The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights released a statement condemning the Department of Commerce’s decision to terminate the Census Bureau’s advisory committees, warning that this move will undermine the planning and accuracy of the 2030 Census. They stress that the loss of expert input jeopardizes fair distribution of federal resources and accurate political representation. Read more here. 

The Fund for New Jersey appointed three distinguished individuals to its Board of Directors in December of 2024. Their extensive experience and diverse expertise will be invaluable as we continue to drive our mission forward. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Sadaf Jaffer, Dr. Anastasia Mann, and Alexander Shalom, Esq. to the Board.

The Fund is launching Crossroads NJ Conversations 2025, a four-part discussion series that will provide a platform to discuss key issues impacting the future of New Jersey in the lead-up to the 2025 gubernatorial elections. The first event, Doubling Down On Democracy: Conversations About The Way Forward will be held on April 16 at NJPAC. Join us for an afternoon of conversation and clarity, including lunch and a keynote speech from Sherrilyn Ifill, esteemed civil rights lawyer and former leader of NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF). Ifill’s speech will be followed by two panel discussions, exploring this moment in the American experiment. The evening program will feature a gubernatorial candidate forum, featuring several candidates running to be Governor of New Jersey in 2026.

Please be advised that we will be pausing the distribution of the newsletter for the month of April, with plans to resume in May.

Resources

• The National Council on Nonprofits is tracking and analyzing the Executive Orders. The tracker outlines various executive orders signed by President Trump, focusing on issues such as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, government grants, and immigration. It highlights the potential impacts on charitable nonprofits, including the elimination of federal DEI programs and the extension of “anti-DEI” efforts to the private sector.
• Know Your Rights Trainings – New Jersey Immigrant Justice Alliance offers resources, directories, and trainings designed to equip immigrant communities with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate life safely and confidently in New Jersey. 
• New Jersey Center for Nonprofits’ recent blog post discusses the temporary restraining order issued by a federal judge blocking the White House from implementing a funding freeze on federal grants and loans. It highlights the legal challenges and the potential impacts on nonprofits, particularly those focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Grantee News

• Education Law Center Research Director, Danielle Farrie, analyzed Governor Murphy’s proposed FY26 NJ State Budget. Farrie noted that the budget includes funding of $12.1 billion for K-12 schools, which is a significant increase from previous years. This funding aims to fully support the school funding formula, helping districts address budget gaps and avoid staff layoffs. This budget also provides additional resources so that school districts can support student mental health, offer high-impact tutoring, and create safe and secure learning environments. However, there is concern over the lack of new investments in the Schools Development Authority, which could delay critical renovations and capital projects.
• New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice was featured on Democracy Now. Amy Torres, Executive Director, discussed the impacts of increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids on communities in Newark and throughout New Jersey. Watch the video here.
• New Jersey Citizen Action announced it will terminate its Fair Housing Program due to funding cuts from the administration of President Donald Trump and the Elon Musk-headed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Leadership and Organizational Announcements 

• Nedia Morsy transitioned into the role as Director of Make the Road New Jersey, succeeding Sara Cullinane, director and Founder. 
• Jaclyn Rhodes, Ph.D. has been named Executive Director of Pinelands Preservation Alliance. She has been assistant Executive Director at PPA for the last ten years. Previous Executive Director, Carleton Montgomery, passed the torch to Jaclyn at the beginning of this year. His new role is Director of Strategic Initiatives and will be focused on specific policy issues.

Grantee Reports

• Fair Share Housing Center and Community Development Network of NJ co-published, Developing Effective Housing Plans in the Fourth Round: A Guide for Municipalities, Planners, Developers, Nonprofits and Advocates. The guide helps local officials, planners, developers, advocates, and residents understand New Jersey’s affordable housing development process for 2025-2035. It outlines steps municipalities must take, provides timelines and key dates, and describes opportunities for public comment and advocacy.
• New Jersey Policy Perspective released recommendations on how to evaluate Governor Murphy’s FY2026 State Budget to determine whether the budget sufficiently advances economic, social, and racial justice issues. The report emphasizes the need to protect the state surplus, close the structural deficit, and ensure robust investments in economic, social, and racial justice. The report also highlights the potential impacts of federal funding volatility on state programs and the importance of new revenues to avoid underinvestment.

We welcome grantee partner policy updates, job announcements, and staff news. Please send submissions to Naeema Campbell, ncampbell@fundfornj.org or Beauty Okunbor, bokunbor@fundfornj.org for inclusion in our newsletter.