Community Foundation of South Jersey

The Community Foundation of South Jersey (CFSJ) is a public charity founded in 2009 with the mission to inspire generosity, manage and deploy permanent charitable assets, and exercise collaborative leadership to create a more equitable region. 

The foundation achieves its mission by:

• Attracting charitable gifts and promoting community philanthropy.
• Serving as a steward for entrusted funds directed towards programs and activities of economic, educational, social, cultural, and charitable organizations.
• Enhancing the effectiveness of the nonprofit community.
• Serving as a community resource for individuals, nonprofits, and the region.

CFSJ was organized by a group of committed and passionate South Jersey residents with the assistance of the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers. The forming idea was assets could be captured and held within the region to benefit the people living in South Jersey. Early on, the Ford Foundation invested start-up funds based on the thesis of community ownership, regional diversity and equity. Social equity and economic opportunity imply fair access to livelihood, education, and resources; full participation in the political and cultural life of the community; and self‑determination in meeting fundamental needs. CFSJ serves the southern eight counties of New Jersey: Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean, and Salem. 

CFSJ is led by a volunteer board of trustees and operated by professionals with expertise in philanthropic services, nonprofit management, and community leadership. CFSJ staff are 3.5 FTE in Haddonfield, NJ and additional human resources through an affiliate relationship with the Community Foundation of New Jersey in Morristown. CFSJ services to achieve the mission are:

Permanent endowment building

• Develop relationships with donors
• Invest and protect the principal of gifts
• Distribute grants based on charitable intent of the donor
• Donor services

Broad, flexible grantmaking

• Understand strengths, opportunities, assets, and resources
• Re-direct charitable dollars as communities adapt needs change 
• Proactive or responsive grants

Community leadership

• Values, culture, and the will to exercise leadership
• Build relationships 
• Access and develop resources
• Access and develop understanding and skills