About

Introduction

The Community Foundation of South Jersey (CFSJ) helps South Jersey residents harness the power of philanthropy to transform their community and the issues they care about most. The Foundation helps donors to create funds and achieve positive results with their generosity in South Jersey and beyond. By working with the Community Foundation donors can engage in philanthropy that is innovative, visionary, and effective.

Our History

CFSJ was founded in 2007 by community leaders, Jack Tarditi, Melinda K. Holman, Robert Kugler, Dr. Stella Horton, and Dr. Kim Ayres. In July 2009, the Foundation was awarded a startup grant for $600,000 (over three years) which enabled the hire of its first executive director in 2009.

The Community Foundation of South Jersey was created by a group of committed and passionate New Jersey residents with the assistance of the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers, which recognizlivegiveloveed the need for a community foundation to serve the specific needs of southern New Jersey. Research clearly indicated that a community foundation would benefit the local area, and would help people of every race, gender and class take pride in supporting their local community. Giving to, and supporting where you live and work makes philanthropy personal.

Communities and individuals in southern New Jersey have historically been philanthropic, but not always through formal, organized philanthropy. Data provided by “New Jersey Gives,” revealed that New Jersey is home to over 2,400 private grantmaking foundations, all with their own approaches and strategies to address community issues but with few direct connections or partnerships with other foundations to work together to resolve those issues. While all giving is inherently good, philanthropy that is organized and collaborative drives lasting change and is effective. Community foundations are known to bring about lasting change through organized giving opportunities.

The idea that wealth could be captured and held within the region to benefit the people that live there was the cornerstone in seeking grant support from the Ford Foundation to help launch this effort. Ford’s expression of support for the development of a community foundation for southern New Jersey was welcome news. The Ford Foundation was interested in supporting an effort that embodied community ownership and the region’s diversity. The Foundation’s willingness to underwrite a planning process provided a wonderful opportunity for developing a community foundation that would encourage giving, and use that wealth to benefit the community.

Community Foundation Work

The Community Foundation of South Jersey is dedicated to improving the lives of residents in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean and Salem counties by fostering philanthropy and connecting generous donors with vital community assets, needs, and opportunities. The Community Foundation supports the power of collective giving to create lasting, positive change in the region.

Our Mission:

Community Foundation of South Jersey inspires generosity, manages and deploys permanent charitable assets, and exercises collaborative leadership to create a more equitable region.
 

Our Vision:

South Jersey thrives as an eight county region where neighbors aspire, succeed, participate, and give.

What We Do:

CFSJ serves as a trusted partner for individuals, families, and businesses looking to make a difference in South Jersey. We offer a variety of services, including:

  • Managing Charitable Funds: We provide personalized fund management services, allowing donors to create a lasting legacy and support the causes they care about most. Whether you’re interested in establishing a donor-advised fund, a scholarship fund, or a designated nonprofit fund, we can help you tailor your giving to meet your specific goals.
  • Connecting Donors with Opportunities: We identify and evaluate pressing community needs, connecting donors with impactful organizations and projects that are making a real difference. We offer expertise in grantmaking and can guide you towards effective giving opportunities.
  • Providing Grants and Scholarships: We distribute grants to local nonprofits addressing critical issues in areas such as [List your key focus areas, e.g., education, health, human services, arts and culture, environment]. We also administer scholarship programs, helping students pursue their educational dreams.
  • Building Community Partnerships: We collaborate with community leaders, nonprofits, and other stakeholders to address challenges and build a stronger South Jersey. We believe that collaborative efforts are essential to creating sustainable change.
  • Promoting Philanthropy: We champion the importance of giving back and work to inspire a culture of philanthropy throughout South Jersey. We offer resources and educational opportunities to help individuals and families learn more about charitable giving.