In this Issue
- A Message from Executive Director Lucy Vandenberg
- Schumann’s ED, Grantee and Funder Partners on Governor’s Transition Team
- Meet New Schumann Trustee Donna Chapman Wilson
- Grantee Spotlight: Turning Point Community Services
- Q3-2025 and Q-4 2025 Grants Total $822,500
- Schumann Partner Response Fund Grants – Funds Still Available
- Child Welfare Convening with Dr. Jessica Pryce (Recap)
- Vandenberg to present at Montclair Foundation Nonprofit Roundtable
- Nance Appointed Commissioner, City of Paterson Housing Authority
- Clinton Hill Community Action is Hiring
Collaboration is a Verb: A Message from Our Executive Director
The Trustees and staff of Schumann Fund wish you a prosperous New Year! With our combined talents, community connections, and creative spirit, we are confident we can work together to support our communities. Advancing our strategic and collaborative work sets the stage for a strong future in Essex County and across New Jersey. Governor Mikie Sherrill, New Jersey’s 57th governor, was sworn in earlier this week at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. With many of our grantee partners – and Schumann Fund – represented on the Transition Team, we look forward to partnering – and advocating – with the new Administration to advance so many of the priorities we all care about – from child care to immigration to affordable housing.
2025 was a difficult year for New Jersey’s nonprofit sector and Schumann Fund’s grantee partners. At the inception of this federal administration, New Jersey’s nonprofit community faced sudden federal funding and policy reversals. Our nonprofits experienced pullbacks of already committed funds, retrenchment and attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and new threats and targeting vulnerable communities. After hearing the needs of our grantees, we launched the Schumann Partner Response Fund. The fund offers unrestricted grants of up to $10,000 to support affected organizations as they navigate these turbulent times. Funds have been used by our partners to meet general operating needs, create responsive programs to support vulnerable communities in areas such as food insecurity and immigrant youth, and help navigate the future. We also contributed to pooled funds created to support nonprofits including the NJ Sustainability and Resiliency Fund, the Newark Nonprofit Leadership Fund, and Equip NJ. In addition, we invested in the NJ Center for Nonprofits as they work to enhance their communications capacity to better serve our state’s nonprofit sector.
We know more collaboration and investment will be needed in 2026. We welcome your ideas and partnership for how we can support our nonprofit sector and our local communities over the coming months. A highly anticipated opportunity for connection will be our annual Schumann Social, held at the Van Vleck House in Montclair. At this event we welcome 75 to 100 of our current grantees and funding partners for a meaningful time of gathering. Please save the date for Wednesday, June 10, from 8:30am-10:30am.
Thank you for all you do to support our communities. We value you and look forward to our continued work together in 2026!
GOVERNOR SHERRILL APPOINTS LUCY VANDENBERG TO TRANSITION TEAM
Schumann Fund is thrilled to share that Governor Mikie Sherrill appointed Executive Director Lucy Vandenberg to her Transition Team. Lucy will serve on the Interdisciplinary Advisory Task Force. Lucy’s extensive experience in public policy and philanthropy, together with her deep Jersey roots, positions her as a powerful representative for the communities we serve. We are all grateful for her leadership. Read more on our LinkedIn page.
Congratulations, Lucy!
SCHUMANN FUND GRANTEE PARTNERS APPOINTED TO GOVERNOR SHERRILL TRANSITION TEAM
Last week, Governor Mikie Sherrill took office as New Jersey’s 57th governor. Schumann Fund proudly recognizes our grantee partners and colleagues serving on her Transition Team. We applaud their leadership and commitment to building stronger, more inclusive communities across the state and look forward to their collaborative work in the year ahead.
Lowering Housing Costs and Expanding Homeownership Action Team
Adam Gordon, Fair Share Housing Center
Ryan P. Haygood, New Jersey Institute for Social Justice
Taiisa Kelly, Monarch Housing Associates
Delivering a Strong Education for NJ Children Action Team
Meghan Tavormina, New Jersey Association for the Education of Young Children
Peter T. Rosario, La Casa de Don Pedro
Winifred Smith-Jenkins, Advocates for Children of New Jersey
Kids Mental Health and Online Safety Action Team
Ebony Grace, NJSACC: New Jersey’s Afterschool & Out-of-School Time (OST) Professional Network
Dominique Lee, BRICK Networks
Jobs, Opportunity, and Prosperity for All Action Team
Rev. Eric Dobson, Fair Share Housing Center
Driving NJ Forward: Economic Development and Innovation Action Team
Hazel Applewhite, Ironbound Community Corporation
Interdisciplinary Advisory Task Force Action Team
Barbara Martinez, NJ Children’s Foundation
Brandon McKoy, The Fund for New Jersey
Carlos Lejnieks, Schumann Fund Trustee and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson, and Union Counties
Catherine P. Wilson, United Way of Greater Newark
Craig Drinkard, Victoria Foundation
Dena Mottola Jaborska, MPA, New Jersey Citizen Action Education Fund
Hans Dekker, Community Foundation of New Jersey
Jeremy Grunin, Grunin Foundation
Nedia Morsy, Make the Road New Jersey
Peter Chen, NJ Policy Perspective
Samra Haider, Geraldine Dodge Foundation
Tim Carden, Family Success Institute
Vivian Fraser, Urban League of Essex County
Congratulations to you all!
SCHUMANN FUND WELCOMES NEW TRUSTEE
DONNA CHAPMAN WILSON
At our December 2025 quarterly board meeting, Trustees unanimously elected Donna Chapman Wilson as our ninth board member. Donna is a seasoned financial services executive and non-profit board director with deep expertise in investment and wealth management. She brings decades of experience leading strategic initiatives, cultivating trusted client relationships, and guiding high-performing teams. Read more about Donna and her commitment to philanthropy, inclusion and her academic achievements on our website. We are excited about what Donna will contribute to Schumann Fund’s program priorities and investment strategies.
GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT: TURNING POINT COMMUNITY SERVICES
More Than Bricks and Mortar – Promises Made, Promises Kept
On September 9, 2025, more than 50 community leaders, donors, and partners gathered to celebrate the renovation of Turning Point Community Services’ (TPCS) facilities in Irvington, NJ. Surrounded by a village of supporters, Executive Director Karimah A. Hagans, Esq., marked the occasion with a ceremonial ribbon cutting at the entrance of the newly expanded space. It is designed to enhance and grow TPCS’ vital services for mother-led families experiencing homelessness.
Founded by Reverend Christine L. McCloud in 2002, TPCS empowers women and their families on their journey to self-sufficiency. In doing so, they aim to be a community which helps break the cycles of violence, substance abuse, poverty, and incarceration that often lead to homelessness. Located on the corner of Grove Street and Clinton Avenue, TPCS’ new facility is deeply rooted in the City of Irvington, just beyond the upper boundary of Newark’s South Ward. Its newly renovated facility includes a commercial kitchen, food pantry, community social area, and workshop rooms – all intentionally constructed to provide comprehensive wrap-around services to those they serve.
At a time when policy and funding landscapes seem to be shifting by the minute, TPCS remains true to its values. Through its Emergency Housing Program, TPCS continues to provide temporary housing to women and their children as it has for over 20 years. They provide a destigmatized environment where women and their families can be whole. This helps ensure each family has an independent, private living space while accessing living rooms, kitchens, computer/privacy rooms, and an on-site laundry room. TPCS offers a range of resources and services – such as housing navigation, case management, and financial assistance – all to empower their clients with a robust foundation for achieving permanent housing stability.
The renovation of TPCS’ newly expanded space is an outward demonstration of the organization’s deeply personal commitment to helping women and their families overcome the obstacles of homelessness and abuse. The spaces stand as a symbol of TPCS’ pledge to create a community where every family has the resources and resilience to thrive – a vision captured by Director Hagans – who noted:
“This new space is more than bricks and mortar. It’s a promise to the families we serve that they deserve dignity, opportunity, and a path forward. We’re now able to meet our clients where they are with the tools, education, and support they need to build independent, stable futures.”
Schumann Fund began its support of TPCS in March 2024 with a $25,000 grant for TPCS’ FirstStep Permanent Housing Program. It bridges the gap for unhoused families by providing stable housing and personalized support services. The initiative empowers them to rebuild their lives, achieve self-sufficiency, and create a brighter future. The work aligns closely with Schumann Fund’s program prioritizing affordable homes and healthy communities and complements our strategy to invest in organizations that provide direct services in Essex County.
Most recently, on January 16, 2026, Schumann Fund Executive Director Lucy Vandenberg joined Director Karimah Hagans on a panel hosted by the Newark Regional Business Partnership titled Synergy in Action: The Future of Strategic Partnerships. In this discussion, Lucy and Karimah highlighted the strong and collaborative relationship between their organizations. We stand proudly alongside TPCS in supporting their essential work in the community.
Q3 GRANT AWARDS TOTAL $442,500
$442,500 in grant funding was approved by Schumann Fund Trustees at their quarterly board meeting in September 2025.
The funds will empower organizations across New Jersey to drive justice, equity, and community development. Key initiatives include supporting community revitalization, addressing food insecurity, investing in early childhood education, and advancing economic mobility and security. These grants aim to build stronger, more resilient communities by supporting essential staff, services, and outreach efforts.
Executive Director Lucy Vandenberg shared, “Hunger and food insecurity are on the rise in New Jersey as the federal government cuts vital programs and services. We are proud to support organizations working to address emerging needs in our local communities while building the policy and systems change infrastructure needed to support lasting positive change.”
Learn more about our grantees and their awards below:
Meeting Essential Needs with Dignity (MEND) received a $60,000 multi-year operating grant ($30,000 per year for two years) to support the continued growth and development of MEND’s programming, including their work supporting the Food & Health Equity Coalition of Essex County (FHEC). Orange, NJ
NJ Citizen Action Education Fund received a program grant of $32,500 to support their Health Care for All Education and Outreach project. Newark, NJ
Ironbound Community Corporation received the final installment of $45,000 ($90,000 total grant for two years) for their 2024 operating grant to engage and empower individuals, families and groups in realizing their aspirations and, together, work to create a just, vibrant and sustainable community. Newark, NJ
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers received the final installment of $15,000 ($45,000 total grant for three years) for their 2023 program grant to support the position of the Newark Philanthropic Liaison. Ewing, NJ
The Bridge Project received a program grant of $50,000 to provide support for the New Jersey guaranteed income program for low-income mothers and babies with a focus on qualitative research interviews and a New Jersey Advocacy Fellowship Program. New York, New York
New Jersey Association for the Education of Young Children received a $100,000 multi-year operating grant ($50,000 per year for two years) to expand its capacity to organize early childhood providers and ensure their voices remain central to New Jersey’s early care and education (ECE) policy landscape. This grant is intended to provide general operating support with an emphasis on public policy. Barnegat Light, NJ
New Jersey Communities United received a $50,000 operating grant to mobilize a parent-child care worker movement. Newark, NJ
WNET Group – NJ Spotlight received a program grant of $25,000 to support NJ Spotlight’s Education and Child Welfare reporter. New York, New York
South Ward Promise Neighborhood received the final installment of $30,000 ($60,000 total grant for two years) for their 2024 program grant to support the South Ward Healthy Beginnings program. Newark, NJ
Urban League of Essex County received the second installment of $40,000 ($120,000 total grant for three years) for their 2024 operating grant to support the improvement of educational outcomes for low-income students in Essex County and New Jersey. Newark, NJ
NJ Consortium for Immigrant Children received a $100,000 multi-year program grant ($50,000 per year for two years) to provide support for their Equity and Access Advocacy project. Jersey City, NJ
Newark Community Solutions received a program grant of $25,000 to provide support for the Youth Services Department (Youth Impact Newark program) and Eviction Diversion initiative. Newark, NJ
Q4-2025 GRANT AWARDS TOTAL $300,000
In December 2025, Schumann Fund Trustees approved an additional $300,000 in grants to support organizations working on critical issues including community development, early childhood policy work, and career development for youth. These investments continue our commitment to building stronger, more equitable communities across New Jersey.
Clinton Hill Community Action received a $50,000 operating grant to support its mission to partner with residents and other partners to revitalize the Clinton Hill neighborhood, including a focus on youth leadership development. Newark, NJ
Turning Point Community Services received a program grant of $25,000 to provide support for its Housing Assistance Program. Irvington, NJ
United Parks As One received a $25,000 operating grant to support its mission to empower Newark residents through the creation, stewardship, and activation of open spaces that promote artistic expression, educational growth, environmental stewardship, healthy living, and intergenerational engagement. Newark, NJ
Advocates for Children of New Jersey received a $75,000 operating grant to support its mission to advance and strengthen policies and programs that promote equitable opportunities for all New Jersey children. This grant is intended to provide general operating support with an emphasis on ACNJ’s child welfare and early childhood policy work. Newark, NJ
Family Success Institute received a $20,000 operating grant to support its mission to empower parents, residents and community activists with the authority to direct public programs and spending to address the challenges and fulfill their aspirations for success. East Orange, NJ
Newark Youth Career Pathways received a $25,000 operating grant to support its mission to ensure every Newark student graduates not only with a diploma, but with a plan for college, career, and life along with the skills, confidence, and connections to make that plan real. Newark, NJ
In addition to these Schumann Fund program and operating grants, the board approved $80,000 in Trustee-designated grants to 20 New Jersey nonprofit organizations.
SCHUMANN PARTNER SUPPORT FUND
In response to the emerging needs of our grantee partners, the Schumann Fund for New Jersey launched a $250,000 Response Fund to provide streamlined, flexible support to organizations facing challenges caused by federal or state funding cuts or policy uncertainty. This fund has helped partners navigate obstacles that threaten their operations and programs, place additional strain on staff, and increase harm to vulnerable communities.
Funding is still available! Check here to see if your organization is eligible
The following partner organizations received funds:
Center for Justice Innovation – Newark Community Solutions received a $10,000 operating grant.
Child Focus received a $10,000 operating grant.
Covenant House New Jersey received a program grant for $10,000.
Family Connections received a $10,000 operating grant.
Imagine, a Center for Coping with Loss received a $10,000 operating grant.
Jewish Family Service of MetroWest NJ received a $10,000 program grant.
La Casa de Don Pedro received a $10,000 operating grant.
Meeting Essential Needs with Dignity (MEND) received a $10,000 program grant.
Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence received a $10,000 program grant.
New Jersey Citizen Action Education Fund received a $10,000 operating grant.
New Jersey Consortium for Immigrant Children received a $10,000 program grant.
New Jersey Institute for Social Justice received a $10,000 operating grant.
Newark Community Street Team received a $10,000 operating grant.
Newark Youth Career Pathways received a $10,000 operating grant.
Programs for Parents received a $10,000 operating grant.
Turning Point Community Services received a $10,000 program grant.
Youth Development Clinic of Newark received a $10,000 operating grant.
SCHUMANN FUND HOSTS CHILD WELFARE CONVENING
On September 25, 2025, Schumann Fund hosted a convening of partners across New Jersey’s child welfare system at Van Vleck House in Montclair. Approximately 25 child welfare experts participated, representing state and local government, the judiciary, education, advocacy organizations, academia, and people with lived experience. The convening was facilitated by Dr. Jessica Pryce, a nationally recognized expert in child welfare and family well-being, from Florida State University. This interactive gathering was the culmination of more than 20 interviews Schumann Fund conducted in 2025 to identify challenges and opportunities for child welfare reform in our state. We gathered recommendations and feedback to inform our grantmaking and identify opportunities for collaboration in New Jersey’s child welfare sector. One emerging theme from the discussions was a call for increased investment and resource coordination around New Jersey’s population of young people aging out of foster care.
LUCY VANDENBERG TO PRESENT AT
MONTCLAIR FOUNDATION NONPROFIT ROUNDTABLE
Schumann Fund Executive Director Lucy Vandenberg will present at the upcoming Montclair Foundation Nonprofit Roundtable: Inside the Grantmaker’s Mind: What Grantmakers Value Now (and What’s Next), an engaging and practical conversation with local philanthropic leaders who fund nonprofit work in Essex County. This interactive panel will take place on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Co-panelists include:
- Evan Delgado, President, Turrell Fund
- Stephanie Greenwood, Senior Strategy Officer, Victoria Foundation
- Kelley Holland, Co-Chair, Impact100 Essex
- Michael Schmidt, Executive Director, The Healthcare Foundation of NJ
Pam Scott, Executive Director, Partners for Health Foundation, will serve as moderator.
Panelists will share how they evaluate funding requests, and what distinguishes organizations that stand out. The conversation will also explore how funders are responding to today’s shifting funding environment, including how nonprofits can navigate the loss or reduction of government funding.
LAUREN NANCE APPOINTED TO CITY OF PATERSON
HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Schumann Fund congratulates Operations and Engagement Manager Lauren Nance on her appointment as Commissioner to the City of Paterson Housing Authority. She was appointed by City Council President Dr. Lilisa Mimms and sworn in by Mayor Andre Sayegh in October 2025 and will serve a five-year term. Lauren is excited to work alongside her fellow commissioners and housing authority residents while bringing her Section 8 housing and governance expertise to this new role. We’re proud to have her expertise supporting Paterson residents!
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN THE NONPROFIT SECTOR
Clinton Hill Community Action is seeking a Director of Finance. If you, or someone in your network, is interested in joining a frontline, dynamic community-based organization in Newark, please have them submit a cover letter and resume to hr@clintonhillaction.org.
About Schumann Fund for New Jersey
Founded in 1988, Schumann Fund for New Jersey is a private foundation based in Montclair, NJ. It advances ideas and opportunities to empower low-income children, families, and communities of color to thrive. The foundation invests in non-profit organizations rooted in Essex County and statewide that work to advance racial and economic equity.