Partnership in Philanthropy is New Jersey's Non-Profit Fundraising Consultant

The new executive director of Partnership in Philanthropy, an organization that exists to strengthen the fund-raising capacity of New Jersey's non-profit community, has kicked off the group's new two-year consultation with Glassboro Child Development Centers.

"Glassboro Child Development Centers applied to us and Jere (Hoffner, executive director of the United Way of Gloucester County) called us and told us what a great organization it was," said PIP Executive Director Heather Robinson. "We then talked to Joan Dillon (GCDC executive director) and found out all the wonderful things they did and that they needed fund and capacity-building."

The Glassboro Child Development Centers offer year-round, full-day programs for infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers as well as before- and after-school programs, a teen-academy and a summer camp and a literacy program all at low rates. It is partially federally-subsidized but depends on fund-raising and donations for camps, transportation, enrichment programs and more while maintaining a reduced cost for the families that depend on the Centers.

"In the next two years, we want them to make the next step up as a nonprofit," said Robinson. "I think one of the biggest goals Joan has for the board is to diversify funding. They were handicapped by the cuts to NJ After 3 and they need a funding base to withstand that."

Robinson said PIP has worked with more than 500 non-profits in New Jersey and said she and her team look forward to helping the Development Centers with funding, strategic planning and leadership development. "Without this type of program, they wouldn't have access to strengthen their infrastructure and leadership," she said. "I love meeting the Joan Dillons of the world and seeing what they do, the services they provide. They're really there in the trenches."

PIP will spend 165 hours with the Centers in the next two years. Robinson said the organization wants to ensure that it will remain a community asset, with all of its offerings, to the community for years to come.

"For an organization to be selected by Partnership in Philanthropy, the board must have a willingness to commit to those hours and be fully engaged in the skills-building," added Hoffner. "The time those volunteers invest will make the organization stronger and more efficient. Running a non-profit has become increasingly complex and this consultation will ensure that they have the capacity to make good decisions and continue to provide a great service."

Robinson said that PIP would work strictly with the board and Dillon. "That's where the culture is gong to change, it's the catalyst for the non-profit." For more information about PIP, visit www.pipnj.org. To contact Heather Robinson, call (973) 701-9810 or e-mail her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .