Frequently Asked Questions

Are Community Foundations a deterrent to giving to other federated campaigns?
Community Foundations do not compete with other charities, such as United Ways, which typically seek numerous contributions annually through workplace giving campaigns. At the community foundation we do not sponsor annual campaigns where funds are distributed to specific organizations. At community foundations, donors set up funds and seek out the advice from foundation staff to help them distribute those funds. You can make a gift to a federated campaign through your community foundation fund.  Community foundations partner with federated funds to leverage greater resources to be targeted to areas and issues of need.

Do Community Foundations compete with other nonprofit organizations for funding?
No, in fact, community foundations are another financial resource for nonprofit organizations from discretionary dollars and by directing donors to make gifts to nonprofit organizations.

I am thinking about setting up a family foundation. Why should I set up a fund at the Community Foundation of South Jersey instead? 
Depending on the size of your family foundation, it may be less expensive to set up a family fund at Community Foundation of South Jersey. Your funds will receive a very competitive return through our affiliation with the Community Foundation of New Jersey that manages $170 million in donor funds.  Founded in 1979, CFNJ is a trusted community foundation that is able to pool the funds and provide investment services to many community foundations throughout New Jersey. By combining their expertise in financial management, our knowledge of the southern New Jersey region and effective grantmaking services the Community Foundation of South Jersey is a “one stop shop” for all donors and their families.  You can have varying degrees of involvement, depending on your interests.

As a nonprofit, how do I apply for a grant?
At this time, the Foundation is not yet open for grantmaking. We expect to announce our priorities in 2010.  Please check our website for further information.

Why South Jersey?
A primary role of the Community Foundation of South Jersey is to use its assets—financial and otherwise—to have impact on making significant and positive change in the community.

In communities all across southern New Jersey, individuals, families and corporate citizens dream of making a difference. They want to improve opportunities for children… serve the elderly… protect the environment… preserve important local institutions… and improve health care… All too often these residents stop short of pursuing their dreams, because they are simply uncertain how to begin. The Community Foundation of South Jersey offers the place to begin achieving these dreams.

Four out of five people donate to charity each year. In New Jersey, philanthropists come from all walks of life and share a common motive – they care. As a community foundation devoted exclusively to meeting the needs of this region, the Community Foundation of South Jersey links local people to the local causes they care about.

In combining the resources of many, we know that we can do great things. Forever.