Dear Community Members,

As we reflect on this transformative year at the Smith Family Foundation NJ (SFFNJ), we are proud of the strides we have made together. With your support and partnership, we have continued to empower communities, uplift leaders, and create lasting change across Trenton and Mercer County. From the success of the #IamtheChange initiative to the growth of our Blacks In Philanthropy (BIP) Conference and the impactful Extended Year Grants, we want to highlight the milestones we've reached this year.

In 2024, our #IamtheChange Scholarship program supported the next generation of community leaders by providing scholarships to high-potential students across Trenton. This initiative does not provide financial assistance; it equips young leaders with resources, mentorship, and guidance to help them succeed in through our 5 Pathways to higher education and beyond.

• $227,500 in Scholarships Awarded
• 71 Students Empowered
• 8 Graduates came back to live and work in Trenton
• 3 Graduates came back to live and work in East Orange
• Current Cohort for 2024 is 22

The ripple effects of this program are immense, with past recipients now returning to their communities as advocates and change-makers. We are excited to continue watching these young leaders grow and shape the future.

 

This year also saw the expansion of our Blacks In Philanthropy (BIP) conference that aimed at creating greater inclusion in the philanthropic sector for Black and Brown professionals. We believe in the power of diverse leadership and remain committed to addressing the inequities that exist in philanthropy.

• 122 New Leaders Engaged
• Collaborations with 22 Philanthropic Organizations 

This year’s keynote speaker was Dr. DeForest B. Soaries Jr. President & CEO Corporate Community Connections Inc. READ DR. SOARIES' BIO

 

Our BIP efforts are centered on systemic change, and we are working to educate and equip other foundations on how to diversify their leadership and incorporate equitable grantmaking practices.

 

To meet the immediate needs of our community, our Extended Year Grant Initiative in 2024, provided up to $25,000 in grants to local 501(c)(3) nonprofits. These micro-grants were designed to offer rapid support to organizations on the front lines of change, with a focus on higher education and social-emotional learning.

• $100,000 Awarded in Extended Year Grants
• 4 Emerging Organizations
• Current cohort of students receive support from their after school program through their summer camp experience

We are proud of the incredible work being done by our grantees and excited to see the continued impact they will make in the years to come.

As we prepare to close out this year, we’re already planning for an even bigger 2025. With plans to expand our #IamtheChange Scholarship program, extend our BIP leadership forums to a national audience, and increase funding opportunities through new grant initiatives, SFFNJ remains committed to being a driving force for positive transformation in our communities.

We couldn’t have accomplished all of this without you, our dedicated supporters, partners, and community members. Together, we are building a brighter, more equitable future. Thank you for being part of our journey, and we look forward to continuing our work together in 2025.

 

Katherine Nunnally

Chief Executive Officer

Smith Family Foundation of NJ