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Women’s Foundation of New Jersey is the first community-supported, statewide,
secular, and independent women’s foundation in New Jersey.
History
WFNJ grew from the long-standing relationship between two highly respected Bergen County philanthropic forces.
The Foundation of Northern New Jersey, formerly known as the North Jersey Media Group Foundation, was started in 2002 by the Borg family, owners of North Jersey Media Group. Women United in Philanthropy was launched in 2005 by Bergen County’s United Way, as the first women’s giving circle in New Jersey. With 20 years of successful collaborations and shared vision, the Foundation of Northern New Jersey and Women United in Philanthropy formally joined forces in 2021.
A new 501 ©3 organization was formed with a new name- the Women’s Foundation of New Jersey. This transformation expands our collective impact and honors our history as leaders in advocating for philanthropic responses to the challenges facing women, families and communities in New Jersey.
Our Mission
Women’s Foundation of New Jersey is a charitable organization that fosters philanthropic responses to the needs of our New Jersey community. We do this through research, programs, advocacy and grant making.
Vision and Purpose
To create an equitable society in which all people can determine the course of their lives & have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
To harness the power of women to create a better world.
Values
We value – in ourselves and in every organization we support – the core principles of
integrity, equity, empowerment, social justice, and collaboration.
Integrity
We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards and level of accountability. We prioritize transparency and access, both for ourselves and the agencies we support.
Equity
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and engagement are guiding principles in all of our work. We recognize that historical and systemic barriers have created disparities and we are committed to implementing policies and practices that promote equal opportunity in our workplaces and community.
Empowerment
We believe in the right of individuals to autonomy, the power to make choices and decisions about their lives. Through our programs and investments, we seek to advance resiliency, self-determination, and opportunities for all individuals.
Social Justice
We believe that structural changes are needed to ensure all people have equal rights and opportunities. We see advocacy and strategic philanthropic investment in system change as vital to empowering people to determine the course of their lives.
Collaboration
We affirm the transformative power of collective efforts. We prioritize our relationships and develop programming in consultation with innovative and trusted nonprofit partners. We facilitate collaboration among organizations to provide greater economies of scale in services.
Leadership
Women’s Foundation of New Jersey Founding Board of Directors:
- Maxine Frampton, President
- Jennifer Borg, Vice President
- Gina Plotino, Treasurer
Staff:
- Patricia Klecanda, Administrator
Reports and Publications
Women’s Foundation of New Jersey was formed as an independent 501(c)3 in 2021. Financial reports for The Foundation of Northern New Jersey (EIN: 35-2165636) and Bergen County’s United Way (EIN: 22-6028959) prior to 2021 may be obtained from GuideStar.
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