The Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey announced Sept. 25 the launch of its 501(c)(4) organization, the Housing and Community Development Network Action Fund (HCDN Action Fund).
The Network Action Fund will focus on strengthening advocacy efforts around housing and community development by lobbying and organizing community education and awareness initiatives to support policies that prioritize housing. It will also be able to engage directly in the political process to identify and promote leaders who share these same values.
501(c)(4) organizations are nonprofits recognized by the IRS that operate primarily to promote social welfare. They are exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code.
They can engage in unlimited lobbying and some political activities, as long as these efforts align with their mission of promoting social welfare. Contributions to 501(c)(4)s are generally not tax-deductible for donors, except in specific cases like donations to volunteer fire departments or veterans organizations.
The HCDN Action Fund Board of Directors includes:
- Chair: Carol Sainthilare, executive director, The Waterfront Project
- Vice Chair: Staci Berger, president & chief executive officer, Housing and Community Development Network of NJ
- Treasurer: Harold Simon, founding publisher, Shelterforce (retired)
- Tracy Rogers, founder, Asbury Park Affordable Housing Coalition
- Calandria Ortiz Resende, housing advocate
- Mila Jasey, NJ Assemblywoman (retired)
- Daniel Antonellis, president, Region Nine Housing Corporation
- Frances O’Toole, chief development officer, Coming Home of Middlesex County
- Brandi Johnson, executive director, Camden Lutheran Housing
The Action Fund will advocate for legislation, regulations, and public investment to improve access to affordable homes, support the work of community development corporations (CDCs), and revitalize distressed neighborhoods across New Jersey.
“This new chapter will allow us to build on decades of housing advocacy and engage more directly with the political process to create lasting change for our neighbors and communities,” said Carol Sainthilare, executive director, The Waterfront Project and founder, Saint Impact Ventures.
“New Jersey does not lack ideas to solve our housing affordability, security and stability crisis. However, we are sorely missing the political will needed to implement bold, meaningful, long-term solutions to make sure everyone can afford to call New Jersey home,” said Berger, vice chair of the HCDN Action Fund and president & chief executive officer of the Network.
“The Network Action Fund will give our members another tool to help them advocate for laws and policies, and support leaders who share our vision for stronger, affordable communities and to hold them accountable once in office.”
