National Community Foundation Week Opens

The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation (NNJCF) joins community foundations nationwide to celebrate National Community Foundation Week, November 12-18, 2021. In 1989, former president George H.W. Bush established National Community Foundation Week to raise awareness about the important role philanthropic organizations like the NNJCF play in fostering local collaboration and innovating solutions to address persistent civic and economic challenges.

Community foundations are independent, public entities that steward philanthropic resources from institutional and individual donors to local nonprofits, representing one of the fastest-growing forms of philanthropy.   As community foundations find solutions for communities, their collective work has a profound impact.

The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation opens National Community Foundation Week 2021.

The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation opens National Community Foundation Week 2021.

National Community Foundation Week Activities

During this week, the NNJCF announces several activities highlighting the role of the arts as a catalyst to bring together communities and spotlighting the escalation of food insecurity in the area. These activities include:

  • Monday, November 15. Launch 5% for the Arts campaign in Bergen County.
  • Wednesday, November 17. The NNJCF staff will clean up trash and dead foliage and plant daffodil bulbs in City Green’s community garden in Paterson.
  • Thursday, November 18. Donate turkeys to All Access Community Development Corporation. Majestic Lodge and Temple (Elks), 351 First Street, Hackensack.
  • Thursday, November 18. Share Your Vision and meet the artist of Englewood’s Black Women’s Mural Project, Tatyana Fazlalizadeh

5 Percent for the Arts

During National Community Foundation Week, the Northern NJ Community Foundation launches 5% for the Arts in Bergen County.

During National Community Foundation Week, the Northern NJ Community Foundation launches 5% for the Arts in Bergen County.

Join the rally for 5 percent ($13 million) for the arts from Bergen County’s American Rescue Plan (ARP) Fund. Learn about this launch at the next ArtsBergen Connect the Dots on Wednesday, December 8 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Register online to attend this virtual event via Zoom.  The event is free and open to the public. Hear guest speaker Anne Marie Miller, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at ArtPride New Jersey, provide insights about strategies to use and find out how other counties are tapping into ARP fund for the arts.

Community Input Workshop

Meet the artist of Englewood’s Black Women’s Mural Project, Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, at the second community input workshop on Thursday, November 18  at 7 p.m. During the workshop, she invites the public to learn more about her work. In an interactive conversation, Fazlalizadeh leads the discussion about the mural’s story. The artist also encourages participants to discuss artistically how they envision the mural and the ways they can contribute. In addition, participants need to pre-register to attend.

Food Insecurity

The NNJCF continues to address the escalation of food insecurity, defined as limited or uncertain access to nutritional food, in the region. On November 17, the NNJCF’s staff convenes in person for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began. These hearty volunteers plan to clean up the trash and dead foliage in a City Green garden in Paterson. In addition, they will plant daffodil bulbs to attract pollinators in the spring to the garden. This volunteer opportunity also expands the Foundation’s efforts to develop community gardening, as a source of food security in northern New Jersey.

In Bergen County, the Food Security Task Force’s survey found over 80 emergency providers in the County saw a 50 percent increase in consumers. Some experienced more than a 200 percent increase. Furthermore, over 20,000 people rely on donated food weekly in Bergen County.

Food pantries also need donations to replenish dwindling supplies. Monetary donations are especially welcome and may be made to over 76 food pantries throughout Bergen County. Access a list of emergency food providers in Bergen County with their addresses, phone numbers and hours of operation online.

To address this escalation of food insecurity, the NNJCF presents All Access Community Development Corp. with a donation of turkeys for their weekly ‘Grab & Go Meals’ to support seniors and young adults with families. The public is also invited to contribute turkeys at the Majestic Lodge and Temple (Elks), located at 351 First Street in Hackensack on Tuesday and Thursday. For further information about the donations of turkeys, other needed food, or to participate in ‘Grab & Go Meals’, contact Candi Stuart at 551-223-7676.

Support Future Projects

Individuals and businesses may also support the NNJCF’s work with a tax-deductible donation, as permitted by law. Donations may be made online. Furthermore, contributions may be sent by check made out to ‘The Northern N.J. Community Foundation’ entered in the memo line. 
Send checks to the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation, 1 University Plaza, Suite 128, Hackensack, New Jersey 07601. For further information about the NNJCF, call 201-568-5608 or send an e-mail to nnjcf@nnjcf.org.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.