Thank you to our fundholders for making grants to communities totaling $105 million — a $35 million increase compared to 2023. Because of the generosity from them, and countless other fundholders and partners over the past decades, CFNJ has reached $993 million in total charitable assets.
We’re also excited to share about our collective philanthropic impact in 2024:
- Grants: We processed approximately 8,500 grants, paid 2,900 program-related expenses, and accepted 5,000 donations.
- Pooled Funds: Ten funders have contributed more than $1.5 million to the Food Security Fund, which is led by the Tepper Foundation. This fund focuses on capacity-building grants for food banks and pantries and deploying Grant Navigator Consultants to local organizations across the state.
- From Bequests to Legacy Funds: We launched the Lindemann Legacy Fund, which aims to eliminate barriers for survivors fleeing domestic violence with their pets. About $70,000 in Jumpstart Grants were awarded to 14 organizations across New Jersey serving DV survivors and their pets. These grants will fund everything from vet bills to pet security deposits for apartments and rental homes.
- Corporate Philanthropy: The second round of the Prudential Community Grants Program focused on hyper-local grantmaking for community-based projects. The RSI Foundation more than doubled the amount of funding for non-profit organizations serving Rahway and its surrounding communities. The Somerset Hills Community Health Foundation awarded grants to support non-profits that promote healthier individuals and communities in Morris and Somerset counties. And Great Companions provided funding to support animal shelters and other organizations that help companion animals in need across the state.
- Scholarships: Distributions totaling more than $1.5 million were granted to 283 students who benefited from scholarship awards. CFNJ currently administers 126 scholarship funds, with assets totaling more than $19 million.
- Impact Investing: And we collaborated with the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation as seed partners in the Seelaus Housing Equality Fund, LP, an impact investment strategy that addresses access to affordable housing in underserved communities while offering a competitive rate of return to investors.
Our partners and fundholders are creative and driven, and we’re proud of our work to make their philanthropic goals a reality. In 2025, we will remain responsive to the evolving needs of our partners in the work and do our part to support fundholders in achieving lasting impact in our communities.