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With support from the Campbell Soup Company, Annie E. Casey Foundation, the Wells Fargo Regional Foundation, and the William Penn Foundation, CNJG is pursuing a long-expressed request from several members to create a forum focused on the City of Camden - providing convenings, as well as information and resources for the many grantmakers working in the city. As a precursor to this forum, in April 2009, CNJG convened a group of Camden funders for a briefing with representatives from the Governor’s Office and the Camden Redevelopment Authority at the Campbell Soup Company. After the briefing, CNJG members expressed an interest in continuing the dialogue, sharing information about the philanthropic activity in the city and exploring opportunities for the future.
CNJG launched the Camden Funders Affinity Group in February 2010, inventoried current philanthropic investments in Camden, established an interactive map of funders’ investments, provided a Camden Funders Listserve and disseminated the “Camden Weekly News Round Up” for Camden grantmakers from 2010 to December 2011.
Building on these efforts, CNJG released the 2012 Camden Funders Survey. The survey updates and expands upon the 2006 Camden Funders Survey commissioned by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. We thank the Annie E. Casey Foundation for their support of this initiative.
With support from the Ford Foundation, William Penn Foundation and other local donors, CNJG was also instrumental in assisting the planning and development of the Community Foundation of South Jersey. Today CFSJ focuses its giving on the eight counties in Southern New Jersey, including Camden County.
For additional information, contact Theresa Jacks at (609) 414-7110 x805.
The New Jersey Civic Information Consortium has announced its final round of grantmaking for 2024, awarding a total of $878,859 to 11 projects that strengthen the state’s news and information ecosystem. This funding supports nine renewal grants, one bump-up grant, and an additional one-off grant to support the transition of a newsroom from a for-profit profit to a nonprofit business model.
The grantmaking emphasis on renewals reflects the Consortium’s commitment to sustaining impactful programs.
“This grant round reflects the breadth of New Jersey’s information needs and the power of collaboration in building a more informed and engaged state,” said Chris Daggett, Interim Executive Director and Board Chair of the Consortium. “We are proud to continue supporting projects that prioritize local voices and equitable access to civic information.”
New Jersey’s philanthropic community mourns the loss of Jeffery Vega, who passed away January 28.
Jeff joined CNJG’s Board in 2016, and during his tenure served as First Vice Chair and Board Chair, and participated on multiple committees, affinity groups, and co-chaired the Trenton Area and Mercer County Funders affinity group. Jeff shaped and cultivated the direction and focus of CNJG through his supportive and proactive leadership. His direction and guidance during the pandemic helped CNJG not only stay the course, but continue to grow and thrive.
“Working with Jeff was a joy and a privilege,” CNJG President and CEO Theresa Jacks said. “Jeff guided us through the pandemic, a leadership transition, a strategic planning process, the approval of equity principles, and CNJG’s first-ever policy agenda with a steady hand, fierce commitment to equity, unwavering dedication to the membership, and the perfect combination of visionary thinking, wisdom, and kindness.”
His CNJG legacy includes the 2023 Strategic Plan, the creation of the Racial Equity Committee, CNJG’s first policy agenda, the New Jersey Principles for Philanthropy, and leading a dynamic and diverse board.
Jeff was the President and CEO of Princeton Area Community Foundation since 2015. Before joining PACF, Jeff was President of New Brunswick Tomorrow.
You can read more at the Princeton Area Community Foundation’s tribute page and announcement of Jeff’s passing.
Inspiring Change through Leadership: Maximizing Philanthropic Impact
Wednesday, December 11, 2024 - 9:00am to 3:00pm
Luncheon, Keynote Presentation & Workshop
Location: APA Hotel Woodbridge, 120 Wood Ave S, Iselin, NJ 08830
The Council of New Jersey Grantmakers thanks everyone who attended our 2024 Annual Meeting & Holiday Gathering. On Wednesday, December 11, over 130 Council members and special guests gathered to celebrate the holiday season, welcome new CNJG members, convene our annual business meeting, and feature a dynamic discussion related to the vital work of philanthropy.
The Council’s 2024 Annual Meeting & Holiday Gathering was the place where CNJG members and New Jersey’s philanthropic community came together to share ideas about the important work they’re doing. It also provided a valuable opportunity to connect with colleagues.
This year’s theme, Inspiring Change through Leadership: Maximizing Philanthropic Impact, featured keynote speaker Amalia Brindis Delgado of the Panta Rhea Foundation.
The Annual Meeting included a workshop that explored the New Jersey Principles for Philanthropy. An overview of the Principles was presented, followed by a panel of fellow CNJG members who discussed how they are already using the Principles within their organizations. Attendees also had time to discuss how they could leverage the New Jersey Principles for Philanthropy to make changes within their own organizations.
Annual Meeting Photos
What philanthropic vehicles are available to family philanthropies? Which are best suited to support your mission and goals, and what is the value of employing multiple vehicles?
In this session we will discuss the benefits (and limitations), flexibility, and potential impact of each vehicle. Through examples from other funders, learn about how to align your philanthropic vehicle with your family’s values, strategic objectives, and desired outcomes, while being mindful of your capacity and size constraints. This session is ideal for families looking to make informed decisions about how to structure and maximize their philanthropic giving.
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 WSFS CARES Foundation, the charitable giving arm of WSFS Bank (Nasdaq: WSFS), announced it has provided grants to four organizations as part of its continuing series of philanthropic activities by WSFS and the Foundation. The grants were approved in the fourth quarter by the WSFS CARES Foundation board.
n addition, WSFS Bank provided $5,000 to Literacy Delaware in a year-end grant at the recommendation of WSFS’ Board of Directors. WSFS Bank also provided $5,000 grants to the Chester County Food Bank and Family Support Line, and $2,500 to Mother’s Home at the recommendation of WSFS’ Pennsylvania and New Jersey Advisory Boards.
“We are deeply committed to creating meaningful impacts in our communities by supporting programs that promote economic development, advance education, and encourage leadership," said Patrick J. Ward, Executive Vice President, Pennsylvania Market President at WSFS Bank and Chairman of the WSFS CARES Foundation. "It’s a privilege to join forces with such inspiring organizations, and we look forward to expanding our efforts together."
To bolster the social and economic well-being of the communities served by FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) electric company Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), FirstEnergy and the FirstEnergy Foundation have donated more than $740,000 in 2024 to organizations that support a wide array of community-enhancing endeavors. These initiatives help promote workforce and economic development, enhance the social and cultural landscape of the region and champion crucial safety initiatives.
Lorna Wisham, Vice President of Corporate Affairs & Community Involvement and President of the FirstEnergy Foundation: "Electricity is the lifeblood for homes and businesses, but it's the people that are the lifeblood of our communities. These non-profits are people-driven, and they give opportunities, hope and security to the people who need it the most. We are proud to be able to help them make our communities such great places to live, work and raise a family."
A total of 113 nonprofit and civic organizations in northern and central New Jersey are making progress on their missions, thanks to grants from FirstEnergy and the FirstEnergy Foundation.
The Summit Foundation awarded $320,000 in grants to 19 exceptional organizations dedicated to enriching the lives of people residing in the Summit area. These grants will support a wide range of impactful programs, from health and education to the arts and community services.
The Summit Foundation supports the Summit, NJ, area by providing grants, scholarships, and donor-advised distributions to address emerging needs and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
The CNJG 2024 Annual Meeting & Holiday Gathering — Inspiring Change Through Leadership: Maximizing Philanthropic Impact on December 11, offered a powerful reflection on leadership, collaboration, and the collective role we play in advancing philanthropy across New Jersey.
We kicked off the day with the leadership in action workshop: New Jersey Principles for Philanthropy—a framework approved by the Board last year, 
that sets forth an aspiration for each of the principles: ethical leadership, stewardship, values, equity and justice, community engagement, public voice, continuous learning, and transparency and accountability. Following the opening panel, moderated by Catherine Wilson, United Way of Greater Newark, and featuring
Jasmyne Beckford, The Prudential Foundation, Sharif Braxton, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Jeremy Grunin, Grunin Foundation, and Sharnita Johnson, Victoria Foundation, small group table discussions further explored the principles and how Council members can infuse them in their organizations.
We elected two new trustees for their first 3-year term, Tammy Rice Herman,
New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and Aaron Turner, Community Foundation of New Jersey, as well as re-electing trustees for their second term, including
Kate Barrett, The Campbell’s Foundation, and Catherine 
Wilson. In his role as board chair, and to continue serving as chair in 2025, Craig Drinkard was elected for another 1-year term. Following the annual meeting of members, trustees elected officers for 2025: Justin Kiczek, 1st Vice Chair, F. M. Kirby Foundation,
Christine Healey, 2nd Vice Chair, The Healey Education Foundation, and Catherine Wilson, Treasurer. Congratulations! And we said good-bye to Paul Stierhoff as he rotated off the board. Thank you for your service!
Jeffrey Vega, trustee from 2016 to 2023 and chair from 2021 to 2023, was posthumously honored as CNJG’s first-ever emeritus trustee in recognition of his exceptional service and dedication to our organization. His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment have left an indelible mark on the Council, strengthening our mission and the philanthropic community we serve. In celebration of his remarkable contributions, and in partnership with the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits, a commemorative tree will be planted in Princeton in the spring.
As part of his board chair’s report, Craig Drinkard shared powerful reflections on leadership and its essential role in achieving equity and building community. He encouraged funders to deeply reflect upon how we practice leadership, and shared a brief list for how leaders can show up:
- Listen and ask questions.
- Open your heart — ask often: is your heart full?
- Trust your staff, your partners, your grantees.
- Get out of the way.
Seamlessly aligning with the keynote presentation, Craig reflected on the importance of making room for new leaders at the helm - whether it’s committee or affinity group leadership in our CNJG community, funder collaboratives, coalitions, and partnerships, or in our own organizations.
Amalia Brindis Delgado’s keynote, Leadership for Thriving Communities, built on this important theme — emphasizing the importance of funders to actively support succession planning, the value of continued education for nonprofit leaders, and encouraging well-being as deliberate practice. Click here for additional resources from the Annual Meeting.
The Council of New Jersey Grantmakers thanks our Annual Meeting sponsors for their generous support: Signature Sponsor – Prudential; Contributing Sponsors – The Campbell’s Company, Devils Youth Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and Victoria Foundation; Supporting Sponsors – Grunin Foundation, LISC
New Jersey, Pincus Family Foundation, and WSFS Bank; and Colleague Sponsor – Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. Thank you also to NJM Insurance Group for an additional donation to support the event.
The 2024 Annual Meeting & Holiday Gathering provided an outstanding close to anincredible year that 
offered Council members 110 programs and briefings, three signature events, the Impact Investing Bootcamp series, opportunities to meet with our congressional delegation and state officials, a growing partnership with the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits, and new monthly venues for members to connect and build relationships with First Fridays for Philanthropy and CEO to CEO Conversations.
The CNJG offices will be closed from December 25, 2024, to January 1, 2025, for the winter break.
Thank you for your continued partnership and leadership. Together, we are shaping a stronger, more equitable future for New Jersey. CNJG members are an exceptional group of leaders. You care deeply about the communities you serve and the nonprofit partners you support.
On behalf of the entire CNJG team, we wish you a joyful holiday season and a bright, prosperous new year. We look forward to continuing our work together and seeing you in 2025!
With Gratitude,
Theresa Jacks (she/her)
President and CEO
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers
A new year always feels like a fresh start—a chance to reflect on where we’ve been and chart a course for where we’re headed. As we step into 2025, I want to take a moment to thank you for the incredible work you do every day to strengthen New Jersey’s communities. Your dedication and passion are what make our state—and our sector—thrive.
This January not only brings in a new presidential administration but also the 119th United States Congress. These transitions remind us of the vital role we play as advocates for the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors, and civil society overall. Decisions made in Washington over the coming months and years will directly impact philanthropy’s ability to foster equity, champion the vital role nonprofits play in our communities, create opportunities, and address systemic challenges.
Foundations on the Hill (FOTH) is just around the corner and will take place in Washington, D.C. from February 23 - 26. Presented and hosted by United Philanthropy Forum and the Council on Foundations, in partnership with Independent Sector, FOTH brings foundation leaders to Washington for meetings with Congress about key issues of importance to foundations and philanthropy. These meetings also strengthen relationships between funders and our elected representatives. CNJG will join colleague PSOs and foundations from across the country to present a strong, collective voice on Capitol Hill. If you are interested in attending or would like to learn more, please contact me.
As we look ahead to 2025, building strong relationships with legislators through efforts like FOTH, advancing our policy agenda, and continuing our ongoing advocacy work will be critical. The CNJG programs below provide key opportunities for nonprofits and philanthropy to come together, strengthen our collective voice, and focus on shaping impactful public policy.
Save the Dates: 2025 Programs on Public Policy and Advocacy
Policy World Wednesdays
Starting January 8, 2025, and recurring every second Wednesday of the month
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM (Monthly via Zoom)
FREE monthly sessions diving into key policy issues, advocacy opportunities, and the latest developments affecting nonprofits and philanthropy.
Registration is recommended but not required.
2025 Conference for the Social Sector
June 18, 2025
Focus: Civic Engagement
Join nonprofit and philanthropic leaders to explore strategies to strengthen civic engagement. Registration will open in early spring.
2025 Summer Joint Policy Forum
August 5, 2025
A dynamic convening of nonprofit and philanthropic leaders to address emerging policy issues, voter engagement, and collective advocacy for the sector. Registration will open in late spring.
Save these dates on your calendar and stay tuned for more details—we hope to see you there!
It’s important that philanthropy engages in and supports advocacy. Philanthropy continues to be a cornerstone of civil society, where vision and resources come together to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. From racial equity and climate resilience to education and public health, CNJG remains committed to supporting our members in creating lasting and meaningful change.
It was wonderful seeing so many members at the 2024 Annual Meeting & Holiday Gathering on December 11. 2024 was truly an extraordinary year. I’ve no doubt 2025 will be extraordinary as well. Thank you for all you do, and here’s to a productive and impactful year ahead.
Warmly,
Theresa Jacks, President and CEO
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers
Through CNJG's partnership with the United Philanthropy Forum, Council on Foundations, and other colleague organizations, CNJG is pleased to extend these discounts to our members on a variety of products and services.
Alliance Magazine
CNJG members are eligible to receive a 20% discount on new print and digital subscriptions to this magazine for philanthropy and social investment worldwide providing news and analysis of what’s happening in the sector.
Amalgamated Bank
Amalgamated Bank provides high quality service and expert financial support to CNJG and its philanthropy members. As America’s socially responsible bank, Amalgamated offers banking and investment products specifically designed for foundations to help align your money with your mission. CNJG members can access free or discounted banking, along with a preferred private banker.
Community Foundation Services
This includes a national listserv for CEOs of community foundations, two in-person boot camp trainings a year, and a $400 discount on the On-Line Community Foundation Express Training.
D&O Insurance
CNJG-endorsed insurance program by Affinity Nonprofits and The Hartford offers D&O, Fiduciary Liability and other coverage to members at a discounted rate. Coverage is available in all states.
Family Philanthropy Online Knowledge Center & Webinars
Access cutting edge resources in family philanthropy through discounted subscriptions to NCFP’s online knowledge center and monthly webinars.
The Foundation Review
Get a 20% subscription discount for your organization on a quarterly peer-reviewed journal of philanthropy, written by and for foundation staff and boards and those who work with them.
Foundation Legal Help Desk
The Help Desk is designed to provide foundations with access to answers to legal questions related to the operations of a foundation.
Inside Philanthropy
Get a discount of 25% off the subscription price for new subscriptions for CNJG members. Every day, Inside Philanthropy editors and journalists seek to bring more transparency and accountability to philanthropy at a time that it's having a growing impact on America and the world through their reporting.
Stanford Social Innovation Review
For a discounted price CNJG members can subscribe to Stanford Social Innovation Review (SSIR), whose mission is to advance, educate, and inspire the field of social innovation by seeking out, cultivating, and disseminating the best in research- and practice-based knowledge.
ValuesAdvisor
ValuesAdvisor is a nonprofit that offers a searchable database of values-oriented investment advisors, who have been suggested by other trusted affinity groups. The platform offers a simple and dynamic interface that allows investors to filter advisor information on data points such as minimum account size, amount of values-aligned AUM, impact themes, service offerings, asset classes, diversity, and other key information. Note: the platform does not collect user data and is committed to preserving the anonymity of the asset owners who use the platform.
For more information on any member benefits, please contact Craig Weinrich.
The F.M. Kirby Foundation in Morristown, New Jersey, has announced that it awarded 266 grants totaling more than $16.8 million in 2024, an increase of over 9 percent year-over-year.
Grants were awarded to organizations working in the areas of education ($4.4 million), human services ($4 million), health ($2.7 million), arts, culture, and humanities ($2.4 million), environment and animals ($1.7 million), public affairs ($1.2 million), and religion ($127,500). More than half the grants (56 percent) were provided as general operating support, and 108 grants (40.6 percent) were awarded to organizations that have been Kirby’s funding partners for more than 25 years. Grants awarded in New Jersey and North Carolina—the foundation’s primary geographic areas of interest—accounted for $10 million in support, nearly 60 percent of all funding
The Victoria Foundation in Newark, New Jersey, has announced grants totaling $12.8 million in 2024 as part of its centennial anniversary.
The grants support area nonprofits as part of the Thriving Neighborhoods Initiative, the foundation’s long-term commitment to building power and generational well-being, focusing on the neighborhoods of Fairmount Heights, Lower Broadway, and Upper Clinton Hill. In December, at a year-end gala to celebrate its anniversary, the foundation presented “surprise” Centennial Impact Awards to seven organizations totaling $2.5 million.
“These funds ensure that our grantees continue to provide quality programs and support to meet the needs of Newark families,” said Victoria Foundation executive officer Craig Drinkard. “We look forward to 2025 and our continued partnership in all the important work.”
The Princeton Area Community Foundation has awarded $2.4 million in Community Impact Grants to more than 50 local nonprofits working to address community needs, including education and workforce development, food security homelessness and mental health.
“We are grateful to our nonprofit partners for their tireless commitment to the region’s neighbors and communities,” Nelida Valentin, Community Foundation vice president of Grants and Programs, said. “As we work to deepen our focus on strengthening the philanthropic impact we can make, we hope these grants provide meaningful support and encourage greater collaboration and partnerships, so that everyone can thrive.”
The Burke Foundation and J&J have partnered with the Community Foundation to provide Community Impact Grants, which support local nonprofits to improve the lives of people living in poverty in the Greater Mercer County region. The grants are also funded by generous contributions from local donors who want to make an impact in our region.
I Am Trenton Community Foundation is proud to announce awarding $135,000 total through the recent “Making Trenton Even Better” grant program to community champions transforming vacant lots, encouraging art and artists, teaching new skills and providing compassionate support with respect and dignity.
“These community groups will make a real impact across our city and we are excited to support their work,” said IAT Co-President Marelyn Rivera. “Our community faces challenges together, and working together we make Trenton even better.”
Grant Committee Chair Regina Podhorin-Zilinski noted that more than 100 applications were received – and many worthwhile projects were not able to be funded. “This was our most generous grant round ever – with more funding and more applicants than ever before,” she said. “Our only regret is that many good ideas did not receive support – this time.”
Steering Committee
Jorge Cruz, Executive Director, LISC Greater Newark
Linda Czipo, President & CEO of the New Jersey Center of Nonprofits
Jackie Edwards, Executive Director, Parents Inc of NJ
Victoria Fernandez, Director of Thriving Communities, Grunin Foundation; and Co-Founder, Nonprofit Professionals of Color Collective
Tyneisha Gibbs, Founder and Principal Consultant of 144th & Vine; and Co-Founder, Nonprofit Professionals of Color Collective
Theresa Jacks, President and CEO, Council of New Jersey Grantmakers
Bridget Phifer, Chief Executive Officer, Parkside Business & Community in Partnership
Rosalía Velázquez, Director of Strategic Partnerships, New Jersey Center of Nonprofits
Advisory Group
Keith R. Adams, Executive Director, NJVOAD
Carin Berkowitz, Executive Director, New Jersey Council for the Humanities
Elsa Candelario, Professor of Professional Practice, Latino/a/x Initiatives for Service, Training, and Assessment, Rutgers School of Social Work
Jane Cohen, Executive Director, Governor’s Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy
René O. Deida, Director, Corporate and Community Engagement, Prudential Financial, Inc.
Hans Dekker, President, Community Foundation of New Jersey
Craig Drinkard, Co-Executive Officer, Victoria Foundation
Bill Engel President, The Union Foundation
Andy Fraizer Executive Director, Community Foundation of South Jersey
Laurie Goganzer, President and CEO, YMCA of Greater Monmouth County
Jeremy Grunin, President, Grunin Foundation
Bob Guarasci, Founder & CEO, New Jersey Community Development Corporation
Susan Hoskins, Executive Director, Friends Foundation for the Aging
Sharnita C. Johnson, Vice President of Strategy, Impact and Communication, Victoria Foundation
Elaine E. Katz, Sr. Vice President, Kessler Foundation
Eddie LaPorte, Director, New Jersey Office of Faith Based Initiatives
Taneshia Nash Laird, President and CEO, Newark Symphony Hall
Tammy Rice Herman, Director of Grants & Strategies, New Jersey State Council on the Arts
John Thurber, Partner, Br'Island Group
Keith Timko, Executive Director & CEO, Support Center
Sandra Toussaint, President & CEO, United Way of Greater Mercer County
Allison Tratner, Executive Director, New Jersey State Council on the Arts
Mark Valli, CEO, NORWESCAP
Margaret Waldock, Executive Director, Duke Farms
Catherine Wilson, President & CEO, United Way of Greater Newark
Doing Good Better, a partnership of the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers and the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits, is a community of funders and nonprofits taking action against the power imbalances and racial inequities in philanthropy, nonprofits, and government.
What are the chances that a third grader in a New Jersey public school has learned the reading skills they need to progress through school? Post-Covid, only 42% of students read at grade level statewide, less than 20% in at least five cities. New resources are available, and new legislation mandates have proven strategies at scale. Hear from multiple perspectives of expertise to understand how kids learn to read and how to connect them to what they need. The panel includes Dawn DeLorenzo Teacher and Leader Policy Fellow at New Jersey CAN; Sandra Montoyez Diodonet, Superintendent of Passaic Public Schools; Lisa Haberl Executive Director, NJDOE Division of Teaching and Learning Services; and Paula White, Executive Director of JerseyCAN & Legacy of Literacy Campaign. There will be time for Q & A.
Cost: Free for CNJG Members; $50 for Non Member Grantmakers
Webinar Video
With the overturning of Roe v. Wade, several states have either banned access to abortion care, or severely restricted access. As a result, states like New Jersey have seen a surge in individuals seeking care, further straining reproductive care providers. As New Jersey’s sole member of the National Network of Abortion Funds (NNAF), the New Jersey Access Abortion Fund advances abortion access and bodily autonomy by funding abortions for people traveling to, from, and within New Jersey. The very first portion of this briefing will be an update on the reproductive rights legal landscape from Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. After the AG departs, we will then introduce attendees to NJAAF’s work and offer a frank conversation about economic barriers that making it difficult for individuals to seek care.
Speakers include:
Matthew J. Platkin, Attorney General, State of New Jersey
Hans Dekker, President, Community Foundation of New Jersey
Sheila Reynertson, Senior Program Officer, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Emily Zahn, Board Member, NJ Abortion Access Fund
Kathleen DiGiulio, Board Member, NJ Abortion Access Fund
Cost: Free for CNJG Members only
Quadira Coles (she/her)
Quadira Coles is a legislative/policy professional based in New Jersey/New York, committed to advocating for systemic and material changes that create liberating spaces and experiences for Black people, especially young people. She serves as the President of the New Jersey Abortion Access Fund. Her work focuses on reproductive and sexuality health justice and ending youth criminalization with a framework in Black Feminism. Her start in advocacy started when she began working directly with system-impacted youth through direct service and then worked on political campaigns and training young women to become community organizers. She has her Masters in Public Administration from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and Bachelors in Criminal Justice from Penn State University.
Emily Zahn (she/her)
Emily Zahn is the current Secretary of The New Jersey Abortion Access Fund. She has been a volunteer board member with NJAAF since 2022. With over ten years of experience in nonprofit organizing and fundraising, Emily has had the privilege of working for and volunteering with organizations including the National Institute for Reproductive Health, several Planned Parenthood affiliates, and California Women’s List. She currently works at ActBlue where she heads up their non-profit and PAC account management team. Emily is passionate about building community and connecting supporters to causes they care about in deep, meaningful ways. Emily holds a Master’s in Social Work from NYU and a BSW from Skidmore College.
Developed by and for philanthropy, CNJG events provide collaborative opportunities to enhance key skills and examine critical issues facing the state. Each year, CNJG provides philanthropy with practical, educational opportunities through dozens of funder briefings, affinity and interest groups, skill-building workshops and webinars, Conversations with the Cabinet, partner programs,and signature events throughout the year for members to:
- Share best practices in grantmaking, governance, administration, and other key areas
- Explore the potential for strategic alliances and leveraging resources
- Exchange successful strategies and details about past and upcoming projects
- Engage in critical dialogues with policy and thought leaders
Affinity Group Meetings
CNJG affinity and interest groups provide a valued forum through which New Jersey grantmakers can connect, exchange information, and learn from experts in a wide range of fields and sectors. Members with a focus on a particular geography or issue meet on a regular basis and are self-organized. More information on the various Affinity Groups may be found here.
Funders’ Briefings
“The programs and seminars that CNJG produces are always substantive. From a professional development point of view Council membership is extremely cost effective.“
–Maria Spina, Manager Corporate Social Responsibility & PSEG Foundation
Throughout the year, CNJG funder briefings provide a forum to exchange knowledge and insights relating to pressing societal issues that affect our day-to-day work. Many times, these topics are not addressed by one of our affinity groups or span multiple groups. These briefings may include panel discussions and webinars.
Grantmaker Skill Building
As philanthropy’s challenges and opportunities continue to grow in complexity and variety, it has never been more important for you to have the knowledge and tools you need to succeed. CNJG is an excellent source of timely skill-building programming for our members with a focus on due diligence, best practices, and the core techniques that assure proficiency in grantmaking and related work.
Whether you are a family, independent, or corporate foundation, CNJG offers professional development for all members. For example, our programs such as “Due Diligence for Small Foundations” helped participants understand the fiscal health of current and prospective grantees, and “How to Do a Site Visit” gave small foundations a working checklist of management and governance best practices to use when observing a non-profit in advance of funding.
In autumn of 2025, CNJG will present a new Philanthropy 101 series. This multi-module series is focused for those new to the sector, and can be a great review for those with more experience. More details to be announced soon.
Conversations With The Cabinet
Since 2006, CNJG has hosted a series of highly successful gatherings entitled Conversations with the Cabinet. These programs provide representatives of New jersey’s philanthropic community with the opportunity to learn first-hand the priorities, activities and goals of various departments of the current Governor’s administration. At each gathering, attendees discussed initiatives of mutual interest to government and the philanthropic community and opportunities for partnership to support the goals and missions of each.
Family Philanthropy Online
Each month, CNJG family foundation members have the opportunity to join webinars featuring presentations and Q&A sessions with nationally recognized experts in different areas of family philanthropy. Presented in partnership with the National Center for Family Philanthropy, these monthly webinars focus on a wide range of topics, including raising charitable children, effective family governance, and new trends in family philanthropy.
CEO to CEO Conversations
A monthly online gathering of CEOs from CNJG member organizations. Conversations focus around the CEO role and the particular challenges that CEOs face. These meetings are an opportunity to connect directly with fellow CEO peers for conversation, community, and lightly facilitated topical conversations. The time and space is available for CEOs to share experiences and challenges, ask questions, and offer ideas on how to support each other and your work, and build relationships with other CEOs in the CNJG community.
Signature Events
Each year, CNJG hosts a series of statewide signature events for New Jersey's social sector: the philanthropic and nonprofit communities, which bring funders and their nonprofit partners together for shared learning and valuable interaction.
CNJG's Spring Conference for the Social Sector
The Spring Conference brings together staff and trustees from both philanthropy and nonprofits for a full day of networking and focused sessions dealing with key issues that affect both the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. Past conference themes have looked at: “Doing Good Better” CNJG and the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits joint initiative to deepen philanthropic and nonprofit partnerships; the 2020 Census; Leadership; and looking 20 years into the future.
CNJG's Spring Colloquium
The Spring Colloquium: A Conversation for the Social Sector is a half-day event that features nationally-known speakers on big picture topics that directly affect the nonprofit and philanthropic communities. Past speakers have featured Governor Tom Kean, writer David Borenstein, Idealist.org found Ami Dar, Rachel Kimber, Michael McAfee, Tulaine Montgomery, and more. Topics discussed have included the promise and perils of AI; systems change; the public contract; and breaking through the new media paradigm.
Summer Joint Policy Forum
In partnership with the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits, CNJG co-hosted the inaugural Summer Joint Policy Forum in August 2024 that brought together philanthropy and nonprofits to discuss current and emerging nonprofit and philanthropic policy issues, the state budget, voter engagement, and more. We plan on co-presenting this forum annually.
Annual Meeting & Holiday Luncheon
Held each December, CNJG's Annual Meeting & Holiday Luncheon convenes our members from across across the state for a day of networking and reflection on challenges facing the field. The luncheon includes CNJG’s business meeting where we elect a new class of Trustees. Past Annual Meeting speakers have included Genius Grant winner Dr. Jeffrey Brenner, Bridgespan Founder Tom Tierney and former NJ Attorney General Ann Milgram, Center for Effective Philanthropy’s CEO Phil Buchanan; and PantaRhea Foundation’s Chief Strategy Office Amalia Brindis Delgado. Paired with a skill-building workshop preceding the Annual Meeting, the day is full of knowledge gathering and sharing, building community, and celebrating the end of the year.
Past events:
Investment Forum for Foundations and Endowments
Sustainable philanthropy thrives on careful stewardship of the corpus. With that in mind, CNJG created the Investment Forum for Foundations and Endowments, inaugurated in 2014 and held again in 2016 and 2018.
The Investment Forum offered a rare opportunity for leaders of private foundations and endowed charities in the Tri-State region to come face to face with leading professional advisors and investment experts to engage in discussion focused on successful endowment management.
Corporate Skill-Building Curriculum
Maximizing Corporate Community Investments (MCCI) is a comprehensive 6-part module curriculum on corporate giving designed for small to medium-sized corporate giving programs. The high-powered program - for both new and veteran corporate foundation and giving professionals - addressed the basic skills needed to build a strategic corporate giving program and the advanced skills to take an existing program to the next level.
Many of your organization's key priorities — innovative grantmaking, sound management and governance, strategic partnerships — are of paramount concern to other New Jersey philanthropies as well. CNJG is the go-to center for information, connection, and leadership among a growing network of grantmakers and philanthropic organizations throughout New Jersey. Members have access to exclusive benefits and services and a powerful link to fellow funders who share a commitment to addressing critical issues affecting citizens and communities across the state.
Memberships are for the entire organization, so your entire philanthropic team (staff, trustees, and more) can access these benefits:
Show your support of CNJG by adding a Proud Member of CNJG Logo to your website.
CNJG offers quarterly New Member Orientations either via Zoom or in person for any new member organization, or new staff or new Trustees at your organization. In the interim times, CNJG can come to your office or lead a virtual orientation just for your organization.
Invite CNJG staff to present at your board meeting on a variety of topics: benefits of CNJG membership; trends in philanthropy; policy issues affecting philanthropy, or another topic of interest to you and your organization. Please contact us to arrange.
CNJG Programs
CNJG offers over 80 programs per year that focus on peer learning, best practices, professional development, networking, and updates on certain topics that affect and influence your work. Most are free for members, and members receive a significant discount to any programs with a fee, including our signature events: Spring Colloquium, Spring Conference, and Annual Meeting of Members. Read about the different events and programs we offer.
Highlights of CNJG.org Website
Online Resources - hundreds of resources, tools, documents, templates and more to assist you in your work.
Leverage the New Jersey Principles for Philanthropy to promote continuous learning and reflection at your organization.
Take action to decrease the power imbalance between philanthropy and nonprofits through our joint initiative with the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits, Doing Good Better.
Read through a plethora of information on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion work; philanthropy's disaster response, including COVID; and past CNJG work.
Find and connect to your peers using our online member directory. Only logged-in CNJG members can see full contact information for member organizations and their staff and/or trustees.
Benchmark the benefits you offer your staff and trustees, and compare salary rates for staff using our triennial Philanthropy Benefits and Salary Survey. Last published in 2023, we’ll be asking for your information in 2026. The salary data is gathered by the Council on Foundations through their annual Grantmaker Salary and Benefits survey.
Discover peers funding in similar areas through Affinity Groups and corresponding listserves.
Post any available philanthropic jobs at your organizations for free on our job board.
Save on administrative costs through several different discounts on a variety of products and services for grantmaking organizations.
Through the website and our member newsletters, CNJG can share your grant award announcements, personnel changes, and articles or announcements from your organization with our membership, informing them of your activities. Please email CNJG’s Manager of Communications Shakirat Odunsi with links to the announcement on your website, so we can include in our own communications.
Public Policy Updates and Advocacy
CNJG keeps its members informed of public policies that affect grantmaking institutions and their non-profit partners. Members can attend Foundations on the Hill (a joint program of the United Philanthropy Forum, the Council on Foundations, and Independent Sector), or read about CNJG’s work on the 2020 Census. We plan on revisiting this work for the upcoming 2030 Census.
Read through CNJG’s Policy Agenda, that guides our policy work on behalf of all the CNJG membership, under the direction of CNJG’s Policy Committee of the Board.
CNJG though our membership with the United Philanthropy Forum, we share programs and information from our fellow ‘philanthropy-supporting organizations’ from across the country that offer insights and policy strategies for philanthropy.
Newark Philanthropic Liaison
A model for the country, CNJG’s Newark Philanthropic Liaison, in collaboration with Newark’s Office of the Mayor, harnesses interest, attracts resources, and fosters greater effectiveness towards policy and programmatic areas affecting Newark’s residents.
Newsletters
CNJG News: Emailed at the start of each month, CNJG News provides timely information on members, member benefits, job announcements, and more. Please share your grants news, personnel changes, and announcements with us to include!
Grantmaker Learning Calendar: Bi-monthly emails describing upcoming programs for members.
Corporate Philanthropy Brief: Distributed monthly to the contacts of all CNJG’s corporate members, the Brief offers links to articles that help you learn more about CSR and how to get the best results from your giving.
Family Ties: A monthly e-publication specifically for CNJG’s family foundation members offers helpful articles, news, and tips for managing the unique needs of this brand of philanthropy.
You can also follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
Publications
2023 New Jersey Philanthropy Benefits & Salary Summary Report: Produced every three years, this detailed benchmarking report looks at the benefits offered by philanthropic organizations to your staff and trustees. Salary information is provided by the Council on Foundations’ annual salary survey.
Disaster Philanthropy Playbook: A partnership with the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, in association with the United Philanthropy Forum, the Disaster Philanthropy Playbook website, created in response to Superstorm Sandy, brings together a meaningful compilation of early stage response ideas, tested models and innovative strategies employed by funders throughout the world after any natural or human-created disaster.
What Every Grantmaker Should Know & Frequently Asked Legal Questions: an “oldie but a goodie” guide to help the state’s philanthropic community understand what the ethical, legal, and fiduciary requirements and obligations are for grantmaking organizations, no matter the size of grants.
Add Your Leadership Voice to a CNJG committee
Membership in the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers offers grantmakers the opportunity to deepen their experience with the organization by serving on a Board committee, co-chairing an affinity group, or serving on CNJG’s board of trustees. Committee members lead, recommend and develop policies that help us shape our organization. Affinity Group co-chairs work with CNJG staff to develop programs for the members. The Board offers fiduciary and governance responsibilities for the entire organization.
Unique Benefits for Specific Members
For Family Foundations:
Family Ties newsletter
Family Philanthropy Online webinars with National Center for Family Philanthropy; offered every month
Family Foundation listserve
Family foundation members can access family foundation resources in the National Center for Family Philanthropy’s Knowledge Center.
For Corporate Members:
Corporate Philanthropy Brief newsletter
A New Jersey Corporate Philanthropy Network Affinity Group
Corporate Funders listserve
For Community Foundation Members:
DAF holders and component funds, like Impact 100 groups, can attend CNJG programs at the member rate. Please share relevant programs with interested DAF holders.
DAF holders can also receive CNJG News and our calendar emails should they choose
CNJG staff can introduce CNJG to your DAF holders at any of your gatherings
Community Foundation CEO listserve, which connects to a national listserve of Community Foundation CEOs from across the country.
To learn more about CNJG membership, contact Craig Weinrich.