ADVOCACY UPDATE

November 25, 2025

In this update:

• Lt. Gov.-elect to address NJ Nonprofits Conference
• Our policy recommendations to the Sherrill Administration
• Sherrill transition action teams named
• Government shutdown ends; now what?
• Next Policy World Wednesday December 10
• Giving Thanks

Lt. Governor-Elect Caldwell to address NJ Nonprofits Conference  

We are honored that Dr. Dale Caldwell, Lt. Governor-elect of the State of New Jersey, will be joining us at our 2025 NJ Nonprofits Conference on December 3 in Somerset.

We are looking forward to hearing his thoughts about New Jersey’s nonprofit community in the current federal and state landscape; how nonprofits can be engaged with the incoming Administration, and other critical issues of the day.

An updated conference schedule will be shared in the Whova app and on our website.

Not registered for the conference yet?  Sign up here.

Our policy recommendations for the Sherrill Administration 

The New Jersey Center for Nonprofits has forwarded our policy recommendations to Governor-elect Sherrill’s incoming administration.  Our recommendations are centered around several broad themes to help ensure that nonprofits are best positioned to serve our communities now and over the long haul:

·        PROTECT AND DEFEND THE NONPROFIT COMMUNITY from federal attacks and budget cuts.

·        HELP NONPROFITS STRETCH BUDGET DOLLARS AND SECURE MUCH-NEEDED RESOURCES through government grants and contracts reform, charitable giving incentives, and more.

·        PRESERVE A STRONG CIVIC INFRASTRUCTURE by protecting voting and advocacy rights, and promoting a complete and accurate 2030 Census count in New Jersey.

In her response to our nonpartisan candidate questionnaire published in October, the governor-elect said, “As governor, I’m committed to giving nonprofits a seat at the table when major decisions are made in Trenton and ensuring that their voice is heard when legislation is being considered.”  

Read our policy paper here. 

Sherrill transition action teams named 

Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill has established ten transition teams to develop policy recommendations for the incoming administration around a series of broad topics.  Transition action teams, which include a number of well-known nonprofit leaders, include:

• Making Energy More Affordable and Reliable 
• Saving You Time and Money: Getting Government to Work for New Jerseyans 
• Kids Mental Health and Online Safety  
• Lowering Housing Costs and Expanding Homeownership 
• Transportation and Infrastructure Innovation  
• Fiscal Responsibility and Government Accountability 
• Delivering a Strong Education for New Jersey Children 
• Jobs, Opportunity, and Prosperity for All 
• Affordable Healthcare: Addressing Washington’s Medicaid Cuts 
• Driving New Jersey Forward: Economic Development and Innovation 

Lt. Governor-elect Dale Caldwell is chairing the transition process.  Other phases of the process will include an Interdisciplinary Advisory Task Force, and direct public transition survey. Read more about the transition here. 

Government shutdown ends; now what?

On November 12, President Trump signed legislation ending a 43-day federal government shutdown, one of the longest in modern U.S. history.  Some highlights worth noting:

• Under the legislation, most government operations are only funded through January 30, 2026. Another shutdown could loom without additional Congressional action such as full-year appropriations or additional extensions.
• The bill does not include any extensions of Affordable Care Act subsidies, which were a primary point of contention in the shutdown and prolonged impasse.
• Under the legislation, SNAP is funded through 9/30/2026.  However, the bill did not change the stricter SNAP eligibility, work verification requirements and other restrictions enacted as part of the July 2025 tax law, and those requirements are still being phased in.
• Layoffs of 4,000 federal workers during the shutdown were reversed under the bill.
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Drug Administration, and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs are funded through September 30, 2026. Other appropriations have yet to be negotiated.

Ongoing advocacy with Congressional representatives will be critical as negotiations continue. We will share new information as we become aware of it, and please let us know if you learn of new developments.

Join us December 10 for Policy World Wednesday!

Wednesday, December 10, 12:30-1:30 PM 
FREE; open to staff or board members of nonprofit or philanthropic organizations

Presented by the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits and the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers. Join us every month to discuss all things policy, including the latest developments at the federal, state and local levels; legislative insights and advocacy opportunities; and to share any other policy or advocacy issues currently on your organization’s radar. Network with, and learn from, other changemakers to help stay abreast of current trends, build partnerships and strengthen advocacy skills for increased influence in public policy matters.

Register for Policy World Wednesday

Giving Thanks

In a year marked by unprecedented upheaval, we are especially grateful to all of the nonprofits, staff, volunteers and champions for your perseverance, dedication, and the life-saving and life-affirming work you do every day.  We are honored to work alongside you in service to our communities and all people of New Jersey.  

"As nonprofits, our entire reason for being is to make society better by our missions and deeds.

As part of that promise, we have a responsibility to advance an equitable society, to shine a bright light on the harsh reality of systemic racism and injustice and to actively work against it."

Membership is a sound investment in your organization and in New Jersey's nonprofit community. Benefits include:

• The Center as your nonprofit advocate in Trenton and Washington 
• Exclusive learning and networking opportunities
• FREE job postings on our highly visited website
• Priority access to our HelpDesk experts
• Access to savings worth thousands of dollars
• Feature the "Proud Center Member" logo on your organization's website
• Exclusive priority registration and save over 30% on the annual NJ Nonprofits Conference 
  
• And so much more!

Annual dues start at just $99. Become a member and start your benefits right away!

Information in this communication does not constitute legal advice or a legal opinion. For answers to specific questions concerning your situation, you should consult a knowledgeable attorney who can advise you regarding your particular circumstances.