---
title: Q3 2026 News & Updates
description: Here’s what the Grunin Foundation has been up to during the second quarter of 2026 in each of its three strategic priorities.
image: https://blog.gruninfoundation.org/hubfs/StateofFoundationBlogImage-1.png
---
- About
- [About the Grunin Foundation](https://gruninfoundation.org/about/)
- [Our Team](https://gruninfoundation.org/our-team/)
- [Our Story](https://gruninfoundation.org/our-history/)
- [Our EDI Framework](https://gruninfoundation.org/edi-framework/)
- [Careers](https://gruninfoundation.org/careers/)
- Our Work
- [Strategic Priorities](https://gruninfoundation.org/strategic-priorities/)
- [Funding](https://gruninfoundation.org/funding/)
- [Funding Process](https://gruninfoundation.org/funding-process/)
- [Grants Directory](https://gruninfoundation.org/grants-directory/)
- [Capacity Building](https://gruninfoundation.org/capacity-building/)
- [Coalition Building](https://gruninfoundation.org/coalition-building/)
[](https://gruninfoundation.org/)
- [Events](https://gruninfoundation.org/events/)
- [Blog](https://blog.gruninfoundation.org/)
- [Contact](https://gruninfoundation.org/contact/)
October 15th, 2026 | [State of the Foundation](https://blog.gruninfoundation.org/tag/state-of-the-foundation), [Grunin News](https://blog.gruninfoundation.org/tag/grunin-news)
# Q3 2026 News & Updates
**by [Kelly Fliller](https://blog.gruninfoundation.org/author/kelly-fliller)**
Share:
Check out what we’ve been up to during the third quarter of 2026!
**Funding -** *Funding and supporting organizations, partnerships, coalitions, and other structures whose work aligns with the Foundation’s prioritized outcomes and who have a strong connection to the community.*
**Grantee feedback project update**
We’ve been reviewing detailed feedback from 15 nonprofit organizations that have engaged with our funding process, including long-standing partners, newly funded organizations, and organizations that applied for a grant but were not selected for funding. We’re using what we heard to help make the process clearer, more accessible, and more responsive.
As we continue discussing this feedback as a team, we’ll make updates based on the thoughts nonprofits raised. Transparency is one of our core values, and we’ll share any changes we make to our processes as a result of this grantee feedback work. More to come.
For right now, this is how you can begin a funding conversation with us:
*If you are a Central Jersey Shore nonprofit organization (Monmouth/Ocean Counties) and feel like there is an alignment with our* [***funding outcome focus areas***](https://gruninfoundation.org/funding/)*, we would love to learn about you and your mission. You can* [***schedule a 25-min virtual introductory meeting with our Executive Director, Heather Barberi and our Director of Operations, Jaclyn Rodemann***](https://bbgm-apply.yourcausegrants.com/apply/programs/d7ecb1d5-9808-438e-80a7-8a616c153f7b)*Once you click the link, enter your email address and click sign-in. If you don’t have an account, you will be prompted to create one). This is a come as you are, casual discussion. You can learn more about* [***our grantma**king process and bu**ilding a potential funding relationship with us, here***](https://gruninfoundation.org/funding-process/)*.*
As always, to stay current with what we are funding, you can search our [**grants directory**](https://gruninfoundation.org/grants-directory) on our website by keyword and year, showing grants we’ve made from 2020 to the present. This will be updated quarterly. You can also learn about our grantees by following us on [**LinkedIn**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/gruninfoundation) and [**Facebook**](https://www.facebook.com/gruninfoundation) as we highlight a grantee partner (that we’ve funded in the previous quarter) each week.
**Capacity Building -** *Investing in the capacity building of organizations and individuals to enhance their impact, effectiveness, and sustainability.*
**Catapult Institute events** – one-day programs, webinars, board retreats, and any other programs that individuals can sign up for on our [**events page**](https://gruninfoundation.org/events/) – more events will be added as we plan!
**Event Recaps:**
- Our annual **Fundraising Day workshop** (usually held in the fall) was on July 21 and it was a fun and engaging day on the farm! What does that mean? Read our recap to find out: [**https://blog.gruninfoundation.org/2026-fundraising-day-recap**](https://blog.gruninfoundation.org/2026-fundraising-day-recap)
- On August 13, we hosted the second session of the Pragmatic Activism 101 series, ***The Power of Three Minutes*,** facilitated by Orville Morales**.** This session focused on developing concise, values-driven messaging that connects an organization’s mission to real policy decisions.
- September Virtual Lunch Hour – after a short summer break, our Virtual Lunch Hours are back starting with the one we had on September 15 with the topic, ***Durable Collaboration: Keys to Success and Durability***
**Check out these exciting upcoming Grunin Capacity opportunities:**
Wellness Day
We are excited to add a new event to the Grunin Capacity mix this year. This in-person event will have the vibe of a Wellness Day, focusing on Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace and Operationalizing Wellness: Designing Nonprofits Where People and Purpose Can Thrive. Join us on Friday, November 20 for an impactful day. We will host this in-person event at the beautiful Harbor Point, on the water in Point Pleasant Beach.
We would love for you to spend the day with us, but we understand there can be time restrictions, so we have 3 ticket options for this event. Please see the details below which will help you choose the best option for your needs.
FULL DAY: 8:30AM - 5PM (all info below)
BREAKFAST AND MORNING SESSION: 8:30AM - 9:30AM Registration/Breakfast | 9:30AM - 1PM Morning Session
*Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace*
This interactive workshop supports nonprofit leaders, managers, and human resource professionals in understanding and building psychological safety on their teams. Through discussion, case work, and hands on activities with peers from across the sector, participants explore how culture forms, what happens when vulnerability is rewarded or punished, how identity shapes safety at work, and how teams move through the four stages of psychological safety. Unfolding case scenarios invite participants to make real time leadership decisions and practice the conversations that rebuild trust. Participants leave with shared language, self-assessment, and a practical frame for carrying the work back to their organizations.
LUNCH AND AFTERNOON SESSION: 1PM - 2PM Lunch (optional) | 2PM - 5PM Afternoon Session
*Operationalizing Wellness: Designing Nonprofits Where People and Purpose Can Thrive*
The nonprofit sector has normalized being unwell. Somehow, exhaustion became synonymous with commitment. Burnout became proof that we care. Anxiety became the cost of changing the world.
But what if those aren’t signs of meaningful work? What if they’re signs that the systems we’ve inherited are no longer capable of sustaining the futures we’re trying to build?
If we’re committed to creating healthier communities, stronger movements, and more just institutions, we must begin by creating organizations where wellness is not an afterthought; it is the way we work. This session will provide practical strategies for embedding wellness into the everyday rhythms of organizational life, from policies and decision-making to meetings, communication, leadership, and culture.
Please know that we are flexible, understanding, and casual...if you have to come late, leave early, pop out for a call - it's all ok! Please do what you need to do!
Agenda
8:30AM - 9:30AM Registration/Breakfast
9:30AM - 1PM Morning Session
1PM - 2PM Lunch (optional)
2PM - 5PM Afternoon Session
Are you ready to jump in? Reserve your spot today! While this event is free, capacity is limited. Please only register if you are able to attend. [https://gruninfoundation.org/eventbrite/?event=2002458782122](https://gruninfoundation.org/eventbrite/?event=2002458782122)
**Remaining Virtual Lunch Hours**
**November Virtual Lunch Hour**
**Tuesday, November 17 from 12 to 1pm**
Topic: *The Full Range of Design Partnerships: Collaboration, Strategic Alliances, and Mergers*
Register: [**https://gruninfoundation.org/eventbrite/?event=1980663150802**](https://gruninfoundation.org/eventbrite/?event=1980663150802)
**December Virtual Tea Party
Tuesday, December 15 from 12 to 1pm**
Topic: *Join us for a Holiday Virtual Tea Party! Bring a cup of your favorite tea and let's talk with our peers as we close out the year!*
Register: **https://gruninfoundation.org/eventbrite/?event=1981744145085**
***Capacity Clinic** – 1:1 opportunities for individual leaders, invitation-only activities, custom training, and initiatives that require an application. Many are also collaborations with other groups.*
**1:1 Executive Coaching with Traci Lester, EdD**
As the Grunin Foundation grows opportunities for individual nonprofit leaders through our capacity clinic, 4-8 hours of virtual 1:1 executive coaching with Traci Lester, EdD will be awarded to a selection of eligible nonprofit leaders.
An eligible candidate should have at least 3 years of experience in the nonprofit sector and be actively working in a nonprofit organization (full time or part time, paid or unpaid) located in, or serving, Ocean and/or Monmouth Counties; leaders in all roles and all service areas are welcome to apply.
Coaching is sponsored by the Grunin Foundation and provided at no cost to participants. For more information and to apply, visit: [https://blog.gruninfoundation.org/11-executive-coaching](https://blog.gruninfoundation.org/11-executive-coaching)
**BB4C Racial Equity Assessment**
The Grunin Foundation has partnered with [Building Movement Project](https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3A%2F%2Fd2lnP704.na1.hubspotlinks.com%2FCtc%2FI7%2B113%2Fd2lnP704%2FVX9Y3t5tjG82N37bbCrVMw54W15bp5B5LMcgGN3mxJ6K3qn9qW7lCdLW6lZ3mGW95y5v923MF4hW3DJcTK4YYY48W4778cF4b4mHNN1jgvHMYybpVW1BHZjc5Hfy2NW2lMjYX3NZrHjW53GX588nvtW2W59HSMX1SXtsTW245vQ8626ldDW2yWD3_4DJJDbN8t6xf89d3mBW8fjzS68VjKC9V3FKgd3_11N0N6StBLf8rwsPVGs9R310xvQNN7k-fDwrz5g4W95h7VH1r8rtJW2yM8Q81MZk8yW7-lzy-8mJr2rMvhxMq8zjG7W6f6ln18h6CPvW5C0lsn73qvFsW3WTb3x36q5MwN89lwsLFc8zHd6-5wv04&c=E%2C1%2CQRy3kORzIHzQOZIQ13R-mWu0i8YnaOs_Qx0bh8zg4WJZR8ERb-oZHJKL5AKfMFw2VlvRCEceUSA-q306A7BW3ea8v9GQN9lyPrWz9Hu19A%2C%2C&typo=1&utm_campaign=Grunin%20Capacity&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--thKaLav_O4uGNGZRWiAhDajG_OUMxJN85vzBPaPfgq_r8Lgs7dBbZwXSqcOQ_A-q3f9SJ) to offer a limited number of nonprofit organizations the opportunity to participate in Building Blocks for Change's (BB4C) race equity assessment process which accelerates dialogue, alignment, and action toward building more racially equitable workplaces.
[**For more information and to apply, please click here.**](https://blog.gruninfoundation.org/racial-equity-assessment-mini-grants-with-building-blocks-for-change-bb4c?utm_campaign=Grunin%20Capacity&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--thKaLav_O4uGNGZRWiAhDajG_OUMxJN85vzBPaPfgq_r8Lgs7dBbZwXSqcOQ_A-q3f9SJ)
If you have already gone through this process with BB4C and the Grunin Foundation and would like to apply for mini grants to support implementation of suggestions in final report, please reach out to Vicki at [vicki@gruninfoundation.org.](mailto:vicki@gruninfoundation.org)
**Coalition Building** – *Engaging* *in coalition building and advocacy at the regional and state levels to impact systemic issues.*
**Fulfill Together at the Table**
On July 15, a group of government officials, funders, nonprofit organizations, schools, farmers and food vendors, faith leaders, and other key stakeholders across Southern Ocean County came *Together at the Table* to discuss emerging needs, identify gaps in services, and explore opportunities to build additional resources and sustainable solutions for our communities. This coalition-building event was designed to foster meaningful partnerships, encourage cross-sector collaboration, and mobilize collective action to address food insecurity in the region. We are working with Fulfill on the next steps to transform the shared vision into collective action and to keep Together at the Table going as an organizing space for mobilizing food security in Southern Ocean County. We will continue to update as the goals and structure of this initiative are developed.
For those that do work in Southern Ocean County and would like to be involved in this initiative moving forward, [**click here to fill out Fulfill’s inquiry form**](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSccFofmp5qSgRwap1cnjmIoZj50_SbXs91fgX0TlJQgxDVAAw/viewform)**.**
**Monmouth & Ocean Roundtable of Funders (MORF)**
The Monmouth & Ocean Roundtable of Funders (MORF), led by the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers in partnership with the Grunin Foundation, met in mid-September. A big portion of the meeting was dedicated to planning for the 2030 Census. MORF members also discussed potential topics for nonprofit professional development opportunities and board ecosystems – how to identify and match potential board members with organizations. MORF will meet again in November to close out the year.
We are planning another in-person PEEP (Party to Enhance Equity in Philanthropy) event in 2027. Stay tuned for more.
**Pragmatic Activism**
For Pragmatic Activism Cohort Alumni, we are hosting Legislative Updates facilitated by Orville Morales and we have one more left for 2026. These virtual events are for cohort alum to learn about current policies, legislation specific to their district, and more. Orville is also providing one-on-one office hours to alumni to discuss topics that are important to them related to advocacy.
Other Coalition Building Initiatives
We also continue to participate in coalitions like [**Doing Good Better**](https://www.cnjg.org/doing-good-better), (a partnership of the [**Council for New Jersey Grantmakers**](https://www.cnjg.org/) and the [**New Jersey Center for Nonprofits**](https://njnonprofits.org/), where a community of funders and nonprofits take action against the power imbalances and racial inequities in philanthropy, nonprofits and government). Our participation in these coalitions allows us to drive impact in the Central Jersey Shore nonprofit and philanthropy ecosystems.
In August, Vicki helped to plan and attended the [**Blacks in Philanthropy Conference**](https://sffnj.org/blacks-in-philanthropy-conference), hosted by the Smith Family Foundation NJ (SFFNJ) and supported by the Grunin Foundation. This event brings together nonprofit changemakers, leaders, and funders to expand access and drive lasting impact in the philanthropic sector.
**Until Next Quarter,** [**reach out, follow us on social**](https://gruninfoundation.org/contact/)**, and check out our** [**website**](https://gruninfoundation.org/) **for more updates!**
## Related Blogs
October 15th, 2026
### [Q3 2026 News & Updates](https://blog.gruninfoundation.org/q3-2026-news-updates)
**by [Kelly Fliller](https://blog.gruninfoundation.org/author/kelly-fliller)** [State of the Foundation](https://blog.gruninfoundation.org/tag/state-of-the-foundation), [Grunin News](https://blog.gruninfoundation.org/tag/grunin-news)
Check out what we’ve been up to during the third quarter of 2026! Funding - Funding and supporting organizations, partnerships, coalitions, and other structures whose work aligns with the\[...\]
[Read More](https://blog.gruninfoundation.org/q3-2026-news-updates)
October 09th, 2026
### [Grantee Partner Spotlight - Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey](https://blog.gruninfoundation.org/grantee-partner-spotlight-supportive-housing-association-of-new-jersey)
**by [grunin](https://blog.gruninfoundation.org/author/grunin)** [Partner Updates](https://blog.gruninfoundation.org/tag/partner-updates)
Grantee Spotlight: Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey The Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey (SHA) is a statewide, nonprofit organization, founded in 1998, whose mission is to\[...\]
[Read More](https://blog.gruninfoundation.org/grantee-partner-spotlight-supportive-housing-association-of-new-jersey)
September 22nd, 2026
### [Grantee Partner Spotlight - Common Ground Grief Center](https://blog.gruninfoundation.org/grantee-partner-spotlight-common-ground-grief-center)
**by [grunin](https://blog.gruninfoundation.org/author/grunin)** [Partner Updates](https://blog.gruninfoundation.org/tag/partner-updates)
Grantee Spotlight: Common Ground Grief Center Funds from the Grunin Foundation have supported "The Language of Loss" play. This educational, dynamic, and entertaining play can be offered at any NJ\[...\]
[Read More](https://blog.gruninfoundation.org/grantee-partner-spotlight-common-ground-grief-center)
### Stay up to Date
### Get In Touch
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##### [Contact Us](https://gruninfoundation.org/contact/)
©2026 All Rights Reserved. Grunin Foundation
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