engagement is the bedrock of a healthy democracy – it's the process of empowering individuals to be active participants in building and strengthening our communities and ensuring all voices are heard. It encompasses everything from direct interactions with government to the vital work of voluntary associations. It is precisely in times like these that our collective participation, our shared insights, and our collaborative action become most critical.
It was with this understanding that we convened the CNJG 2025 Conference for the Social Sector — Stronger Together: Philanthropy & Civic Engagement on Wednesday, June 18th. The conference brought together more than 350 funders, nonprofit leaders, and changemakers for a discussion on how philanthropy and nonprofits can work together to address and increase civic engagement. We explored key areas like local news, participatory budgeting, guaranteed income, and public-private partnerships just to mention a few. The energy in the room was palpable, reflecting a shared commitment to finding solutions and building a more equitable
New Jersey.
Many attendees participated in the New Jersey Council for the Humanities’ Democracy Conversation Program, during the opening session and throughout the day, sharing their perspectives on democracy. To see what your colleagues were saying, click here and then scroll down to filters at the top of chart, and select the "CNJG" tag. Thank you to NJCH for capturing the social sector’s voices from our conference as part of this project.
To keep the momentum going and deepen our understanding and collective impact, we invite you to register for these upcoming programs:
Funder Briefing: New Jersey State Budget - FY 2026, Federal Threats & What Comes Next - Wednesday, July 16, 2025, | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM - This timely funder briefing will break down the state budget and the implications of federal policies on New Jersey's communities and the social sector.
2025 Summer Joint Policy Forum: Nonprofit and Philanthropic Champions for New Jersey - a partnership program of CNJG and the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits - Tuesday, August 5, 2025, | 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM | The Heldrich Hotel & Conference Center, New Brunswick, NJ - Join us for a powerful day of advocacy and collaboration, shaping the policy landscape for a stronger New Jersey.
Staying informed and working collaboratively is one way we can navigate these challenging times and continue to build a more just and thriving New Jersey.
Warmly,
Theresa Jacks, President and CEO
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers
As New Jersey enters its 9th week of sheltering in place and the close of businesses deemed non-essential, we have already seen the impact of policy decisions and the immense and growing need in our communities. The sheer number of people stricken with COVID-19, heartbreak of families and loved ones as they respond, widespread unemployment, difficulty accessing services, a lack of resources for immigrant and undocumented populations, financial uncertainty of nonprofits and small businesses, and a steep decline in physical and mental health, are some of the devastating challenges facing our country and state at this time.
Named to Gov. Murphy’s Restart and Recovery Advisory Council, Brandon McKoy, President of New Jersey Policy Perspective (NJPP) will present an overview of federal and state policy implemented in response to the COVID-19 crisis, with a special focus on how these policies impact nonprofits, vulnerable communities, and the state budget. A new NJPP report cautions, “Without proper funding, state government cannot fully serve the needs of the public, especially during a time of crisis when the demand for services is at an all-time high.” Brandon will share challenges in implementing these policies, policy recommendations to strengthen New Jersey’s response and recovery to the pandemic, and proposed systems change beyond resilience.
Cost: Free for CNJG Members and Nonmember Grantmakers
This program is only open to staff and trustees from grantmaking organizations.
Webinar Video
This year, GivingTuesday, a global generosity movement, is Tuesday, November 28. While this annual traditional is best known for highlighting charitable organizations’ missions and elevating individual giving, how can corporate philanthropy leverage these types of giving days and partnerships to engage in and promote greater impact? We’ll hear from Woodrow Rosenbaum, Chief Data Officer, GivingTuesday, who will share the history and evolution of this special day, as well as giving trends from a national perspective.
As Chief Data Officer, Rosenbaum has been instrumental in shaping the global generosity movement and has spearheaded ground-breaking research and analysis of individual giving behaviors. He leads the GivingTuesday Data Commons, bringing together a coalition of more than 300 collaborators coordinated through eight working groups as well as data teams in 50 countries to understand the drivers and impacts of generosity to inspire more giving of all types. Woodrow brings expertise in moving markets and transforming audiences from passive participants to active and vocal ambassadors. He is founder and CEO of With Intent, an international consumer marketing agency, a member of the Generosity Commission Research Task Force, serves as board chair for Global Impact Canada, and is a Fellow at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard Kennedy School.
Following the presentation and Q & A, we’ll have dedicated time for corporate funders to hear from one another, share programs and projects, and learn from one another. We encourage every attendee to participate in this discussion.
Webinar Video
Impact Investing Bootcamp: Fundamentals for Driving Sustainable Philanthropy in New Jersey is a 3-part series introducing CNJG members to impact investing. The series will take place from March to May 2024.
The Council on Foundation defines impact investing as “any investment activity that intends to generate positive social and financial returns. Whether called impact investing, mission investing, social investing, social-impact investing, mission-related investing, program-related investing, or sustainable and responsible investing, the practice focuses on activating new financial resources to solve social and environmental problems.”
Impact investing as a tool can generate positive, measurable social and environmental impact alongside financial returns. By attending this series you will:
- Learn the fundamentals of how to create a more sustainable model of philanthropy through impact investing tools.
- Hear from experienced practitioners.
- Learn how to successfully integrate grantmaking and investment resources.
- Participate in interactive discussions with local peers.
- Hear examples of investments made in New Jersey and nationally.
- Attend a site visit to see impact investing in action.
- Receive a copy of the book “Impact Investing: The Practical Guide” by John Duong.
Session 2: This session will feature a site visit to Hinchliffe Stadium to highlight the project and explore local case studies of NJ foundations implementing impact investment strategies. Grantmakers will have the opportunity to tour the project site, hear from nonprofit partners and participants, ask questions, and learn directly from those involved.
COST: Free for CNJG Members
Registrants must attend all three sessions of the series.
Space Limited. No more than two people per organization can register.
Additional Session Information:
Tuesday, March 12, 2024, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm - Session 1: In this full day workshop John Duong, founder and CEO of Kind Capital, will lead a dynamic and intensely focused full day of learning, knowledge-building, and exchange. The curriculum will include baseline information, the fundamentals of impact investment, methods and models, and opportunities for peer to peer and small group discussion and dialogue. A light breakfast and lunch is included.
Thursday, May 16, Time TBD - Session 3: This virtual session will focus on setting the groundwork for New Jersey philanthropy to explore additional shared learning and co-investment opportunities. The discussion will be led by John Duong, Kind Capital.
Speaker:
Mr. Duong has been an investment banker at JP Morgan Chase, was founding Managing Director of Lumina Impact Ventures with Luminia, and was Program and Portfolio Officer with the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. John holds an executive MBA with a concentration in management and entrepreneurship from the Kellogg School of Management.
This CNJG program is sponsored by: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Victoria Foundation and presented by Kind Capital.
Resources
The Impact Principles website
Planet Tracker website - Reports for climate focused investors
Catalyzing Finance for Racial Equity
RPA Impact Investing Handbook
Impact Investing: A Primer for Family Foundaitons
What Can Foundations Do to Foster Community Investment?
The Role of Impact Capital in Advancing Racial Equity
Impact Capital for Racial Equity: Investing with Intention and Measuring Impact
Emerging Sources of Community Investment Capital and Strategies to Direct it at Scale
Mapping the Journey to Impact Investing
Roadmap for the Future of Impact Investing: Reshaping Financial Markets
Community Foundation Field Guide to Impact Investing
Essentials of Impact Investing
Endowments & Investing
Place-Based Impact Investing: Three Briefs for Practitioners
I hope you had a wonderful and relaxing summer. For many, summer offers a time to move at a slower pace, and perhaps take some time for reflection and recharging. I hope you were able to do some of that at least during your official “away-from-the-office” vacation time.
As summer wanes and we come back to our offices, Governance Committee co-chairs, Craig Drinkard and Justin Kiczek, have extended an invitation – if you are interested in serving on the CNJG Board of Trustees, or know someone who would make a good trustee, please complete the application form, and email it to Office Manager Dana Schwartz, along with a brief biography, no later than September 13, 2023. Read Craig and Justin’s full letter.
The Board will present a slate of candidates to CNJG members at the annual meeting of members. Please save the date - the CNJG Annual Meeting & Holiday Gathering is on Thursday, December 14 at the Crowne Plaza Edison. Registration will be available soon.
In reviewing the nominations for board service, the Governance Committee considers participation and engagement in at least one CNJG committee, and/or serving as co-chair of a Council affinity group. Standing committees of the board include Audit, Finance, Governance, Member Engagement, Leadership and Policy, Racial Equity, Signature Programs, and Strategic Plan Implementation. Most committees meet at least twice a year. Committees focus on a specific issue or task, and ensures the board’s overall work is divided into manageable tasks. Committee participation is open to all CNJG members. If you are interested in learning more and/or serving on a committee, please let me know. Committee work allows you to expand your personal network and build relationships with colleagues, demonstrate and develop your own leadership, and gain new knowledge and skills that you might not regularly use in your day-to-day role. You’ll also be contributing to the success and future of CNJG, as well as helping to move forward the 2023 - 2025 Strategic Plan.
If you are already chairing a committee or affinity group, or serving on a committee – thank you for your leadership! We’re so grateful for your dedication and support. If you are interested in joining a committee, please reach out to me. Thank you!
Welcome back from the summer – I hope to see you at an upcoming CNJG program, and at the CNJG 2023 Annual Meeting & Holiday Gathering on December 14.
Sincerely,
Theresa Jacks, President and CEO
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers
Thank you to all that attended CNJG’s 2023 Annual Meeting & Holiday Gathering - Philanthropic Collaboratives: Driving Impact and Opportunity on December 14.
Both our fireside chat speakers, Nidhi Sahni, Bridgespan, and Lucy Vandenberg, Schumann Fund for New Jersey, and pre-meeting workshop facilitators John Harper, Chirlie Felix, and Waheera Mardah from FSG, helped us to gain a better understanding of the nuance and benefits of collaboration. Please check out the program book, and you’ll find additional information on the Annual Meeting Resources page.
We elected two new Board trustees for their first 3-year term: Jasmyne Beckford, Prudential Foundation, and Paul DiLorenzo, Salem Health and Wellness Foundation, as well as re-electing several trustees for another term. We also said goodbye to 3 trustees rotating off, including 2023 Board Chair, Jeff Vega. Thank you, Jeff, for your leadership and commitment to CNJG. Following the annual meeting of members, the Board elected their officers for 2024: Craig Drinkard, Chair, (Victoria Foundation), Christine Healey, 1st Vice Chair, (The Healey Education Foundation), Justin Kiczek, 2nd Vice Chair, (F. M. Kirby Foundation), Maisha Simmons, Secretary, (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation), and Catherine Wilson, Treasurer, (United Way Greater Newark). Congratulations!
Approved by the Board in October, we were thrilled to introduce CNJG’s first-ever policy agenda to the membership (see pages 9 – 11 of the program book). Among the policy agenda’s priorities are advancing racial equity and justice, a well-resourced nonprofit sector, civic engagement, and a healthy democracy.
Also adopted at the October Board meeting, we shared the New Jersey Principles for Philanthropy, our equity principles, with the membership (see pages 12 – 15 of the program book). CNJG’s last revision of Guiding Beliefs and Principles was in 2007. These revised Principles use a developmental framework and understand that each organization has its own starting point. Next year we’ll create tools and resources to help members on their own equity journeys.
Both of these important items are included as part of our 2023 – 2025 Strategic Plan, unveiled to the membership at last year’s Annual Meeting. CNJG envisions a healthy, thriving, and civically engaged NJ where people of all places, racial identities, socio-economic backgrounds, abilities, and identity expressions are valued for their gifts and talents, and we all can reach our full potential and participate generously in the common good. Our mission supports and elevates New Jersey’s philanthropic community through shared learning, collaborative and trusting relationships, network building, and leadership.
We also highlighted the importance of committee participation to drive CNJG’s work. Committees focus on a specific function or assignment. Our committees include: Audit, Finance, Governance, Member Engagement, Policy, Racial Equity, Signature Programs, and Strategic Plan Implementation. Thank you to everyone that submitted a committee interest card. If you are interested in serving on a committee, please email me. This is an exciting time to be involved in committee work.
The Council of New Jersey Grantmakers thanks our Annual Meeting sponsors for their generous support: Signature Sponsor – Prudential; Collaborating Sponsor – Victoria Foundation; Contributing 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. Thank you also to NJM Insurance Group for an additional donation to support the event.
The CNJG offices will be closed from December 25, 2023 to January 1, 2024.
2023 was a terrific year – thank you to the Council membership for making it so. Our membership is truly an exceptional group of leaders that care deeply about the communities they serve, and their nonprofit partners. On behalf of the entire CNJG team, we wish you happy holidays and a joyful new year! We look forward to seeing you in 2024!
With Gratitude,
Theresa Jacks, President and CEO
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers
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.
We’re thrilled to announce the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers’ 2024 Spring Colloquium – a timely conversation exploring the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data in the social sector.
Empowering the Future: Harnessing AI and Data for Philanthropic Social Impact will take place on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024, at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center opening at 9:30 AM with networking and check-in, Resource Marketplace, and continental breakfast.
The main event begins at 10:30 AM and will feature a distinguished panel discussion moderated by Jean Westrick, Executive Director of the Technology Association of Grantmakers, (TAG). Our esteemed panelists will delve into critical topics such as:
- Optimizing Problem-Solving: How can AI enhance our ability to address social issues without sacrificing human connection?
- Equity in Action: How can we ensure AI is used ethically and fairly to promote a more equitable society?
- Funding for the Future: How are foundations leveraging AI for strategic grantmaking initiatives?
- Gen Z and AI: What role will AI play in shaping the future generations of philanthropic leaders?
Following lunch and conversation, we’ll have 2 afternoon sessions focused on the practical side of AI usage for foundations and nonprofits. The Spring Colloquium is your chance to gain valuable insights from leading experts, network with fellow New Jersey grantmakers and nonprofit leaders, and discover innovative strategies for using AI to maximize your own social impact.
Registration is now open! We’re opening registration exclusively to CNJG members until Friday, April 26, so please secure your spot for this essential event by registering today.
As this is such an important topic for our sector, I invite you to consider sponsorship of the event. Sponsorship is an excellent opportunity to support our work, while also increasing visibility for your own organization and philanthropic efforts. We have a number of outstanding sponsorship opportunities for this event. Please reach out to me if you need more information or require an online application to secure your sponsorship. We can also customize a sponsorship package for you. Thank you to our sponsors to date: Connector Sponsors - Campbell Soup Company, Sixers Youth Foundation and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
In the coming weeks, we’ll share more details about the 2024 Spring Colloquium, including the full panel line-up. Stay tuned for further updates in the newsletter and on our website.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Sincerely,
Theresa Jacks, President and CEO
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers
Empowering the Future: Harnessing AI and Data for Philanthropic Social Impact
Date: Tuesday, June 18
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center
Arthur Laurents Theater
11 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Directions and Parking
On Tuesday, June 18, 2024, the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers held the Spring Colloquium – A Conversation on the Social Sector at the New Brunswick Performing Arts center. This year, we explored the impact of AI and data on philanthropy and the nonprofit sector. Our panel discussion will brought together multiple perspectives to explore how AI can enhance problem-solving without losing human connections, how it affects equity, and how philanthropy has engaged with AI for funding initiatives.
The Technology Association of Grantmakers’ new Executive Director, Jean Westrick, moderated our esteemed panel that included Don Chen, President, Surdna Foundation; Rachel Kimber, Full Circle Solutions; and Dave Cole, State pf New Jersey’s Chief Innovation Officer.
After the panel, Jean Westrick, TAG, facilitated an afternoon session on an AI Framework for Philanthropy. Additionally, the Community Resource Exchange presented an afternoon session on an AI Guide for Nonprofits facilitated by their CEO, Tiloma Jayasinghe, CEO and Jared Carroll, Senior Consultant.
CNJG’s spring colloquium brought together New Jersey grantmakers and nonprofits to connect with each other, Increase their knowledge, learn best practices, find opportunities for collaboration, and to be introduced to new ideas.
Conference Photos
CNJG is partnering with the Center for Non-Profits to have non-profits complete a rapid-response survey to scan the needs from the non-profit sector during this pandemic. Linda Czipo, President of the Center for Nonprofits, will then join us on a video call for CNJG members on Friday, March 20 to share the results of the survey.
After her presentation, we offer the time and space for funders to share what you are doing differently, and strategies to address the community's needs.
For more resources and articles on COVID-19, visit our Coronavirus Response page.
Cost: Free for Member and NonMember Grantmakers
Please note, this webinar is for funders only.
Thank you to the Center for Non-Profits for their continued partnership in this effort.
Webinar Video
Hear Executive Director Keith Adams speak on how New Jersey VOAD members are responding to the current crisis during our first COVID-19 Funder Briefing.
New Jersey Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) is a coalition of organizations dedicated to developing and sustaining community resiliency in the face of disasters. In his presentation, Keith will share how NJ VOAD is working with their members, nonprofits, and state partners to coordinate efforts and help to avoid duplicative services. He will also share some of the long-term needs and where there may be gaps in services. NJ VOAD’s dedication to helping communities throughout the entire disaster cycle will provide insight into the continuous and comprehensive efforts that will be essential for improving outcomes for New Jerseyans, especially for our most vulnerable populations.
Following Keith Adam's presentation, CNJG will provide an update on our own work assisting with COVID-19 response and relief efforts.
Cost: Free for CNJG Members and Nonmember Grantmakers.
This program is open to Grantmakers only.
Webinar Video
Summer EBT was created through legislation in December 2022 and states were given the option of launching the program in either the Summer of 2024 or 2025 or passing on the program altogether. This program provides $40 per month, every summer month, to every school age child that qualifies for free/reduced price meals. Hear from Mark Dinglasan, Executive Director, NJ Office of the Food Security Advocate (OFSA) and Nefeli Mourti, Senior Director, Social Strategy Associates to learn more about the data-sharing, outreach, and collaboration with the departments of Agriculture, Human Services, and Education to create this program.
The outreach committee has developed a Summer EBT tool kit which you can view here.
Cost: Free for CNJG Members; $50 for Non Member Grantmakers
Webinar Video
2025 CNJG Membership Renewal
Thank you for your membership investment with CNJG!
We continue using our contactless renewal process for the 2025 membership year. We no longer mail renewal notices. The “primary contact” for each member will receive the renewal notification by email in mid-October, 2024
“[CNJG has] done an amazing job of meeting people where they need to be in terms of providing additional resources and access to people in the know to help us navigate through very unchartered waters.”
-Margarethe Laurenzi, Maher Charitable Foundation
The dues investment for 2025 includes a Board-approved 3% increase. Members should base their 2025 dues on either:
1. Your 2024 giving or
2. An average of the past three years in giving (2022, 2023, 2024).
The chart of dues, based on your annual giving is below:
| Annual Giving Level | 2025 CNJG Dues |
| $ 0 to $ 100,000 | $ 770 |
| $ 100,001 to $ 250,000 | $ 925 |
| $ 250,001 to $ 500,000 | $ 1,440 |
| $ 500,001 to $ 750,000 | $ 1,850 |
| $ 750,001 to $ 1 million | $ 2,575 |
| $ 1 million to $ 2 million | $ 3,580 |
| $ 2 million to $ 3 million | $ 5,715 |
| $ 3 million to $ 5 million | $ 8,240 |
| $ 5 million to $7.5 million | $ 10,400 |
| $ 7.5 million to $10 million | $ 10,750 |
| $ 10 million to $15 million | $12,875 |
| $ 15 million to $20 million | $15,750 |
| $ 20 million to $30 million | $23,000 |
| $ 30 million to $50 million | $25,750 |
| $ 50 million to $75 million | $35,800 |
| $ 75 million and above | $41,700 |
The membership period begins January 1, 2024 and runs through December 31, 2025.
Some members choose to make all or a portion of their dues in the form of a grant. For tax purposes, all dues in excess of $770 may be reasonably reported as a grant.
Government Agency members and Associate members (CDFIs and Philanthropic Advisors) each have a different dues calculation. Government Agencies dues are a percentage of your administrative budget, and associate members are a flat rate for dues. Please click on the appropriate renewal button below to renew.
For additional criteria for dues calculations (ie. sun-setting foundations, those headquartered outside the state, and other special circumstances), please visit the Membership Policies section of our join page.
Renewal notices are due annually by March 31 with payments due by June 30. You can complete the renewal form today and wait to pay any time before June 30. If you need to pay after June 30, please note the alternate payment date on the renewal form. Please contact Craig Weinrich, Director of Member Services at 609-414-7110 x802 to make payment arrangements by check, EFT, or credit card (CNJG will add a 3% fee for memberships paid by credit card).
Leadership Gifts
“Engagement with other COVID funds throughout the state as we think about how to be most strategic have been really helpful to understand what others are doing and the implications of how we do our grantmaking activities.”
-Andy Fraizer, Community Foundation of South Jersey
Some members include an additional gift to help cover the costs of CNJG’s operations. Membership dues cover about 40% of our operations. These welcomed and unrestricted funds help underwrite the many programs and services that CNJG provides to our members and the philanthropic sector.
Please indicate your additional leadership gift on the renewal form when you complete it.
2025 Renewal Timeline
- Mid-October 2024 – CNJG membership renewal notices are emailed to the designated “primary” contact;
- March 31, 2025 – CNJG membership renewal commitments due (payment can be received later)
- June 30, 2025 – Dues should be paid by this date. Some members pay in the second half of the year, and CNJG appreciates knowing before then that you are renewing. Members that have not paid by this date, or indicated to CNJG that payment is forthcoming by this date, will be considered lapsed and removed as members.
- Mid-October, 2025 – Renewals for 2026 will be emailed.
2025 Member Renewal Process
- The link to our online renewal notice will be emailed to your designated “primary contact” in mid-October. In subsequent reminders, the invoices will be emailed to both the "primary contact" and the "billing contacts" at the organization. If you have not received any renewal notice, please let Craig know. You can complete the renewal notice here.
- Complete and return the renewal notice with either:
The amount of dues you are paying (based on your giving outlined above) and when CNJG can anticipate the payment.
or
Your pledge to pay at a later point in the year. Payment should be received by CNJG before June 30. Please contact Craig if an alternate payment date is needed. - Submit the renewal notice/invoice with payment or your pledge to renew by March 31.
- Update your contact information by having one of your “administrative contacts” update this information on the website. There are tutorials on our website about this process, or contact Craig with questions.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Our expectation is that for 2026, we’ll ask members to base their giving on your past three years average, or on your 2025 giving. We will also include the annual CNJG board-approved 3% increase in dues. CNJG has mapped out the dues rates for the next several years, so members can budget accordingly.
Thank you for being a part of the CNJG membership as we support and elevate New Jersey’s philanthropic community through shared learning, collaborative and trusting relationships, network building, and leadership.