NPO Needs Assessment Initiative

Listening, Learning, and Building for 2030

The NPDCSNJ Needs Assessment Initiative is an ambitious, 18-month regional collaboration designed to understand and elevate the needs of South Jersey’s nonprofit sector. With input from hundreds of nonprofit leaders, the initiative aims to build the foundation for making South Jersey the most nonprofit-friendly region in the nation by 2030.

Launched in mid-2024, the initiative includes 48 in-depth discussion sessions organized around 16 key topic areas, identified by more than 240 nonprofit professionals who attended the second South Jersey Nonprofit Summit at Rowan University in March 2024.

What is it?

This initiative is more than a study—it’s a region-wide listening tour and strategic think tank. Subject-matter groups are:

Led by expert facilitators from the nonprofit, academic, and civic sectors
Meeting at least three times between July 2024 and December 2025.
Focused on building the collaborative infrastructure needed to support nonprofit success at the local and regional level

Each group is charged with exploring challenges, surfacing opportunities, and developing recommendations that reflect the realities and aspirations of South Jersey’s diverse nonprofit landscape.

Explore Topics & Join the Conversation

Want to learn more or participate in a discussion?
 A full directory of subject-matter groups, facilitators, and session schedules will be available soon!

Join the Conversation

Upcoming Sessions

Education Online Discussion for South Jersey Nonprofits

August 13, 2025 10am to 11am (EDT)

If you care about the Education challenges facing South Jersey (both K-12 and Higher Ed), mark your calendar for Wednesday, August 13, at 10 AM, for a one-hour Zoom session led by Mary Jean Strong, Elementary Literacy Coach and Director of The Magic Seeds Project, and Anissa Moody, Director of the Wellness Center at Rider University.

Faith-Based Organizations - Online Discussion for South Jersey Non Profits

July 16, 2025 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (EDT)

If you care about the challenges surrounding the work of “Faith-Based Organizations” working in South Jersey, mark your calendar for Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at 10 AM, for a one-hour Zoom session led by Reverend Floyd White. (This session replaces a similar session previously scheduled for June 18.)

Leadership & Oversight

The Needs Assessment Task Force is chaired by Dr. Nathaniel Wright, a nonprofit scholar and faculty member at Rutgers University–Camden.

Dr. Wright is leading the analysis of all input and findings gathered across the 18-month initiative, guiding the final report and strategic recommendations.

What's Next?

The NPDCSNJ Needs Assessment Task Force will review and provide an analysis of all input and findings gathered across the 18-month initiative. The final report and strategic recommendations will be shared at the South Jersey Nonprofit Summit III, offering a shared roadmap for nonprofit innovation, equity, and collaboration in our Region.