New Jersey State Federation of Women's Clubs

The New Jersey State Federation of Women's Clubs (NJSFWC) is the largest volunteer women's service organization in New Jersey and a member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs. The NJSFWC was founded in 1894 and is headquartered in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

History

• Founding: The NJSFWC was established in 1894 by bringing together 63 local clubs in New Jersey, with the aim of enhancing the lives of women and the communities they serve.
• Key Contributions: In 1918, the NJSFWC played a pivotal role in founding the New Jersey College for Women (now Douglass Residential College at Rutgers University), providing scholarships to students and maintaining close ties with the institution.
• Environmental Conservation: One of the early achievements of NJSFWC was to lead the formation of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, successfully preventing the destruction of the Palisades through overdevelopment.

Leadership and Initiatives

The NJSFWC offers opportunities for women in education, leadership training, and community service. It comprises approximately 8,000 members across 200 clubs throughout New Jersey. Over the years, the Federation has initiated various projects to support community welfare, including educational programs, environmental preservation, and advocating for women's rights.

Notable Activities

• War Efforts: During World War II, the NJSFWC supported the war effort by purchasing ambulance planes to aid military operations.
• Community Projects: Since the 1960s, the Federation has focused on diverse community projects, including support for local food banks, domestic violence prevention, and autism awareness programs.
• Scholarships and Fellowships: The NJSFWC provides scholarships to students at Douglass Residential College and offers the Margaret Yardley Fellowship Fund for post-graduate studies.

Awards and Recognition

In 2003, the New Jersey Highlands Coalition recognized the NJSFWC as the "Grassroots Organization of the Year" for its environmental contributions. Additionally, in 2004, the organization received the "Library Champions Award" from the New Jersey Library Association for its advocacy and support of local libraries.

Mission and Impact

The NJSFWC functions as a grassroots volunteer resource, aiming to transform public interests into meaningful projects and programs. Through its vast network of clubs and members, the Federation enhances community life by supporting the arts, advancing education, promoting civic involvement, and working towards world peace and understanding.

[1] https://exhibits.libraries.rutgers.edu/pivotal-right/womens-clubs [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Jersey_State_Federation_of_Women's_Clubs [3] https://njwomenshistory.org/learn/topics/nj-state-federation-colored-womens-clubs/ [4] https://njsfwc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/NJSFWC-Bifold-History-Milestones-2021.pdf [5] https://www.thewomansclubofbrielle.org/gfwc-njsfwc-our-history.html