Site Search
- resource provided by the Forum Network Knowledgebase.
Search Tip: Search with " " to find exact matches.
Join us at the second NJ Corporate Philanthropy Network meeting of the year which will focus on what specific information you should zero in on when searching for any red flags in non-profit 990’s and financial statements. Seasoned Accountants, Sherise D, Ritter and Lovepreet Buttar, from The Mercadien Group will guide us. We’ll also touch on vetting sponsorship requests and hold our traditional round robin where meeting participants can share their burning questions/issues and lessons learned.
Lovepreet Buttar, Managing Director with Mercadien’s Nonprofit and Human Services Group, has extensive experience performing and overseeing audit engagements for various nonprofit organizations, including associations, schools, private foundations, and health and human services organizations. She is passionate about helping these organizations support their constituents and achieve their mission. She is also head of the firm’s Audit and Assurance practice and is responsible for both firm-wide and engagement-specific quality control matters and overseeing training for various for-profit, not-forprofit and government/public entities. In this role, she helps ensure the firm is using best practices that are compliant with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Sherise (Sherry) Ritter is Managing Director and Co-Chair of the The Mercadien Group’s Nonprofit and Human Services Group, as well as the Advisory Services Group. Serving as a trusted advisor, she meets with all of her clients at least once a year to advise them on topics such as tax planning and preparation, identifying risk areas and formulating solutions, strategy to meet growth goals, and multi-state and unrelated business income taxation and filing exposures. Additionally, she helps her clients with strategic planning, process efficiency and improvement studies, and mergers and acquisitions. She also specializes in the areas of cash flow management, accounting systems design, and board governance training.
Cost: Free for CNJG Members; $50 for Non Member Grantmakers
This program is only open to staff and trustees from grantmaking organizations.
Webinar Video
Resources
Blank 990 Form
990 Forms and their Schedules
The Overhead Myth: Crash Course to Fundraising Transparency
Charity Navigator's Assessment of Finances
The Community FoodBank of New Jersey, the state’s largest anti-hunger and anti-poverty organization, has received a $100,000 grant from Bank of America, it announced Wednesday.
The grant will provide general operating support for the organization, which aims to end food insecurity in a state where nearly 1 million people are food-insecure, including more than 260,000 children.
CFBNJ serves 15 of the state’s 21 counties through food distribution and support services.
“We are immensely grateful for Bank of America’s longtime support and for this generous grant that helps to fund our mission,” Elizabeth McCarthy, CEO and president of CFBNJ, said in a prepared statement. “We appreciate Bank of America’s continued investment in building a food-secure future.”
The New Jersey Council for the Humanities has awarded 18 grants totaling $216,319 in its most recent grant round. These funds will support a diverse array of projects in nine counties across the Garden State, highlighting NJCH’s ongoing commitment to fostering the public humanities.
Of the 18 awarded projects, five had their beginnings in prior NJCH grants or programs.
Two organizations, the AIDS Resource Foundation for Children and the Hispanic Family Center of Southern NJ, received funding for projects that expand upon the Dear Rosa Project, an oral history initiative amplifying the voices of women living with HIV/AIDS that was funded by a prior NJCH grant. Additionally, Clinton Hill Community Action and Raíces Cultural both received funding to extend projects initially developed in NJCH’s Community History Program. And Truehart Productions received funding to produce a new episode of the PBS documentary series “The Price of Freedom,” which previously received developmental funding from an NJCH incubation grant.
“We are thrilled to see the continued impact and evolution of projects that have received our support in the past. Their success demonstrates the profound influence of our programs on the public humanities in New Jersey,” NJCH Executive Director Carin Berkowitz said. “The diverse and dynamic projects funded in this round will significantly contribute to the understanding and appreciation of our state’s rich cultural heritage.”
The F. M. Kirby Foundation Board of Directors announced 103 grants totaling $10,669,250, were approved in the first half of 2024 to nonprofit organizations working to increase the strength and vitality of their communities.
In all, 58 grants included general operating support and 54 grants were made to organizations that have been partners of the Foundation for over 25 years, representing the Foundation’s grantmaking strategy of forming long-term, trusting relationships with grantees.
Grantmaking from January through June included a combined $6.8 million to organizations working in New Jersey and North Carolina, the Foundation’s primary geographic areas of interest.
Additional grants, totaling over $3.8 million, supported organizations in Connecticut, New York, and Pennsylvania, regions dear to Kirby family members, as well as national nonprofits largely based in Washington D.C., and New York City.
Membership in the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers offers foundation leaders and grantmakers the opportunity to deepen their experience with the organization by serving on a Board committee. Committee members lead, recommend, and develop policies that help shape our organization. The commitment level for each committee varies and includes an expectation that members will participate in regularly scheduled meetings either in person or via Zoom, and other planning calls as needed, as well as be willing to participate in independent projects as they arise. Members usually join those committees best suited to their professional strengths. Individual members of the CNJG staff team are assigned to each committee.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee advises the Board of Trustees in overseeing the selection and performance of the Council’s independent auditors, conducting periodic RFPs for auditor services, the quality and integrity of the Council’s financial reporting, its fiscal controls and tax and regulatory compliance, and compliance with legal and accepted standards. An audit or finance background/experience is desirable for some of the members of this Committee.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee advises the Board of Trustees with all financial policies and strategies, including but not limited to: consultation and review of the annual budget(s), reviewing and monitoring financial reporting, approving and monitoring investments, and developing and approving significant financial policies. A background in finance and financial operations is desirable for some of the members of this group.
Governance Committee
The Governance Committee acts as a nominating committee for vacant board seats and board officers, develops a board slate each year, recommends by-law changes, develops board membership criteria on an annual basis, recommends and develops best practices and expectations for trustees and the board chair, and undertakes any other board governance-related issues.
Member Engagement Committee
The Member Engagement Committee works with the staff to recruit, retain and engage members. Committee members assist in identifying new prospects, setting up and participating in introductory meetings, and keeping prospective members informed of upcoming CNJG programs. It also collaborates with staff members to develop the structure and strategy of membership recruitment and retention activities, as well as recommending changes and/or updates to criteria for membership in CNJG to the Board.
Policy Committee
The Policy Committee advises the Board and Council on public policy matters as appropriate, develops recommendations on specific legislation or proposed regulatory activity, implements the Council’s policy agenda, engages in government relations activities, and actively collaborates with partners to move forward the CNJG’s policy agenda and favorable legislation and regulations to support the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors.
Racial Equity Committee
The Racial Equity Committee was first formed as a taskforce in 2020 as a reaction to systemic and structural racism embedded within the United States, and CNJG’s commitment to raising awareness and instigating change in New Jersey’s philanthropic community. In June 2023 the taskforce was designated a committee of the Board by the Board, and is committed to infusing racial equity throughout CNJG’s programming and structures. In 2024 and 2025, the committee will focus efforts on creating tools and resources to move forward the New Jersey Principles for Philanthropy, CNJG’s equity principles.
Signature Programs Committee
The Signature Programs Committee helps plan and recommend topics, speakers, etc. for CNJG's Signature events including the Annual Meeting & Holiday Gathering, and Spring Colloquium or Spring Conference. When called upon, its members may assist with other (non-affinity group) meetings or events throughout the year.
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
In Q2 2024, our foundation awarded 34 grants totaling over $14 million.
Our second quarter grantmaking focuses on identifying and fueling the scale of cost-effective programs and solutions that accelerate improvement in key academic and socioemotional outcomes for all children. As always, we place an emphasis on grantmaking and strategic support that unlock innovation, evidence, and growth for our grantees.
The New Jersey State Council on the Arts yesterday awarded more than $30 million in grants to support approximately 900 arts organizations, projects, and artists throughout the state. The grants were approved at the Council's 58th Annual Meeting in Trenton, which featured a special musical performance by Hector Morales, a 2024 Arts Council Heritage Fellow.
State funding for the Arts Council comes from the revenue generated through the State’s Hotel/Motel Occupancy Fee, and supports arts activity in all 21 counties. From the smallest neighborhoods to the largest cities, artists and arts organizations strengthen communities and offer solutions for complex issues we all care about – quality education, health and wellness, thriving economies, cross-cultural understanding, and more.
“The investment made in our state’s artists and organizations has a direct, positive impact on New Jersey residents, families, businesses, and communities,” said Acting Governor Tahesha Way, who oversees the Council in her role as Secretary of State. “It’s an honor to work closely with the Council to help our state’s creative industries thrive, and to ensure New Jersey’s diverse constituencies can access the many benefits of the arts.”
CNJG is pleased to offer this program to family foundation members as part of NCFP's Fundamentals of Family Philanthropy 2024 webinar series, providing guidance on the core tenets of effective family philanthropy.
This webinar will equip families with the knowledge and strategies needed to prepare the next generation to confidently take the helm and the current generation of leaders to feel secure in stepping back. By delving into engaging discussions and sharing practical insights, we’ll unravel the complexities of nurturing leadership skills, fostering a deep understanding of philanthropic values, and encouraging multi-generational collaboration within your family’s philanthropy.
Cost: This event is free for CNJG Members who are family foundations.
Other types of foundations are ineligible to join this webinar.
This program is a CNJG membership benefit for family foundation members, including staff and trustees, in partnership with the National Center for Family Philanthropy.
The Disability & Philanthropy Forum invites you to register for the 2024 Disability & Philanthropy Webinar Series. All of our 2024 webinars will be open to the public. This collective learning journey will focus on why a disability lens is essential to addressing key social justice issues. Each webinar will engage philanthropic leaders in conversation with disability advocates about how we can move toward a more equitable, inclusive future for all.
Disability and the Care Economy: September 19 - 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET
Disability-Inclusive Hiring: October 10 - 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET
Disability in Indigenous Communities: November 14 - 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET
All webinars are open to the public, so feel free to share with anyone you know that's interested in learning about disability inclusion, rights, and justice.
CART will be provided. If you require another accommodation to fully participate in the webinar, please note it in your registration, or contact us at [email protected].
Centering learning in our work allows us to refresh and recalibrate grantmaking approaches to ensure we are as effective and equitable as possible. However, there are many questions to consider when it comes to sharpening an organization’s learning framework. For example, how is having a learning orientation to grantmaking distinct from monitoring and evaluation? What impact can a learning orientation have on grantmaking in support of immigrant and refugee communities? And how can learning shape grantmaking strategy?
Join Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees (GCIR) in a conversation with learning professionals in philanthropy to understand how their distinct approaches to learning impact their approach to grantmaking. Participants will also learn how funders have adjusted their strategies and practices to better support migrant justice.
SPEAKERS
Arturo Garcia, Interim Co-Lead, Strategic Learning, Research, and Evaluation, Kresge Foundation
Kyle Rinne-Meyers, Director of Learning, Grantmakers for Effective Organizations (GEO)
Austin Snowbarger, Learning and Partnerships Manager, Center for Disaster Philanthropy
MODERATOR
Anduriña Espinoza-Wasil, Programs Learning Manager, Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees
COST: Free for GCIR members; staff and trustees of grantmaking foundations; philanthropic advisors; and staff of philanthropic support organizations.
What does an age-integrated society look like and how can funders be part of the movement to strengthen aging initiatives in the philanthropic sector? Join this special conversation with Lindsay Goldman, CEO of Grantmakers In Aging, a community of funders mobilizing money and ideas to strengthen policies, programs, and resources for all of us as we age. Lindsay will share insights on how aging intersects with funding priorities including health, caregiving, social connection, and housing.
Lindsay Goldman serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Grantmakers In Aging (GIA), a position she assumed in January 2021. She draws on nearly 20 years of experience in program development and administration, direct service, philanthropy, and health and social policy. Most recently, Lindsay was the founding director of the Center for Healthy Aging at The New York Academy of Medicine. Specializing in public-private partnerships to create age-inclusive environments, Lindsay oversaw a portfolio that included the award-winning Age-friendly NYC, Health & Age Across All Policies NYS, and IMAGE: The Interactive Map of Aging. Earlier in her career, Lindsay was responsible for strategic planning and allocations to support older adults in New York and Israel while working for the UJA-Federation of New York. She also directed the Health Enhancement Partnership at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House and received a Best Practice Award from the National Council on Aging in 2008. She began her career at Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC, where she coordinated an intergenerational mentoring program in the Bronx. She holds a BA from Wesleyan University and an MSW from NYU.
Emily Hinsey is the Director of Programs. In her capacity, Emily coordinates the programmatic work of the organization, including the webinar series, member meetings, funder networks on housing, serious illness, caregiving, technology, rural health, and multisector plans for aging, and grant-funded projects. Prior to beginning her work with GIA in 2017, Emily was the Administrator and Project Development Manager at Aging & In-Home Services of Northeast Indiana, where she advised on the organization’s accreditation and new business development. Emily began her career as the Prevention Coordinator at the Open Arms Domestic Violence Center. Emily serves on the Fort Wayne Mayor's Age-Friendly Council. Emily holds a BA in Social Work from Bluffton University.
This program is open to all interested attendees.
Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees (GCIR) in collaboration with National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP), present a briefing that features a panel of speakers representing nonprofit organizations working on the front lines to strengthen our democracy and advance immigrant rights in their communities. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear what groups need as we move into 2025 and beyond, directly from movement leaders.
According to a report from National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy, since 2012 there has been an 11 percent shrinkage in philanthropic funding towards immigrant movement groups. While there was an uptick in rapid response funding between 2017-2018, this has not created the conditions for the long term sustainability of immigrant serving organizations.
In a critical election year, over 60 anti-immigrant bills have been introduced in state legislatures nationwide. Immigrant advocacy groups – already facing a myriad of historically systemic challenges such as burnout, unlivable wages, and hostile state level political environments – are facing this wave of anti-immigrant sentiment, often at the sacrifice of their own safety and well being. And while philanthropic interest has focused on the national elections and scenario planning, movement groups are already planning for 2025 and an uncertain future regardless of presidential election outcomes. Philanthropy must not only meet this moment but also invest in the critical infrastructure needs of organizations and movements, particularly at the local and state levels.
As right wing movements seek to undermine our democracy on all fronts, immigrant communities cannot be left behind and must be included in any political, social, or philanthropic efforts that seek to build a multi-racial democracy. Built through the collaborative efforts of GCIR and NCRP, this briefing will feature a panel of speakers representing nonprofit organizations working on the front lines to strengthen our democracy and advance immigrant rights in their communities. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear what groups need as we move into 2025 and beyond, directly from movement leaders.
Cost: Free for Funders
Must log in or create an account to register on GCIR’s website.
Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees (GCIR) presents an opportunity for funders to gain insights into their early thinking on potential movement strategies and needs post national elections.
Elections are an essential expression of our democracy, and movement organizations play a crucial role in that democratic exercise by mobilizing their communities to have their voices heard at the ballot box. For funders, the All by April campaign was a clear call to action, highlighting the necessity of early and flexible support to allow these frontline organizations to kick their operations into high gear. However, the work for philanthropy is not over. In addition to resourcing civic engagement efforts in the run-up to elections, fudners must also stand ready to strategically deploy resources in response to what comes once the elections are over.
From the risk of increasingly harsh enforcement policies at the federal level to openings to push for more inclusive policies at the state and local levels, immigrant justice groups have been carefully considering the threats and opportunities associated with a variety of congressional and presidential election outcome scenarios. In this webinar, funders will gain insights into their early thinking on potential movement strategies and needs.
This session represents one of several spaces GCIR and our allies will be holding for philanthropy to prepare and respond to the upcoming elections, with additional opportunities including GCIR's 2024 national convening in Detroit (October 28-30), and post-election strategy sessions (dates TBA).
SPEAKERS
· Jeremy Robbins, Executive Director, American Immigration Council
· Tessa Petit, Executive Director, Florida Immigrant Coalition
· Raha Wala, VP of Strategic Partnerships and Advocacy, National Immigration Law Center
· Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO, New York Immigration Coalition
MODERATOR
· Ivy O. Suriyopas, Vice President of Programs, Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees
· Veronika Geronimo, Director of Immigrant Justice, Four Freedoms Fund, NEO Philanthropy
Cost: Free for Funders
In response to Hurricane Ida and the devastating impact it has had on many New Jersey communities, CNJG has gathered numerous resources, articles, and information on the philanthropic response. CNJG encourages you to share these with your nonprofit and community partners. Please let us know if there is information we have missed.
CNJG Actions
CNJG in partnership with NJVOAD presented a funder briefing for the recovery efforts in New Jersey on September 10.
CNJG has created a new Disaster Response listserve for members to share information and resources, coordinate on funding, and hear about upcoming programs regarding relief and recovery efforts for all disasters that affect New Jersey communities. If you are interested in being on this listserve, please email Craig Weinrich.
At the October 2021 CNJG Board of Trustees meeting, Keith Adams, Executive Director of the NJ Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NJVOAD) gave a presentation on the ongoing challenges facing New Jersey communities. This presentation (below) was the Board’s “Mission Moment” for the meeting, a time to focus on a big picture issue affecting the philanthropic community in New Jersey.
State and National Organizations and Resources
- New Jersey Center for Nonprofits: Hurricane Ida Resource Page
Resources for nonprofits and small businesses, and information about donations and recovery. - NJVOAD: Regularly posts updates on their Facebook and Twitter pages like this recent update about Hurricane Ida.
- HELPNJNOW: A website designed to connect resources with up-to-date community needs to best respond to disasters.
- State of New Jersey: Tropical Storm Ida Resource Page
Information about NJ's response to Ida. This includes more information on the $10 million in financial relief for small businesses impacted by the storm, which will be administered by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. - Compass 82 JUMPSTART
Provides survivors with knowledge and guidance in the critical first 90 days after a disaster to understand the framework of disaster recovery, helping them expedite a successful recovery. - FEMA: Hurricane Ida Response Page
- Assistance for Individuals: DisasterAssistance.gov
The Disaster Assistance Improvement Program’s mission is to provide disaster survivors with information, support, services, and a means to access and apply for disaster assistance through joint data-sharing efforts between federal, tribal, state, local, and private sector partners.
Recovery can be a long process. For more information on disaster response and recovery, visit CNJG's Disaster Response Resource Page and the Disaster Philanthropy Playbook, designed with the Center for Disaster Philanthropy.
CNJG Member Recovery Funds
Community Chest of Englewood
ReNew Jersey: Ida Relief (at the Community Foundation of New Jersey)
New Jersey Economic Development Authority
United Way of Greater Newark
Other Recovery Funds
New Jersey Ida Just Recovery Fund
Articles
NJ Spotlight: Storm’s damage might boost support for more aggressive climate policy, experts hope (9/6/2021)
Center for Disaster Philanthropy: 4 Days After Hurricane Ida: A Q&A with Lori Bertman (9/2/2021)
The Philadelphia Inquirer: How to help victims of Ida from Philly (& South Jersey) (9/2/2021)
Northjersey.com: Ida has wreaked havoc across New Jersey. Here's how to help victims (9/3/2021)
NJ.com: Ida’s aftermath: How to find help, how to offer help (9/3/2021)
NJ.com: Here’s how to help Ida recovery efforts in New Jersey (9/2/2021)
NBCNewYork.com: Ida Tri-State Resource Guide: How to Help, List of Emergency Services and More (9/2/2021)
Patch.com/New-Jersey/Bridgewater: Fundraisers, Donations Set Up To Help Somerset Co. Flood Victims (9/3/2021)
NJBiz: Federal government rolling out SBA loans for Ida-hit NJ businesses (9/8/21)
Patch.com/Newark: Here’s How One Local Nonprofit Aims to Help Newark Residents Impacted by Tropical Storm Ida (9/8/2021)
Center for Disaster Philanthropy: Supporting long-term recovery groups: Funding in the chaos of disaster (9/18/2021)
Public policy is a vital aspect of the work of many of New Jersey's grantmaking organizations and is an integral component of CNJG's programs and member services. CNJG's Policy Committee advise and assist CNJG in identifying issues for potential action.
In late 2023, CNJG’s Board of Trustees approved our first-ever Policy Agenda. The Policy Agenda aligns with CNJG’s 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, specifically Goal #3, Amplify Our Collective Voice. This agenda includes our approach to the work, followed by five policy priorities. Read or download the agenda.
Resource Websites
- United Philanthropy Forum Public Policy Focus
- Center for Non-Profits: Public Policy
- Council on Foundations’ Public-Philanthropic Partnership Initiative
- Council on Foundations’ Advocacy Resources
- Independent Sector: Policy and Advocacy
To learn more about what CNJG is doing to foster deeper relationships between New Jersey grantmakers and public and elected officials in Trenton and Washington, D.C., contact Theresa Jacks.
CNJG is pleased to re-convene the South Jersey Funders Consortium for a lunch meeting at a location to be determined soon. Join your fellow South Jersey funders for lunch and a round-robin discussion on what your organization is funding, and any new initiatives that you are working on.
When the Pascale Sykes Foundation sunset their operations, including gathering this group together on a periodic basis, the Consortium agreed to have CNJG take on the management and stewardship of the group.
Any funder located in or funding in the eight southern counties of New Jersey is welcome to attend (Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland, Cape May, Atlantic, and Ocean). Although Camden city is located in south Jersey, and because we already have a Camden funders affinity group, the topics of discussion of the South Jersey Funders Consortium should focus on south Jersey, outside of the city of Camden.
COST: Free for CNJG Members and Non Member Grantmakers
For 2024, CNJG will cover the cost of this South Jersey Funders Consortium lunch thanks to a grant from the Pascale Sykes Foundation.
The Camden Funders Affinity Group serves as a vehicle for funders to connect and share updates about their initiatives throughout the city. At the May 30th gathering (our first of 2024), we heard loud and clear that group members didn't want to wait too long before meeting again.
As such, please join your fellow Camden Funders for another in-person meeting to not only share more about your current work in the city, but also dive deeper into discussing the capacity of Camden-based organizations (both those that you already work with and those that can potentially be funded in the future), and how funders might better support them in building it.
A dedicated a portion of this meeting will refine the goals of the Camden Funders Affinity Group, as well as identifying potential speakers and topics for future meetings.
Cost: Free for CNJG Members; $50 for Non Member Grantmakers.
Get the complete 2024 Joint Policy Forum Resource List including a printable Agenda on the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits website.
Conference Photos
Lessons from the Measure of America: A Portrait of Newark Report
Please join us for a combined meeting of the Newark Funder Affinity Group and the Newark Education Funder Affinity Group to discuss the recently released Measure of America report, A Portrait of Newark. The Portrait of Newark report was produced in partnership with the Newark Opportunity Youth Network, which convened an advisory panel of local public servants, advocates, and non-profit leaders to contribute their expertise to the research. The report itself provides an analysis of the current state of the city’s many residents, identifies areas of opportunity, and addresses the persistent inequities that we still experience in health, education, and overall well-being of Newark residents.
Speakers:
Alex Powers, Associate Director, Measure of America
Kate Harvey, Program Assistant, Measure of America
Robert Clark, Founder and CEO, Opportunity Youth Network
Mark Comesanas, Executive Director, My Brother’s Keeper – Newark
Cost: Free for CNJG Members; $50 for Non Member Grantmakers.