Happy New Year!
As we step into 2026, I wanted to start with heartfelt gratitude. Thanks to the generous and unwavering support from you, our members, CNJG has continued to grow and thrive, even in the face of a challenging year for our country.
2025 wasn’t easy for most, with executive orders and other directives targeting our sector, but we joined a network of partners to amplify our collective voice, and advocate for policies that empower us to continue making a difference. We look forward to advancing that work with the newest addition to our team - Katie Hurtado, Manager of Policy and Partnership.
Katie brings a wealth of experience in grassroots advocacy and civic engagement, as well as creating strategic partnerships in her previous role at NJPBS/NJ Spotlight. She will lead efforts to advance our policy agenda, build and strengthen alliances with current and new partners, expand our impact, develop relationships with state and local legislators and government officials, and build on our ongoing advocacy work. Please feel free to reach out to her and give her a warm welcome.
Katie will work with me to coordinate Foundations on the Hill 2026 (FOTH), scheduled for March 16–19, in Washington, D.C. FOTH provides an opportunity to connect with foundation colleagues from across the country and share philanthropy’s impact with our legislators on Capitol Hill. Hosted and presented nationally by United Philanthropy Forum in partnership with the Council on Foundations and Independent Sector, #FOTH26 is intentionally designed as a forward-looking advocacy conference and experience. During FOTH, we’ll discuss critical issues ranging from charitable giving to protecting the nonprofit sector and advancing philanthropy’s independence. Here is a recap from FOTH 2025.
It was wonderful to see so many of you last month at CNJG’s 2025 Annual Meeting & Holiday Gathering — Catalyzing New Jersey Communities: Building Local Coalitions.
During the business meeting we welcomed four new trustees for their first 3-year term: Erik Estrada, Community Foundation of South Jersey, Jessica Nugent, The Burke Foundation, Tyrell Smith, Smith Family Foundation, and Julia Stoumbos, The Henry and Marilyn Taub Foundation, as well as re-electing trustees for their second 3-year term, including Marcy Felsenfeld, The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey, Jeremy Grunin, Grunin Foundation, Justin Kiczek, F. M. Kirby Foundation, and Maria Spina, PSEG Foundation. Following the annual meeting of members, trustees elected their officers for 2026: Justin Kiczek, Chair, Jasmyne Beckford, 1st Vice Chair, Prudential Financial, Kate Barrett, The Campbell’s Foundation, 2nd Vice Chair, Kortney Swanson Davis, Secretary, Forman S. Acton Education Foundation, and Priti Mehta, Treasurer, Investors Foundation. Congratulations! Your leadership will guide us into an exciting year ahead.
Thank you to our amazing trustees that rotated off the Board, Andy Fraizer, Community Foundation of South Jersey, Pat Hartpence, NJM Insurance Group, Christine Healey, The Healey Education Foundation, and Lucy Vandenberg, Schumann Fund for New Jersey, with a special appreciation and shout out to Craig Drinkard, Victoria Foundation who served as Board Chair and 1st Vice Chair during critical leadership transitions and a world-wide pandemic! The word gratitude feels insufficient to express our huge thanks to each and every one of you for your service.
And to get us started on the new year, save these dates and we hope to see you:
- Policy World Wednesdays
Starting January 16, 2026, and recurring every second Wednesday of the month
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM (Monthly via Zoom)
Hosted by the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits and CNJG, these monthly sessions dive into key policy issues, advocacy opportunities, and the latest developments affecting nonprofits and philanthropy.
- 2026 Spring Colloquium: A Conversation for the Social Sector
June 17, 2026
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center
Not to be missed - every other year, CNJG brings together recognized thought leaders and practitioners from both the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors for a visionary conversation exploring topics of critical interest to the future of the social sector.
Sponsorship Opportunities: If you’re interested in sponsoring this convening – please reach out to Development Associate — Fortunata Cuomo. Registration will open in early spring.
- 2026 Summer Joint Policy Forum
August 2026
A partnership between New Jersey Center for Nonprofits and CNJG this is 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!
As we embark on 2026, we remain committed to strengthening our sector and driving positive change. Together, we can continue to build a more equitable and thriving New Jersey. Be sure to check out our event calendar to discover even more exciting programs planned for 2026.
Warmly,
Theresa Jacks, President and CEO
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers