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Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey Inc

EIN 20-1195592 · Paramus, NJ

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong96 out of 100GovernanceStrong90 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

JFNNJ FULFILLS ITS MISSION BY BRINGING PEOPLE AND RESOURCES TOGETHER TO MEET THE MOST URGENT JEWISH COMMUNAL NEEDS IN THE NORTHERN NEW JERSEY COMMUNITY, ISRAEL AND AROUND THE WORLD.

Income
$41.0 million
Spending
$20.5 million
Spent on programs
82%
Reserves
23.5 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 92%
Employees
49
Volunteers
50
Highest pay
$440,533, ceo & executive vice president

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Strong: 96 out of 100. Higher than 66% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, $10m to $100m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 23.5 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 25% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 50% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 102% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    82% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 7 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 90 out of 100. Higher than 21% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, $10m to $100m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    39 of 39 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    0 of 10

    Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (4)
  1. $10.9 million spent. Education and engagement - See Schedule O
  2. $4.7 million spent. Community Support and Senior Nutrition - See Schedule O
  3. $1.1 million spent. Social Welfare - See Schedule O
  4. Program Descriptions Federations four pillars: caring for others, combating antisemitism and keeping the community safe, building Jewish identity, and advocating and supporting Israel all interconnect to ensure that Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey remains the center of Jewish life and issues important to the Jewish community. Community Support and Senior Nutrition 4B: Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey provides vital support to Jewish institutions in both northern New Jersey and Israel, aiming to assist those in need and foster vibrant Jewish life. Through grants and allocations to 501(c)(3) organizations such as the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), Jewish Family and Children's Services of Northern New Jersey, and Jewish Community Centers (JCCs), Federation facilitates essential connections and resources. Federation strengthens ties between northern New Jersey and Israel through social and cultural exchanges and through funding important programs. Additionally, it collaborates with law enforcement and elected officials to advocate for and ensure the safety and security of the community. Grants are provided to 501(c)(3) organizations offering social services, hunger relief, senior nutrition, and programs in Jewish education and engagement. For seniors, Federation funds five congregate meal and a Kosher Meals-on-Wheels program that serves nearly 70,000 meals to seniors. Jewish Education and Engagement 4a: Federation is committed to promoting and enriching Jewish identity and education. This goal is achieved by supporting the One Happy Camper program that provides stipends to first-time campers at Jewish overnight camps, by funding and the Jewish Right Start program that offers incentive grants to family choosing Jewish preschool for their children. In addition, Federation allocates money to Hillel, a program in local colleges fostering Jewish identity, Taglit-Birthright Israel and Onward Israel, 2 programs enabling young adults to immerse themselves in Israeli culture. In partnership with the Henry & Marilyn Taub Foundation, the Federation's Synagogue Leadership Initiative collaborates with synagogue leaders to revitalize congregations, build communities, and shape a dynamic Jewish future. Social Welfare 4C: In the realm of social welfare, Federation addresses urgent needs within the Jewish community in northern New Jersey, Israel, and worldwide. It extends support to organizations providing social services, hunger relief, senior nutrition, and community building.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 10, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since February 2007.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.