Site Search
- resource provided by the Forum Network Knowledgebase.
Search Tip: Search with " " to find exact matches.
Join this virtual session introducing systems thinking principles and their vital role in driving meaningful change. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, this session will equip you with the knowledge to unlock transformative solutions for your organization and community.
The webinar will explore—and show participants how to apply—a systems change framework that adapts and expands the approach forged by New Jersey grantmaker, The Nicholson Foundation. This approach embodied collaboration with government, foundations, and community nonprofits to promote sustainable change in New Jersey. State leaders in government, nonprofits, and philanthropy will reflect on how they use systems thinking principles in New Jersey and their crucial role in getting to outcomes in health and early childhood education using community-based approaches. In addition to a deep dive on systems change in New Jersey, participants will gain insights from foundation leaders in Texas who are transforming complex systems, including education and behavioral health.
Key Takeaways
· Understand the Systems Change Framework: Analyze the systems affecting your work.
· Practical Tools: Acquire actionable insights to implement complex change.
· Interactive Learning: Engage in discussions, expert presentations, and real-world reflections.
Moderator and Panelists Focused on New Jersey
Kimberly Boller, PhD, former Executive Director of The Nicholson Foundation and CNJG Board member
Denise Anderson, PhD, Inaugural Executive Director of The Center for Health Equity & Wellbeing, New Jersey's Public Health Institute; and former Managing Director for the Office of Primary Care and Rural Health at the New Jersey Department of Health
Wendy McWeeney, MPA, Co-Director, Community Health Acceleration Partnership
Atiya Weiss, MPH, Executive Director of the Burke Foundation and former CNJG Board member
The Nicholson Foundation is sponsoring the webinar in partnership with the Center for Nonprofits & Philanthropy at Texas A&M University’s Bush School of Government and Public Service.
Cost: $99. Please register by May 12.
Contact Kimberly Boller with questions and requests for group pricing.
In Q1 2025, our foundation awarded 56 grants totaling over $14.5 million.
Our first 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 TD Charitable Foundation, the charitable arm of TD Bank, has announced grants totaling $7.2 million to 36 nonprofits in support of housing affordability and stability.
Awarded through the foundation’s annual Housing for Everyone program, grants of $200,000 each will boost solutions for low- to moderate-income (LMI) homeowners struggling to maintain homeownership. Recipients include Rebuilding Together Miami-Dade (Florida), Midcoast Habitat for Humanity (Rockport, Maine), Valley Community Development Corp. (Northampton, Massachusetts), Family Promise of Warren County (Phillipsburg, New Jersey), Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation (Brooklyn, New York), and Greenville Housing Fund (Greenville, South Carolina).
“Amid rising housing costs, these organizations play a vital role in supporting homeowners in communities across TD’s footprint to afford critical repairs, avoid foreclosure, correct tangled titles, and so much more,” said TD Charitable Foundation director Paige Carlson-Heim. “The efforts of the Housing for Everyone grantees are so appreciated, as their work is essential to protecting homeowners and providing long-term stability in our neighborhoods. By supporting these nonprofits, we hope to help mitigate the threat of home loss while ensuring homeowners have the resources and resilience they need to sustain long-term homeownership.”
Recent Supreme Court affirmative action rulings and sweeping government executive actions are targeting diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and access initiatives in the public and private sectors. Please join us for this web briefing, the first in a series, which will cover the latest legal developments and offer suggestions for nonprofits to chart a course in this landscape, remaining true to their missions and the people and communities they serve, while mitigating risk to their organization.
Presenter: Lloyd Freeman, Esq., Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Buchanan Ingersoll
Cost: Free for all funders
Note: this session will not be recorded.
This program is co-presented by the Council of New Grantmakers, New Jersey Center for Nonprofits, Gathering Ground, Grunin Foundation, Pro Bono Partnership, Nonprofit Professionals of Color Collective, and Support Center.
Recent Supreme Court affirmative action rulings and sweeping government executive actions are targeting diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and access initiatives in the public and private sectors. Please join us for this web briefing, the first in a series, which will cover the latest legal developments and offer suggestions for nonprofits to chart a course in this landscape, remaining true to their missions and the people and communities they serve, while mitigating risk to their organization.
Note: this session will not be recorded.
Presenter: Lloyd Freeman, Esq., Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Buchanan Ingersoll
This program is co-presented by the Council of New Grantmakers, New Jersey Center for Nonprofits, Gathering Ground, Grunin Foundation, Pro Bono Partnership, Nonprofit Professionals of Color Collective, and Support Center.
Recent Supreme Court affirmative action rulings and sweeping government executive actions are targeting diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and access initiatives in the public and private sectors. Please join us for this web briefing, the first in a series, which will cover the latest legal developments and offer suggestions for nonprofits to chart a course in this landscape, remaining true to their missions and the people and communities they serve, while mitigating risk to their organization.
Presenter: Lloyd Freeman, Esq., Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Buchanan Ingersoll
Cost: Free for all funders
Note: this session will not be recorded.
This program is co-presented by the Council of New Grantmakers, New Jersey Center for Nonprofits, Gathering Ground, Grunin Foundation, Pro Bono Partnership, Nonprofit Professionals of Color Collective, and Support Center.
In predominantly renter-based markets across the Northeast, housing-related financial strain remains a significant barrier to household stability and long-term economic security. Yet innovative models are emerging that seek to flip that script, creating pathways for renters to build assets, reduce risk, and participate more fully in local prosperity.
Building on the momentum from AFN’s September 2024 webinar exploring regional strategies to increase affordability, reduce evictions, and deliver financial return or dividends to renters, this session will take a deeper dive into renter wealth-building models in action.
Join AFN, partners in New Jersey, and collaborators from national nonprofits and financial institutions as we explore promising approaches that leverage public-private tools, housing finance innovation, and credit-building strategies tied to rent payment. We’ll examine how these approaches can expand renter access to economic opportunity and help funders consider how to adapt similar efforts in urban centers across the region.
Speakers:
Rachel Levy-Culler, Housing Innovations Senior Specialist, Credit Builders Alliance (CBA)
Marcus Randolph, President & CEO, Invest Newark
Khaatim Sherrer El, Executive Director, Clinton Hill Community Action
Marco Villegas, Program Officer, JPMorgan Chase
Who Should Attend:
Philanthropic leaders, community investors, housing advocates, and public-private partners working to advance financial security and equity for renters. This webinar is open to all and will focus on the New Jersey and Northeast AFN regions.
Captioning will be provided. If you have any other accessibility requests or questions, please email Paula Dworek. Requests for reasonable accommodations must be received by May 5, 2025, to ensure our ability to meet your request.
Kearny Bank said Wednesday that it gifted $590,385 in 2024 to charities in New Jersey and New York. The donations were made through the KearnyBank Foundation and went to community, education, housing, and quality of life organizations.
Kearny Bank’s 2024 contributions were: $272,885 to community; $142,885 to education; $92,500 to quality of life; and $80,000 to housing.
During 2024, the largest single donation was to Junior Achievement of New Jersey, which received $65,000. In addition, the 55 Kip Center of Rutherford received $50,000. Also included among recipients was the Essex County chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women, which received $18,000. The Robeson Classic High School Football All-Star Game and HABcore, Inc. each received $15,000, while $12,000 was contributed to the Student/Partner Alliance.
“We’re delighted that our success enables us to donate to a range of programs and organizations that help communities in which we conduct business,” says Craig Montanaro, Kearny Bank president and CEO. “Our company has been committed to charitable giving since it was founded in the 19th century and we continue seeking ways to enhance people’s lives.”
Mayor Steven M. Fulop, the Office of Cultural Affairs, and the Jersey City Arts and Culture Trust Fund Committee are proud to announce the recipients of the fourth round of Arts and Culture Trust Fund grants, awarding over $1 million to 112 artists, organizations, and arts education initiatives across Jersey City. By helping Jersey City artists and cultural organizations continue to thrive, these critical investments fulfill the Fulop Administration’s initial goals when the state’s first Arts and Culture Trust Fund was launched in 2020.
“This round of grant funding not only marks our largest to date, but it also builds on our promise to prioritize equity, opportunity, and cultural vitality citywide,” said Mayor Fulop. “In just 5 years, we’ve awarded nearly 400 grants worth over $4 million to support Jersey City artists and arts organizations.”
Sam Parker, Chief of Staff to Lt. Governor Way and Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Murphy, will discuss ways to become involved with a state board or commission and the appointment process. You will also have the opportunity to learn about the expectations and responsibilities in serving the State as well as why it is important to be involved as a philanthropic organization. Sam oversees the Appointments Department which is responsible for the numerous appointments to New Jersey’s various Boards, Commissions, Councils, Advisory Committees and Task Forces; as well as the Judicial Bench.
Sam Parker (she/her) is an organizational, development and political professional with extensive experience in strategic planning, leadership management, civic engagement, and collaborative partnership building. Sam is currently the Chief of Staff to Lt. Governor Way and Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Murphy. Before joining the administration in March of 2021, Sam served as the Development and Political Affairs for the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide. Sam was also Congressman Frank Pallone’s Deputy Campaign Director (2013) and Deputy Field Director for the New Jersey State Democratic Committee’s Victory Campaign (2012). Previous to her return to her home state in 2012, Sam worked for organizations such as The National LGBTQ Task Force, Human Rights Campaign, EqualityMaine and Equality North Carolina on LGBT+ issue campaigns all over the country. Sam has a BA of English/Creative Writing from the University of Southern Maine and a master's degree in Public Policy and Management and a certificate of Social Justice and Economics from The Muskie School at the University of Southern Maine.
Cost: Free for CNJG Members; $75 for Non Member Grantmakers
This program is only open to staff and trustees from grantmaking organizations.
Webinar Video
Resource
Governor's Boards, Commissions, and Authorities Directory
The executive vice president (EVP), as an officer, will be involved in strategic planning, program development, and policy advocacy. The EVP will work closely with other senior staff, trustees, and external partners to design and implement programs that drive systemic change. This role requires a deep understanding of public health issues, strong leadership skills, and the ability to collaborate across different sectors.
Officers at RWJF are also expected to uphold the Foundation's values of equity, diversity, and inclusion. This involves fostering an inclusive work environment, addressing conflicts, and ensuring that all team members feel valued and respected.
In addition, this person will be a member of the Foundation’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and will lead the Program unit leadership team. This position will ensure the Program unit’s Strategic Framework and strategies are aligned with and are a key driver of the Foundation’s broader transformation to deepen a focus on intersectional racial equity, purpose, and brand. The EVP provides institutional vision and inspirational leadership to the Foundation’s key programming initiatives and functions of the Program unit, which include the Communications, Grants Management, Policy, Research-Evaluation-Learning, New Jersey, and Strategic Portfolios departments, and the Impact Investments team.
Ensures compliance with banking regulations established as part of the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). Analyzes and reports required data to the federal government and examiners. Initiates, prepares and executes grant applications through the Federal Home Loan Bank. Regularly reviews progress of bank in Lending, Investment and Service Test as it relates to CRA. Develops new business and maintains effective relationships with community leaders in targeted markets. Chairs and prepares for CRA Committee Meetings.
The Daelight Foundation and Boys of Sustainable Strength Mentoring are positively changing and influencing children and teenagers throughout the city, thanks to Camden Education Fund Youth-Serving Organization grants.
For example, some of the $40,000 grant the Daelight Foundation received went into the foundation’s scholarship fund, according to Tracey Hall, the foundation’s founder and executive director.
The rest of the grant helped purchase supplies and to train volunteers to enable more high school students to take a six-session National Council for Mental Wellbeing course titled "Mental Health First Aid,” according to Hall.
Which staffing models will work best for your family philanthropy? How can the right structure enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of your organization?
We will examine different approaches, including hiring dedicated philanthropic professionals and family members, and utilizing external advisors and consultants. You will learn how to align staffing strategieswith your philanthropic goals, create a collaborative work environment, and ensure that the right expertise is in place to drive impact.
Whether you’re looking to grow, professionalize, or prepare for transition, this session will offer practical guidance on building a structure that supports both mission and operational excellence.
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.
How can being more transparent about your philanthropy strengthen your relationships and build trust with grantees and partners?
The annual Trust in Nonprofits and Philanthropy Report showed that 57 percent of Americans trust the nonprofit sector—much higher than the government, media, or the business sector. Yet, only 33 percent have trust in the philanthropic sector (primarily private foundations and high net-worth individuals). Why is this and how can family philanthropy increase this trust?
By prioritizing transparency, families can grow trusting relationships with the communities and organizations that they support, be more accountable donors, and ultimately enhance the effectiveness of their philanthropic efforts.
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.
Join your fellow CNJG members and CNJG staff, every first Friday of the month, for a 60-minute Zoom session. Much like the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits’ Member Mondays or “open office hours,” these sessions are a dedicated time for members to gather online to network, ask questions of each other or the CNJG staff on topics that could address:
- The latest issues facing New Jersey philanthropic organizations, resources and calls to action.
- How to use Trust-Based Philanthropy practices at your philanthropy.
- How can funders “Do Good Better?”
- Sincere discussions, sharing your questions, challenges, and success stories with your philanthropic colleagues.
- Opportunities for collaboration, programs you are offering for grantees, RFP announcements, and more.
Current members (grantmaking and associate) are invited to participate. No registration is required.
There won’t be an agenda, and we will not record the session, but we will take attendance.
To Join:
Use this link
or use
Zoom Meeting ID: 879 8405 2351
Passcode: 663599
Meeting Norms:
To make the experience comfortable and worthwhile to all, we respectfully ask the following.
- Please try to be on camera as much as possible.
- Please keep the conversation respectful and nonpartisan.
- While everyone is welcome to share resources during the session and to include helpful information in the chat, we ask that there be no direct soliciting for new clients/customers.
- Please allow everyone the opportunity to participate.
- Feel free to continue discussions offline with anyone that shares their contact information with you. Contact information for our members can be found through our online member directory.
Join your CNJG CEO colleagues for a monthly peer-to-peer gathering via Zoom focused on you, your role, and your unique and particular challenges as the leader for your organization. If you’re the CEO, Executive Director, Executive Officer – this time and space from 4:00 – 5:00 pm on the third Wednesday of the month - is just for you. This is an opportunity to connect directly with your CEO peers for conversation, community and lightly facilitated topical conversations. The space is yours to share your experiences and challenges, ask questions, and offer ideas on how to support each other and your work. This is also an opportunity to build your relationships with you colleague CEOs in the CNJG network.
Cost: Free for CNJG Members
For more information, please reach out to Theresa Jacks, President and CEO, CNJG.
Please join the Environmental Funders Affinity Group and the Health Funders Affinity Group for a virtual lunchtime discussion with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection's Chief Strategy Officer, Kati Angarone and Manager NJDEP’s Office of Environmental and Public Health, Christine Schell. This session is designed to explore the connections between the environment and health with emphasis on climate change, environmental justice, and water to educate the philanthropic community on the ways that NJ government is addressing these challenges. The discussion will highlight NJDEP’s efforts to address the impact of these intersecting issues on diverse NJ communities and explore philanthropic opportunities to support local and statewide solutions.
Kati Angarone has worked for NJDEP for over twenty-five years. In her current role, she works to advance strategic initiatives, including expanding public access to environmental information, increasing the visibility of DEP programs and services, cultivating external partnerships, and coordinating strategic planning on cross-media issues. She also oversees the efforts of NJDEP’s Office of Legislative Affairs and our Office of Environmental and Public Health Analysis.
Christine Schell is a 30+ year veteran of the NJDEP and currently manages the NJDEP’s Office of Environmental and Public Health Analysis. In partnership with the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), Christine jointly coordinates New Jersey’s Environmental Public Health Tracking Program through a CDC grant, and oversees the development, implementation, and dissemination of data analyses and visualization tools designed to integrate public health concerns into local and state decision making, planning, and the implementation of meaning actions on a broad array of issues, including environmental justice, climate resilience, and sustainability.
Cost: Free for CNJG Members; $75 for Non Member Grantmakers
Webinar Video
Links and Resources:
Healthy Community Planning NJ
Potential Lead Exposure Mapping
Heat Hub NJ
Environmental Justice Mapping, Assessment, and Protection
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
One Health
Climate Change
Climate Change in New Jersey Storymap
Healthy Community Planning
New Jersey Protecting Against Climate Threats
Inland Flood Protection Rule
Resilient Environments and Landscapes
Chill Out NJ
The Camden Funders Affinity Group serves as a vehicle for funders to connect, learn, and share updates about initiatives throughout the city. To help broaden the voices and perspectives in these conversations, we’re excited to begin dedicating a portion of each to hearing directly from leaders doing important work across Camden.
Join fellow CNJG members and the Camden Funders Affinity Group for a very special in-person and lively discussion with City of Camden Mayor, Victor Carstarphen. Serving the community long before becoming Mayor in 2021, Mayor Carstarphen looks forward to sharing his unique perspective on the tremendous progress taking place citywide, the opportunities that lie ahead, and to learn more about the impactful work you are leading throughout Camden.
In the first half of the meeting Mayor Carstarphen will share his insights on the city’s current priorities and opportunities, followed by a Q&A discussion with the Camden Funders. In the second half of the meeting, we’ll reflect on the mayor’s remarks, share updates on our current initiatives, and identify potential speakers & topics for future meetings. Light refreshments will be served.
Cost: Free for CNJG Members; $75 for Non Member Grantmakers
This program is only open to staff and trustees from grantmaking organizations.
It’s been a while since the Trenton/Mercer County Affinity Group has come together. Please join us as we look to revive and rebuild our collaboration in the region. We truly value your voice, and this gathering is all about reconnecting, realigning, and reimagining what’s next for our group.
During our time together, we will set goals, plan actions and next steps based on our vision.
Whether you’ve been involved in the past or are new to the group, your perspective matters. Let’s come together to shape the future of the Trenton/Mercer County region. Light refreshments will be served.
Cost: Free for CNJG Members; $75 for Non Member Grantmakers
This program is only open to staff and trustees from grantmaking organizations.