Donation for the Quarter:

New Jersey Institute for Social Justice: (Password: princeton2026):

Nominator's why: NJISJ  embodies the qualities of Belonging and Civic Muscle in many ways. Through their 3 pillars of activism (see below), they strive to open access to voting, jobs, housing, education and more to communities of color that have had those opportunities denied over decades of NJ policy and norms.

I have worked in coalition with NJISJ on campaigns to get the vote for those on parole and probation (successful), the VRA (newly successful), same day registration/voting (stalled so far) and in processing/educating community re the school desegregation suit which is still unresolved.  Their teams are invariably committed, strategic, compassionate, and welcoming of collaboration with diverse partners and volunteers. When the state legislature declined to vote on legislation to create a commission to study reparations in the state, NJISJ led in creating a private NJ Reparations Council and prepared an impressive report detailing history, ongoing racial justice issues stemming from slavery roots, and meaningful recommendations for repair. Funds go to teaching, advocacy, and engaging individuals and groups throughout NJ in justice in building more just and compassionate communities.
"Mission Statement: The Institute’s cutting-edge racial and social justice advocacy seeks to empower people of color by building reparative systems that create wealth, transform justice and harness democratic power—from the ground up—in New Jersey. Known for our dynamic and independent advocacy aimed at toppling load-bearing walls of structural inequality to create just, vibrant and healthy communities, we are committed to exposing and repairing the cracks of structural racism in our foundation that erupt into earthquakes in communities of color. The Institute advocates for systemic reform that is at once transformative, achievable in the state and replicable in communities across the nation. With an evidence-driven approach to policy, robust advocacy and solution-focused research, we advocate for Economic Justice, Criminal Justice Reform and Democracy & Justice for Black and other communities of color across New Jersey." Current campaigns include advocating for state legislation supporting same day voting and 16yo voting for school boards; Truth, Reconciliation & Repair Act to address NJ historic ties to slavery; Baby Bond act to help close racial wealth gap; close youth prisons

Advocates for Children of New Jersey (Please note in the honor section that it is for Princeton Giving Project) 

Nominator's why: Children can't vote and have no political influence. ACNJ works with local, state, and federal leaders to identify and implement changes that will benefit NJ's children. A strictly non-partisan organization, ACNJ accepts no government funding for advocacy, freeing them to focus on their sole mission of helping children. ACNJ researches issues and produces nationally-acclaimed reports to inform policy makers. They work closely with state and federal lawmakers and policymakers to bolster their understanding and response to the needs of children and families. They build coalitions of professionals to develop better practices and quality programs. They also equip parents and caregivers across the state through the KidLaw Resource Center, supporting families in being their children's strongest ally and advocate.
ACNJ advances policies and programs that give every child in New Jersey an equitable opportunity to grow up safe, healthy, and educated. ACNJ focuses on early care and education maternal, infant, and child health, family economic security and nutrition, child welfare and protections, youth development and education, and NJ Kids Count Data. 

Sustainable Princeton

Nominator's why: Inspiring organization that works to address climate change in Princeton by cultivating belonging across residents, businesses, schools and others.

Sustainable Princeton is a non-partisan, non-profit organization in Princeton, NJ, with a mission to inspire our community to develop and implement solutions that positively impact our environment. It’s our vision that Princeton be a model town that examines every action through the lens of sustainability, ensuring a healthy environment, a strong economy, and the well-being of all community members now and in the future.