Thank you for your interest in participating in the Monmouth & Ocean County Funders Roundtable (MORF) Speed Networking event.
Because this is a pilot event (our first time hosting a MORF Speed Networking Event!), we are starting out on a very small scale. Unfortunately, this means we can’t open this up to all who are interested in participating. To keep it as fair as possible, we will be selecting based on a lottery using a random number generator. We hope this pilot is successful so we can open this up to a larger number in the future!
This toolkit will help you prepare to make the most impactful use of your time to the funders you meet. You can click on the link at the bottom of this page to officially register. Check out this gatheround video prior to the event to ensure you will be technologically ready to participate. We hope the following information and Frequently Asked Questions will help you get a feel for the selection process and MORF Speed Networking Event.
PLEASE READ all FAQs before filling out the form to “apply”! The link is at the bottom of the questions.
Date and Time:
November 3, 2025 from 3:00pm-4:30pm
Event Format:
Check out this gatheround video prior to the event to ensure you will be technologically ready to participate.
– Welcome and Overview: 10 minutes
– Ice Breaker Practice Round: 5 minutes
– Two 15 minute spurts in breakout rooms and 2 minute break in-between: 32 minutes – this includes quick 2 min intros, 10 minute share, 3 min questions
– Break: 5 minutes
– Two 15 minute spurts in breakout rooms and 2 minute break in-between: 32 minutes – this includes quick 2 min intros, 10 minute share, 3 min questions
– Closing: 6 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Who can participate in this event?
This event is open to 501C nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored organizations who serve in Ocean County and/or Monmouth County, New Jersey.
2. How do I register?
Because this is a pilot event, we have a very limited number of spaces open for participants. We completely understand that it is disappointing to know you may not secure a space in this event. There is a quick info-survey to fill out if you are interested in participating. See question #3 for how organizations will be chosen.
We will be working hard to ensure this event is successful so we can host more in the future, open to a larger group of participants! We are also planning another PEEP (Party to Enhance Equity in Philanthropy) event in 2026.
Link to “apply” is at the bottom of the page. Please keep reading the FAQs!
3. How exactly will you choose organizations?
We will be randomly selecting organizations via a lottery process. When the application deadline is over, we will download all applicant data into an excel sheet and use a random number generator to pick organizations at random.
Please note: this will be done by organization, not individual. If multiple individuals are signed up from one organization, that does not increase the chance to be randomly chosen. Please “apply” if you are interested by Friday, October 17 at 5:00pm. Link is at the bottom of this page.
4. How will I know if I have been selected to participate?
We will follow up with everyone who applies either way. We have space for approximately 15 organizations. If you are randomly selected, we will let you know and will ask you to answer a few additional questions. If you are not selected, we will also let you know and will keep you informed about future events. Please be sure to include an email you check often when filling out the form as this is how we will communicate!
5. Will I get funding from participating in this event?
There is no guarantee of funding or funding availability now or in the future by participating in this event. Not all participating funders are currently in a grant cycle or have an open application process. The main goal of this speed networking event is relationship building and sharing the great work your organization is doing.
6. Will I get to choose which funders I meet? Will we be paired based on mission/interest areas?
Breakout rooms will be randomly selected and not paired based on interest areas. Please remember, this is a great way to build relationships and share with funders the work you are doing. Even if you aren’t paired with someone who funds in your priority areas, you never know what further introductions may occur!
7. What platform will we be using?
We’ll be using gatheround. Check out this gatheround video prior to the event to ensure you will be technologically ready to participate.
8. What if I am in breakout room with someone from the same organization I already met?
As breakout rooms will be randomly generated, you may meet with different individuals from the same funding organization. Please remember this is about relationship building and each individual has their own network!
9. Still have questions?
We are happy to help! Please reach out to Vicki Fernandez, Director of Thriving Communications at [email protected].
10. Can I “apply” now?
YES! Thank you for reading all of this information. You can “apply” for this event by submitting your information HERE. Please “apply” if you are interested by Friday, October 17 at 5:00pm.