Sheldon Green
Chief Development & Housing Officer (CDHO)
Biography
Sheldon Green brings extensive experience in civic service, public safety, and housing-related leadership to the Grow It Foundation. A lifelong Plainfield resident, Mr. Green has served the community in a variety of official roles—including as a Constable for the City of Plainfield and as a commissioner on the Green Brook Flood Control Commission. He is also recognized for his work with community preparedness through Union County.
Role at Grow It Foundation
As Chief Development & Housing Officer (CDHO), Sheldon Green leads Grow It's joint initiative with the Plainfield Housing Authority. He serves as a key executive leader responsible for driving the financial growth, housing initiatives, and community partnerships of GROW It Foundation. He is the organization's primary liaison with state agencies (including the NJ Housing Department), funders, and community partners.
His role is to ensure that GROW It Foundation:
- Secures sustainable funding through grants, donor relationships, and fundraising initiatives
- Builds and expands housing solutions for ex-offenders and returning citizens
- Strengthens community and government partnerships to enhance the foundation's reentry programs and resources
Core Responsibilities
Fundraising & Development
- Lead and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy (grants, corporate sponsorships, donor cultivation, and fundraising campaigns)
- Research, write, and oversee the submission of local, state, and federal grant proposals
- Develop corporate and community partnerships to increase funding and resources
- Track and report fundraising outcomes to the Executive Director and Board
Housing Initiatives for Ex-Offenders
- Partner with the NJ Housing Department and other agencies to create transitional and permanent housing opportunities for returning citizens
- Identify properties, partnerships, and funding streams that support reentry housing development
- Oversee the design and implementation of housing support services for formerly incarcerated individuals
Community Planning & Partnerships
- Act as the primary connector between GROW It Foundation and external stakeholders, including government entities, nonprofits, and community leaders
- Build strong collaborations with reentry programs, workforce development organizations, and service providers
- Represent GROW It Foundation at community events, public forums, and state-level meetings
Grant & Government Liaison
- Maintain an active relationship with New Jersey state agencies and funding sources
- Monitor new grant opportunities and ensure compliance with awarded grants
- Serve as the point of contact for all matters related to state contracts and financial reporting
Organizational Leadership
- Provide regular updates to the Executive Director and Board on fundraising, housing projects, and partnerships
- Contribute to the organization's strategic planning and growth initiatives
- Support the development of internal systems that improve efficiency and sustainability
Impact on GROW It Foundation
Sheldon's work directly supports GROW It's mission by:
- Expanding housing and support for ex-offenders
- Strengthening partnerships with government and community agencies
- Ensuring the organization has the financial stability to grow its programs and resources
Support Our Housing Initiatives
Learn more about how you can support our housing and reentry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals.