Foundations on the Hill
Hosted by United Philanthropy Forum, in partnership with the Council on Foundations and Independent Sector, Foundations on the Hill (FOTH) is an annual opportunity for foundation executives, staff, and board members, philanthropy-infrastructure organizations, and other philanthropic and social sector leaders to meet with their federal lawmakers, talk about issues of interest to philanthropy, and strengthen relationships with their representatives.
The overall purpose of Foundations on the Hill is to:
- Inform and educate Congress about philanthropy.
- Advocate on issues affecting foundations.
- Build CNJG’s relationships with lawmakers and their staff.
- Create visibility for foundations and philanthropy on Capitol Hill.
- Encourage Congress to view foundations as resources on key public policy issues.
CNJG Makes Strong Showing at Foundations on the Hill 2026
The Council of New Jersey Grantmakers joined nearly 400 colleagues from 33 States and DC at Foundations on the Hill (FOTH) from March 16th to 19th. This premier policy conference brought together the philanthropic sector for advocacy and education.
The CNJG delegation, led by our President and CEO Theresa Jacks, included Board Chair Justin J. Kiczek, President, F. M. Kirby Foundation, Inc., Policy Committee Chair, Jeremy Grunin, President, The Grunin Foundation as well as a diverse group of foundation leaders representing various regions and interests across New Jersey. Notably, Linda Czipo, President and CEO of the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits, also participated, providing valuable insights from the nonprofit perspective.
FOTH offered a rich program beyond meetings with legislators. Attendees participated in conference sessions, learned about key national trends in philanthropy, and engaged with experts on critical issues like equitable grantmaking, tax reform, and the budget reconciliation process.
During Foundations on the Hill 2026, the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers delegation met directly with Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, Congressman Josh Gottheimer, and Senator Andy Kim to discuss the role of philanthropy in supporting communities across New Jersey and the impact of federal policy on nonprofit partners and the people they serve.
The delegation highlighted the importance of policies that expand charitable giving, including the IRA Charitable Rollover Facilitation and Enhancement Act (H.R. 2891 / S. 3975), which would increase resources available to nonprofits by broadening charitable giving opportunities.
In meetings with members of the House, the delegation also encouraged participation in the revitalized Congressional Philanthropy Caucus, a bipartisan forum co-chaired by Congressmen Blake Moore (R-UT) and Danny Davis (D-IL) that highlights the vital role of philanthropy in communities across the country.
Importantly, this work does not end in Washington. We’ll expand upon our FOTH meetings within state and in district conversations to continue building relationships with our legislators. We’re also proud to partner with the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits to provide workshops and trainings to constituents focused on Doing Good Better, with New Jersey Philanthropy Hub, and tips for working with funders.
Beyond policy discussions and sharing what is happening on the ground in our state’s communities, FOTH provided valuable networking opportunities. The annual CNJG dinner fostered connections and relationships within the delegation, as well as time to debrief about what we were hearing on the Hill. Special thanks to Jermey Grunin, President, Grunin Foundation, for underwriting our dinner!
Overall, CNJG's participation in FOTH proved successful. By advocating key legislation, educating Congress, and building relationships, CNJG helps ensure the voice of New Jersey philanthropy is heard on Capitol Hill.
2026 CNJG Delegation:
Sarah Hart, President, Mimi Washington Starrett Foundation
Jasmyne Beckford, Director - Inclusive Communities, Prudential Financial
Caroline Bersak, Program Officer, The Burke Foundation
Hadrian G Castellanos, Consultant, Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation
Mary Celis, President & CEO, United Way Passaic
Linda Czipo, President and CEO, New Jersey Center for Nonprofits
Paul DiLorenzo, Executive Director, Salem Health and Wellness Foundation
William Engel, President, Union Foundation
Jeremy Grunin, President, The Grunin Foundation
Katie Hurtado, Manager of Policy and Partnerships, Council of New Jersey Grantmakers
Theresa Jacks, President and CEO, Council of New Jersey Grantmakers
Justin Kiczek, President F. M. Kirby Foundation
Jessica Nugent, Senior Program Officer, The Burke Foundation
Janna Oberdorf, Director of Communications, Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation
Beauty Okunbor, Program Associate, The Fund for New Jersey
Rose Rodriguez, Senior Portfolio Manager, The Tepper Foundation
Marni Schreiber, Policy Manager, The Tepper Foundation
Julia Stoumbo, Program Director, The Henry and Marilyn Taub Foundation
Aaron Turner, Chief Philanthropic Officer, Community Foundation of New Jersey
Nelida Valentin, Vice President, Princeton Area Community Foundation
Lucy Vandenberg, Executive Director, Schumann Fund of New Jersey
Leo Vazquez, Executive Director, Northern New Jersey Community Foundation