Newark, NJ — [November 20, 2025] — The Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) welcomed nonprofit leaders and business owners from across the region for its final members-only Engage & Exchange Luncheon of the year, held at the Boys & Girls Club of Newark (BGCN). The program featured a dynamic conversation with Samra Haider, President and CEO of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, who shared insights into the Foundation’s evolving grantmaking strategy and its commitment to closing the racial wealth gap in New Jersey.
The luncheon convened representatives from member organizations such as LISC NJ, All Stars Project of NJ, Impact Consulting Enterprises, and Volunteer Lawyers for Justice. Full-room introductions helped establish an atmosphere of collaboration aligned with NRBP’s commitment to fostering meaningful connections.
Haider, a New Jersey native with a professional background spanning consulting, banking, and workforce development, spoke candidly about her commitment to community-centered philanthropy. Drawing on her extensive experience, she emphasized Dodge’s efforts to support grantees beyond financial investment, including providing technical assistance and expertise, encouraging collaboration, and promoting shared learning.
Haider also underscored several key priorities for the Foundation:
• Strengthening Dodge’s organizational presence in Newark
• Addressing systems of oppression through long-term, community-informed investment • Encouraging experimentation and creating space for organizations to innovate • Leveraging the Foundation’s endowment to drive measurable impact
• Promoting collaboration across Newark’s nonprofit ecosystem
“It was truly wonderful to be with NRBP and its members and to share more about the Dodge Foundation’s commitment to expanding opportunity across New Jersey,” said Samra Haider, President & CEO of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation. “Nothing brings me more joy than feeling the warmth and energy of individuals and organizations doing the important work of community-centered social change.
We’re honored to work alongside these partners and know that when we come together with shared purpose, we can make real progress toward closing the racial wealth gap in our state.”
During the audience Q&A, attendees raised questions about funding strategy, marketing needs, and geographic priorities. Haider encouraged organizations to “stand on what works,” advising that funders are more responsive when grantees can clearly articulate the effectiveness of their core programs. She also highlighted Dodge’s commitment to general operating support, stating that unrestricted funding allows organizations to budget for essential needs—including communications and marketing—without constraint.
When asked about future support for neighboring communities such as Irvington, Haider noted that “while Newark remains one of the Foundation’s central areas of focus due to its robust ecosystem, we will continue to think carefully about the communities surrounding our target cities.”
Dodge is actively encouraging organizations to respond to its open Request for Information, the most effective entry point for engagement at this time. The Foundation funds both nonprofit organizations and mission-aligned for-profit entities.
In addition to the conversation with Haider, attendees toured the Boys & Girls Club of Newark facility and learned more about BGCN’s impactful work supporting children and families through academic enrichment, wellness programs, and mentorship.
“The reflections shared with me made it clear just how powerful the Engage and Exchange luncheon was,” said Ameer Washington, CEO, BGCN. “The insights from Samra Haider were both thought-provoking and energizing, especially around how Newark can continue strengthening its impact through collaboration and community-centered leadership. I’m grateful that our team had the opportunity to engage in such meaningful dialogue.”
For NRBP, this program is a continuation of our commitment to creating access to resources and opportunities for our members.
“This luncheon truly captured the spirit of our Engage & Exchange series—bringing members together with industry experts and leaders to share ideas, strengthen partnerships, and build a more connected business ecosystem,” said Ferlanda Fox Nixon, President & CEO, NRBP. “We’re grateful to Samra Haider for her openness and to our members for contributing to such a thoughtful and energizing conversation.”
NRBP’s Engage & Exchange programs are designed to cultivate authentic connections among members, encourage collaborative problem-solving, and highlight leaders whose work is shaping the future of Newark and the region.
About the Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP)
The Newark Regional Business Partnership is the premier chamber of commerce serving the Greater Newark region. NRBP’s mission is to strengthen the business community through connections, resources, and advocacy. The organization represents hundreds of corporations, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions dedicated to fostering economic vitality and competitiveness in Newark and the surrounding metropolitan area. www.newarkrbp.org