The Grunin Foundation, in collaboration with Orville Morales, is thrilled to offer our 3rd in-depth Pragmatic Activism Cohort for those who live, work, worship, or serve in Ocean and Monmouth Counties! The Cohort will allow for up to 30 members.
This program will teach nonprofits and businesses the importance of advocacy and how they can get involved. The cohort will be led by Orville Morales, who teaches Pragmatic Activism using a six-phase approach:
Why We Exist
We believe that we cannot change people we disagree with until we face them. We work with folks who consider themselves invested agents who care about their impact in the world and are willing to speak their minds through their presence at work, in their neighborhoods, and beyond.
Who We Are
We are a consulting firm whose purpose is to inspire people to see how their actions have an impact on others.
What We Do
Our goal is to help people and organizations maintain a long-term commitment towards the social good, ensuring you are part of the broader, more public dialogue around topics you care about and allow for nuance and complexity to conversations and debates.
Pragmatic Activism
A strategic approach to social change that allows for intentional and reasonable action that is sustainable over time.
If you concerned about any personal or professional barriers to participation that the Grunin Foundation may be able to help address, please contact Vicki at [email protected] to discuss. Your response may help us orchestrate a more successful experience for you.
Thursday, September 28th, 9am to 3pm (Phase 1 & 2)
Phase 1: Where You Stand
We provide a pair of assessments to get a
sense of who you are, what you believe, and
explore the kinds of actions towards social
good you have done in the past or are willing
to move forward.
Phase 2: Tree of Influence
We facilitate a discussion to explore who
you can influence via public policy as an
advocate in your region. This workshop
includes a deep analysis of the various levels
of the government in the region and their
prevailing priorities of the day.
Thursday, October 26th, 9am to 3pm (Phase 3 & 4)
Phase 3: Other Voices in the Field
You are not alone in your region, so we
explore the other voices you must listen to
and consider when taking action. This
session includes exploring how these voices
advocate on behalf of issues important to
them.
Phase 4: Timing of Influence
Explore the timing of opportunities for
change in your region and identify the
action steps necessary to make the most of
that timing.
Thursday, November 30th, 9am to 3pm (Phase 5 & 6)
Phase 5: Public Engagement
We will facilitate a discussion to prepare
you to begin talking about your efforts and
develop action steps for you to get started
in your pragmatic activism.
Phase 6: Triage of
Engagement
This session is all about planning, executing,
and troubleshooting public engagement if
things go wrong. But, ultimately, this phase
is about putting it all together and
providing a road map that can protect your
journey from negative fallout.
Who is the Pragmatic Activism Cohort for?
The cohort will accept up to 30 individuals who live, work, worship, or serve in Ocean and Monmouth Counties, based on an application process.
When will the Pragmatic Activism Cohort take place?
The training will take place over three sessions – with attendance required.
Location (in-person with a hybrid option via Zoom):
In-person location to be announced soon but will be in the Monmouth/Ocean area.
Session Dates/Times: (PLEASE NOTE – even if you cannot make these dates, you can still apply now for consideration for future cohorts)
Thursday, September 28th, 9AM – 3PM
Thursday, October 26th, 9AM – 3PM
Thursday, November 30th, 9AM – 3PM
Breakfast & lunch will be provided at each session.
Who will be leading the Pragmatic Activism Cohort?
Orville Morales – learn more here.
How do I apply to be part of the Pragmatic Activism Cohort?
To apply to be a part of the cohort, please click here to complete this brief application.
We will be accepting applications on a rolling basis and will reach out to you ASAP once we have reviewed your information.
What if my application is not accepted into the cohort of 30?
We will be doing additional cohorts in the future and will put together a wait list based on applications this time around. If you are not in the fall 2023 cohort, we will be in communication about future opportunities.
Is there a fee to participate in the program?
Absolutely not! We are so grateful to those giving of their time to participate fully in the cohort. Those who are accepted into and participate in the program will receive a $500 Visa Gift Card* as an acknowledgement of their commitment.
Is there a way to learn more before I apply?
Yes! Details of a kick off event coming soon!
We’re looking forward to this next Pragmatic Activism Cohort, with more to come in the future!
*Important Note: Awards/Gifts/Stipends (cash and non-cash) that equal or exceed $600 per calendar year, are reportable to the IRS. This payment may be taxable. Please consult your tax advisor. We request all participants submit a W9 regardless of total compensation.
After a very successful Pragmatic Activism Cohort Pilot in 2022, the Grunin Foundation, in collaboration with The People’s Lobbyist, is thrilled to offer our 2nd in-depth Pragmatic Activism Cohort for those who live, work, worship, or serve in Ocean and Monmouth Counties! The Cohort will allow for up to 30 members.
This program will teach nonprofits and businesses the importance of advocacy and how they can get involved. The cohort will be led by The People’s Lobbyist®, Orville Morales, who teaches Pragmatic Activism using a six-phase approach:
Why We Exist
We believe that we cannot change people we disagree with until we face them. We work with folks who consider themselves invested agents who care about their impact in the world and are willing to speak their minds through their presence at work, in their neighborhoods, and beyond.
Who We Are
We are a consulting firm whose purpose is to inspire people to see how their actions have an impact on others.
What We Do
Our goal is to help people and organizations maintain a long-term commitment towards the social good, ensuring you are part of the broader, more public dialogue around topics you care about and allow for nuance and complexity to conversations and debates.
Pragmatic Activism
A strategic approach to social change that allows for intentional and reasonable action that is sustainable over time.
Wednesday, March 15th, 9am to 3pm (Phase 1 & 2)
Phase 1: Where You Stand
We provide a pair of assessments to get a
sense of who you are, what you believe, and
explore the kinds of actions towards social
good you have done in the past or are willing
to move forward.
Phase 2: Tree of Influence
We facilitate a discussion to explore who
you can influence via public policy as an
advocate in your region. This workshop
includes a deep analysis of the various levels
of the government in the region and their
prevailing priorities of the day.
Wednesday, April 12th, 9am to 3pm (Phase 3 & 4)
Phase 3: Other Voices in the Field
You are not alone in your region, so we
explore the other voices you must listen to
and consider when taking action. This
session includes exploring how these voices
advocate on behalf of issues important to
them.
Phase 4: Timing of Influence
Explore the timing of opportunities for
change in your region and identify the
action steps necessary to make the most of
that timing.
Wednesday, May 24th, 9am to 3pm (Phase 5 & 6)
Phase 5: Public Engagement
We will facilitate a discussion to prepare
you to begin talking about your efforts and
develop action steps for you to get started
in your pragmatic activism.
Phase 6: Triage of
Engagement
This session is all about planning, executing,
and troubleshooting public engagement if
things go wrong. But, ultimately, this phase
is about putting it all together and
providing a road map that can protect your
journey from negative fallout.
To learn more, visit: https://www.pragmatic-activism.com/
Who is the Pragmatic Activism Cohort for?
The cohort will accept up to 30 individuals who live, work, worship, or serve in Ocean and Monmouth Counties, based on an application process.
When will the Pragmatic Activism Cohort take place?
The training will take place over three sessions – with attendance required.
Location (in-person with a hybrid option via Zoom):
NJ City University @ Fort Monmouth
Squier Hall
283 Sherrill Avenue
Oceanport NJ, 07757
For directions, CLICK HERE
Session Dates/Times:
Wednesday, March 15th, 9AM – 3PM
Wednesday, April 12th, 9AM – 3PM
Wednesday, May 24th, 9AM – 3PM
Breakfast & lunch will be provided at each session.
Who will be leading the Pragmatic Activism Cohort?
Orville Morales, The People’s Lobbyist®
To learn more about Orville, CLICK HERE.
How do I apply to be part of the Pragmatic Activism Cohort?
To apply to be a part of the cohort, please click here to complete this brief application by Wednesday, March 8th.
Notifications to those accepted into the cohort will be made no later than Friday, March 10th.
What if my application is not accepted into the cohort of 30?
We will be doing additional cohorts in the future and will put together a wait list based on applications this time around. If you are not in the spring 2023 cohort, we will be in communication about future opportunities.
Is there a fee to participate in the program?
Absolutely not! We are so grateful to those giving of their time to participate in the cohort. Those who are accepted into and participate in the program will receive a $500 Visa Gift Card* as an acknowledgement of their commitment.
Is there a way to learn more before I apply?
Of course! On Wednesday, March 1st via Zoom we will be hosting a breakfast panel session from 11:30am to 1:00pm. For more information or to register, please CLICK HERE.
We’re looking forward to this next Pragmatic Activism Cohort, with more to come in the future!
*Important Note: Awards/Gifts/Stipends (cash and non-cash) that equal or exceed $600 per calendar year, are reportable to the IRS. This payment may be taxable. Please consult your tax advisor. we request all participants submit a W9 regardless of total compensation.
Empowering Youth Changemakers
The Empowering Youth Changemakers program was launched with 19 teens in attendance, under the direction of Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County. BGCM is collaborating with Teen Think Tank, Project Write Now, Trenton Circus Squad, RWJ Barnabas Health and Lead U, along with the Empowering Youth Changemakers Working Group members. Moving forward, BGCM is putting together a program calendar that will include dates, times and locations for future sessions and will have the partner agencies plugged in. They held their first session, “Teen Leadership” which introduced key leadership concepts to the participants. In addition, the teens voted on leadership positions for the group. The next session is scheduled for October 19th and the topic will be, “What is your passion?” More updates to come.
Amplifying BIPOC Leadership
We are continuing with planning and will share more information once the Amplifying BIPOC Leadership strategy is solidified.
Empowering Communities to Center Equity
This strategy will focus on advocacy for 2022-23. We have many partners in this work, including BolderAdvocacy, Council of New Jersey Grantmakers, New Jersey Center for Nonprofits and consultant, Orville Morales of The People’s Lobbyist®.
On September 8, we hosted a Let’s Talk About Advocacy Breakfast and Discussion and had a great turnout of Ocean and Monmouth County nonprofits and businesses who came to learn how they can get involved to create change in the community and the world. Orville Morales of The People’s Lobbyist® and Linda Czipo of New Jersey Center for Nonprofits spoke about the whys and hows of advocacy. Orville also talked about an exciting Pragmatic Activism Cohort opportunity presented by the Grunin Foundation in partnership with The People’s Lobbyist® beginning in September.
The Pilot Pragmatic Activism Cohort will accept 20 individuals from the Ocean and Monmouth County nonprofit and business community, who will work together through six phases of pragmatic activism which is a strategic approach to social change that allows for intentional and reasonable action that is sustainable over time. We will have more updates as the Cohort moves forward.
In the Fall of 2022, the Grunin Foundation in collaboration with The People’s Lobbyist, is offering an in-depth Pragmatic Activism Cohort for 20 Monmouth & Ocean County nonprofit/business members.
This program will teach nonprofits and businesses the importance of advocacy and how they can get involved. The cohort will be led by The People’s Lobbyist®, Orville Morales, who teaches Pragmatic Activism using a six-phase approach:
Why We Exist
We believe that we cannot change people we disagree with until we face them. We work with folks who consider themselves invested agents who care about their impact in the world and are willing to speak their minds through their presence at work, in their neighborhoods, and beyond.
Who We Are
We are a consulting firm whose purpose is to inspire people to see how their actions have an impact on others.
What We Do
Our goal is to help people and organizations maintain a long-term commitment towards the social good, ensuring you are part of the broader, more public dialogue around topics you care about and allow for nuance and complexity to conversations and debates.
Pragmatic Activism
A strategic approach to social change that allows for intentional and reasonable action that is sustainable over time.
Tuesday, October 25th, 8AM – 1PM (Phase 1 & 2)
Phase 1: Where You Stand
We provide a pair of assessments to get a
sense of who you are, what you believe, and
explore the kinds of actions towards social
good you have done in the past or are willing
to move forward.
Phase 2: Tree of Influence
We facilitate a discussion to explore who
you can influence via public policy as an
advocate in your region. This workshop
includes a deep analysis of the various levels
of the government in the region and their
prevailing priorities of the day.
Tuesday, November 29th, 8AM – 1PM (Phase 3 & 4)
Phase 3: Other Voices in the Field
You are not alone in your region, so we
explore the other voices you must listen to
and consider when taking action. This
session includes exploring how these voices
advocate on behalf of issues important to
them.
Phase 4: Timing of Influence
Explore the timing of opportunities for
change in your region and identify the
action steps necessary to make the most of
that timing.
Tuesday, December 13th, 8AM – 1PM (Phase 5 & 6)
Phase 5: Public Engagement
We will facilitate a discussion to prepare
you to begin talking about your efforts and
develop action steps for you to get started
in your pragmatic activism.
Phase 6: Triage of
Engagement
This session is all about planning, executing,
and troubleshooting public engagement if
things go wrong. But, ultimately, this phase
is about putting it all together and
providing a road map that can protect your
journey from negative fallout.
To learn more, visit: https://www.peopleslobbyistnj.com/
Who is the Pragmatic Activism Cohort for?
The cohort will accept 20 individuals from nonprofit organizations and businesses in Monmouth or Ocean Counties, based on an application process.
When will the Pragmatic Activism Cohort take place?
The training will take place over three sessions – with attendance required.
Location:
NJ City University @ Fort Monmouth
Squier Hall
283 Sherrill Avenue
Oceanport NJ, 07757
For directions, CLICK HERE
Session Dates/Times:
Tuesday, October 25th, 8AM – 1PM
Tuesday, November 29th, 8AM – 1PM
Tuesday, December 13th, 8AM – 1PM
Breakfast & lunch will be provided at each session.
*Please note: If circumstances arise and you are unable to make a session in person, we will make zoom available.
Who will be leading the Pragmatic Activism Cohort?
Orville Morales, The People’s Lobbyist®
To learn more about Orville, CLICK HERE.
In addition, Linda Czipo of the New Jersey Center of Nonprofits, will be a guest presenter during the cohort.
How do I apply to be part of the Pragmatic Activism Cohort?
To apply to be a part of the cohort, please click here to complete this brief application by Tuesday, September 13th.
Notifications to those accepted into the first cohort will be made no later than Friday, September 16th.
What if my application is not accepted into the first pilot of 20?
We will be doing additional cohorts in the future and will put together a wait list based on applications this time around. If you are not in the first cohort, we will be in communication about future opportunities.
Is there a fee to participate in the program?
Absolutely not! We are so grateful to those giving of their time to participate in the cohort. Those who participate in the program will receive a $500 Visa Gift Card* as an acknowledgement of their commitment.
Is there a way to learn more before I apply?
Of course! On Thursday, September 8th at NJ City University @ Fort Monmouth, we will be hosting a breakfast panel session from 8:30AM – 10:30AM. For more information or to register, please CLICK HERE.
We’re looking forward to this first Pragmatic Activism Cohort, with more to come in the future!
*Important Note: Awards/Gifts/Stipends (cash and non-cash) that equal or exceed $600 per calendar year, are reportable to the IRS. This payment may be taxable. Please consult your tax advisor. W9 Form will be required for Awards/Gifts/Stipends that equal or exceed a cumulative total of $600 in a calendar year.
Our Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) Working Groups have begun. You can learn more about how we started these groups and the overall strategy by visiting our EDI Working Group webpage.
Each of the three groups (Empowering Youth Changemakers, Amplifying Diverse Leadership, Empowering Communities that Center Equity) met for the first time in September. The first meeting started with introductions of each member. We then gave an overview of the Grunin Foundation and how we got to this point in our EDI journey.
Before we jumped into the work, we wanted everyone to get to know each other a little better. These groups will be working together over the next several months so building trust and comfort is important. We broke the full team down into smaller groups and discussed the personal journeys in our careers as well as challenges we are facing. Group members shared stories, tips, resources and even a few tears of joy and inspiration.
Each table then discussed what their specific equity pillar (Empowering Youth Changemakers, Amplifying Diverse Leadership, Empowering Communities that Center Equity) meant to them. After the group members had a chance to discuss at their tables, they were able to share with the full room. One person at each table took notes which we compiled and sent back out to everyone so we can continuing building off these ideas at each meeting. We were also recommended a book from one of our group members – “The Sum of Us” by Heather McGhee – which the Grunin Foundation will supply to all EDI working group members who are interested in reading it.
We ended the first meeting with some great questions and suggestions that will guide this journey. One specific suggestion to note is that we should specifically call out what we are trying to do such as “Amplifying BIPOC Leaderships” vs. “Amplifying Diverse Leadership.” We are taking all of this feedback (or “feedforward” as we learned from our friends at Idea2Form) and will be revising our strategies and language as we get deeper into this work.
We’ll start the next sessions where we left off – really thinking about and discussing what each pillar means…
- What does Empowering Communities that Center Equity mean? Specifically, what does “community” really mean?
- What does amplifying BIPOC leadership mean?
- What does empowering youth changemakers mean?
Once we have these important conversations, we will get into the mapping exercise. This will help us gain a better understanding of the work that is currently happening at the Central Jersey Shore (Monmouth & Ocean Counties) in the realm of each of the above EDIB pillars. We will try to capture as many programs/activities as possible happening at the local level and work to understand where there are gaps.
We are looking forward to our future meetings and making more progress in helping to break down barriers, uplift marginalized voices, celebrate diversity, and champion a more just and equitable society.
Stay tuned for more EDIB Working Group updates coming soon!
As we dive deeper into our equity, diversity and inclusion journey at the Central Jersey Shore, we will be creating three working groups, one for each of the strategies below, inspired by the insight of our nonprofit and community partners:
- Empowering Youth Changemakers
- Amplifying BIPOC Leadership
- Empowering Communities to Center Equity
We plan to hold monthly meetings from September to December to determine priorities, metrics and near-term goals. Each working group will meet once per month from September through December 2021. UPDATE: We have met throughout 2022 and will continue to do so as the EDIB Working Groups carry their work forward.
The goals for each of the working groups for this year will be:
- Map projects/activities already being done across the Central Jersey Shore.
- Gap analysis of the projects & activities.
- Source ideas for future implementation (e.g., Are there opportunities for enhanced support of existing work? Creation of new program partnerships?)
- Review opportunities for program measurement.
- Make recommendations for 2022 activity.
We pledge to remain transparent throughout this journey and share the outcomes of the working groups on our website as we move along. We also know there will be many opportunities for community involvement moving forward. You can find updates on the EDIB Working Groups in the “More News and Updates” section below.
Learn more about what we are doing to help break down barriers, uplift marginalized voices, celebrate diversity, and champion a more just and equitable society.
Young Audiences Arts for Learning New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania (YA) has a mission to inspire young people and expand their learning through the arts. YA works toward a future where all children in the region engage in quality arts learning that nurtures creativity, expands cultural awareness, and fosters the development of critical thinking skills.
YA is a valued school partner providing programming led by teaching artists across all artforms and numerous cultures. They provide arts experiences to students directly by bringing professional teaching artists to schools. This eliminates barriers to participation and makes the arts accessible to students of every socioeconomic background, geographic area, and ability. YA delivers programming in formats designed to complement the workings of a school, including workshops, residencies, performances, and teacher professional development. All programming is designed to meet school-defined needs.
Arts Lab
The Grunin Foundation met with YA back in 2016 to discuss solutions to chronic absenteeism in our schools. They introduced us to their Arts Lab program, which harnesses the power of the arts to reduce chronic absenteeism. YA had applied for the All Kids Thrive grant from the Princeton Area Community Foundation so they could establish the Arts Lab program in Mercer County schools. We agreed to match this $300,000 grant if they received it, and they did! We then began discussing implementing the program in Toms River. After meeting with Toms River Regional Schools administration and the Young Audiences team, it was decided that Silver Bay Elementary would be the home of the Arts Lab program.
Through performances, workshops, residencies, professional learning and family arts & creativity, YA worked with school administration, teachers, parents and students to tackle attendance issues and other challenges.
Arts Lab Pre COVID
Before the pandemic hit, Silver Bay Elementary students experienced Arts Lab in the classroom or as part of school assemblies. Here are just a few of the Arts Lab programs the Grunin Foundation team had the opportunity to visit in person before Covid hit…
Hip Hop Fundamentals – Hip Hop Fundamentals is an award-winning team of diverse professional breakdancers dedicated to Hip Hop Education, and the world’s only breakdance education company combining academic and social content with the world’s most dynamic dance form. Their mission is to educate, engage and empower. Hip Hop Fundamentals teaches academic and social content through the lens of Hip Hop dance. They honor the Black cultural roots of Hip Hop by upholding traditions and teaching diversity. Students (and teachers) not only get to watch and learn, they also can join Hip Hop Fundamentals on stage to show off their newfound Hip Hop skills!
Burble Fizz Kaboom – These are super energetic performances by theatre artist Rand Whipple, where students learn about the world of science through fun, humor and maybe a marshmallow or two. The unique ways in which chemical reactions, solutions, molecules, and phase changes are presented, keep students engaged and jumping to participate. They are able to be a part of the experiments and by the end, they are shouting out answers to scientific questions.
Dance to Learn – This program uses the art of dance to encourage students to explore, internalize, and transform classroom learning while developing their individual creative voices. We had the opportunity to watch a few Dance to Learn classes including the grand finale, where students acted out elements of their assigned theme (Ocean, Rain Forest, Safari, Jungle) using their own artistic interpretation through dance. It is an incredible way to integrate the arts as a learning tool for language arts, mathematics, science and social studies, physical education and music curriculums. Diversity, equity and inclusion is also at the forefront of Dance to Learn, which prioritizes excluded and systematically marginalized dance styles, and student populations.
Shifting Gears During Covid & What’s to Come
As we entered the Covid shutdown, YA quickly created a virtual roster for the Arts Lab programming. All Arts Lab teaching artists were prepared to deliver virtual programming by the fall of the 2020-2021 school year.
The pandemic has taken its toll on everyone, and addressing the mental health outcomes will be critical. The Arts Lab program will focus on Social-Emotional Learning, which can help improve positive attitude towards self and others and increase students’ academic performances. Programs will also focus on joy, fun, connection, learning and equity & inclusion by integrating the arts into the curriculum.
While we can’t wait to see these programs fully return in-person, we love how Young Audiences has kept everything going during Covid. To stay up-to-date with Young Audiences and Arts Lab, visit www.yanjep.org.
Special thanks to our friends at Young Audiences Arts for Learning New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania (YA) for all they do to keep the Arts Lab program running successfully!
Michele Russo – President & CEO
Ann Betterton – Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Liz Winter – Education Operations Director
Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Working Groups have begun. You can learn more about how we started these groups and the overall strategy by visiting our EDI Working Group webpage.
Each of the three groups (Empowering Youth Changemakers, Amplifying Diverse Leadership, Empowering Communities that Center Equity) met for the first time in September. The first meeting started with introductions of each member. We then gave an overview of the Grunin Foundation and how we got to this point in our EDI journey.
Before we jumped into the work, we wanted everyone to get to know each other a little better. These groups will be working together over the next several months so building trust and comfort is important. We broke the full team down into smaller groups and discussed the personal journeys in our careers as well as challenges we are facing. Group members shared stories, tips, resources and even a few tears of joy and inspiration.
Each table then discussed what their specific equity pillar (Empowering Youth Changemakers, Amplifying Diverse Leadership, Empowering Communities that Center Equity) meant to them. After the group members had a chance to discuss at their tables, they were able to share with the full room. One person at each table took notes which we compiled and sent back out to everyone so we can continuing building off these ideas at each meeting. We were also recommended a book from one of our group members – “The Sum of Us” by Heather McGhee – which the Grunin Foundation will supply to all EDI working group members who are interested in reading it.
We ended the first meeting with some great questions and suggestions that will guide this journey. One specific suggestion to note is that we should specifically call out what we are trying to do such as “Amplifying BIPOC Leaderships” vs. “Amplifying Diverse Leadership.” We are taking all of this feedback (or “feedforward” as we learned from our friends at Idea2Form) and will be revising our strategies and language as we get deeper into this work.
We’ll start the next sessions where we left off – really thinking about and discussing what each pillar means…
- What does Empowering Communities that Center Equity mean? Specifically, what does “community” really mean?
- What does amplifying BIPOC leadership mean?
- What does empowering youth changemakers mean?
Once we have these important conversations, we will get into the mapping exercise. This will help us gain a better understanding of the work that is currently happening at the Central Jersey Shore (Monmouth & Ocean Counties) in the realm of each of the above EDI pillars. We will try to capture as many programs/activities as possible happening at the local level and work to understand where there are gaps.
We are looking forward to our future meetings and making more progress in helping to break down barriers, uplift marginalized voices, celebrate diversity, and champion a more just and equitable society.
Stay tuned for more EDI Working Group updates coming soon!
It’s hard to believe the summer has come and gone and we are in the final quarter of 2021. In many ways, this year has been more challenging than the last, but we continue to see the strength and resiliency of the amazing Central Jersey Shore community.
One of the challenges we are all still experiencing is the inability to efficiently plan around the Delta variant. We know that so many nonprofits had to “pivot” (we’ll never say that word again after this year) and find new ways to operate and fundraise over the last 19 months. There have been many creative solutions born from the pandemic – some were learning experiences and some will stick around for years to come.
We’re happy to share with you what we’ve been doing this summer and give you a glimpse into what’s to come for the Grunin Foundation.
Upcoming Events for 2021
We have decided to put any further Foundation-hosted indoor events and seminars on hold until the spring of next year. After surveying our nonprofit partners to assess their comfort level, we made the call to keep our September Catapult Institute as an in-person event at the Sheraton in Eatontown. We maintained distance and provided masks and sanitizer. However, this will be our final in-person event of the year and we will be moving some things around to start planning for 2022. We will continue hosting small in-person meetings and working groups as scheduled. You can also still sign up for our Catapult Institute Virtual Lunch Hours which are happening monthly.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Working Groups
In July, we formally announced our Commitment to Equity and unveiled our EDI Framework, including changes to our website and the introduction of our EDI Working Groups. We began holding the EDI Working Group Meetings in September. Each group coincides with one of our three EDI strategies: Empowering Youth Changemakers, Amplifying BIPOC Leadership and Empowering Communities that Center Equity. You can read more about our EDI Working Groups here, and we will be providing updates on the work being done via blog posts on the EDI Working Group webpage.
Grunin Foundation Board and Governance
As we strive to become a better funder, to help improve the quality of life for ALL residents of the Central Jersey Shore and to champion a more just and equitable society, we have been looking internally at our own board and governance process. In early 2022, we will be announcing new Grunin Foundation board members who will provide governance to help us ensure our grantmaking practices are equitable and in line with our mission, values, funding pillars and EDI framework. We are excited for the new additions to our board and will be sharing more information with you soon.
A Look Into 2022
We truly look forward to bringing our nonprofit partners and friends together next spring for a great Catapult Institute year and fun Foundation events where we can enjoy the celebration of just being present together. On behalf of our entire team, we are grateful for the trust, support and feedback our nonprofit community provides us. We wouldn’t be here without you.
We’re excited to bring you along for the next chapter of the Grunin Foundation’s journey and can’t wait to share more news with you soon. Stay healthy and we hope you have a rejuvenating autumn season.
Sincerely,
