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Nonprofiteer
← UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL JERSEY INC

Form 990 for tax year 2024

Filed by UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL JERSEY INC.

Totals

Total revenue
$3,281,262
Total expenses
$3,523,535
Contributions and grants received
$2,929,544
Grants paid
$252,399
Program service revenue
$151,349
Investment income
$185,700
Other revenue
$14,669
Total assets, end of year
$7,092,929
Total liabilities, end of year
$693,140
Net assets or fund balances, end of year
$6,399,789
Program services expenses (Part IX)
$3,152,812
Management and general expenses
$153,311
Fundraising expenses
$217,412
Program service expenses (Part III)
$3,152,812

Program services were 89.5% of total expenses calculated — Part IX's program-services column over total expenses, both as filed.

Line items

Every line the filer filed in Parts VIII, IX and X, as filed and in filed order. Blank columns are left out, and the lines are not forced to add up to the totals above.

Revenue

Part VIII, the statement of revenue.

  • 1f · All other contributions, gifts and grants

    $2,929,544

  • 1g · Noncash contributions included above

    $104,341

  • 2a · Program service revenue: COMMUNITY PROGRAM INCOME

    total $151,349 · related or exempt $151,349

  • 3 · Investment income

    total $186,714 · excluded $186,714

  • 7a · Gross sales of assets other than inventory

    securities $3,279,000

  • 7b · Less cost or other basis and sales expenses

    securities $3,280,014

  • 7c · Gain or loss

    securities -$1,014

  • 7d · Net gain or loss

    total -$1,014 · excluded -$1,014

  • 11a · Other revenue: MISCELLANEOUS

    total $14,669 · related or exempt $14,669

  • 11e · Other revenue, total

    $14,669

Functional expenses

Part IX, the statement of functional expenses.

  • 1 · Grants to domestic organizations and governments

    total $106,249 · program services $106,249

  • 2 · Grants to domestic individuals

    total $146,150 · program services $146,150

  • 5 · Compensation of officers, directors and key employees

    total $303,770 · program services $255,611 · management and general $24,465 · fundraising $23,694

  • 7 · Other salaries and wages

    total $678,710 · program services $572,189 · management and general $53,583 · fundraising $52,938

  • 8 · Pension plan contributions

    total $24,108 · program services $20,003 · management and general $2,225 · fundraising $1,880

  • 9 · Other employee benefits

    total $72,906 · program services $60,491 · management and general $6,728 · fundraising $5,687

  • 10 · Payroll taxes

    total $78,215 · program services $64,897 · management and general $7,217 · fundraising $6,101

  • 11b · Fees: legal

    total $82 · program services $42 · management and general $1 · fundraising $39

  • 11c · Fees: accounting

    total $27,999 · program services $14,274 · management and general $260 · fundraising $13,465

  • 11f · Fees: investment management

    total $2,124 · management and general $2,124

  • 11g · Fees: other

    total $169,583 · program services $86,452 · management and general $1,577 · fundraising $81,554

  • 12 · Advertising and promotion

    total $7,019 · program services $605 · management and general $75 · fundraising $6,339

  • 13 · Office expenses

    total $77,606 · program services $69,807 · management and general $5,191 · fundraising $2,608

  • 14 · Information technology

    total $45,177 · program services $35,412 · management and general $7,315 · fundraising $2,450

  • 16 · Occupancy

    total $22,278 · program services $18,811 · management and general $1,535 · fundraising $1,932

  • 17 · Travel

    total $8,048 · program services $6,488 · management and general $1,526 · fundraising $34

  • 21 · Payments to affiliates

    total $28,597 · program services $24,307 · management and general $2,860 · fundraising $1,430

  • 22 · Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    total $79,900 · program services $59,147 · management and general $10,621 · fundraising $10,132

  • 23 · Insurance

    total $39,205 · program services $33,865 · management and general $3,560 · fundraising $1,780

  • 24a · Other expenses: COMMUNITY PROGRAM EXPEN

    total $1,536,551 · program services $1,518,879 · management and general $17,672

  • 24b · Other expenses: REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE

    total $46,646 · program services $43,212 · management and general $365 · fundraising $3,069

  • 24e · All other expenses

    total $22,612 · program services $15,921 · management and general $4,411 · fundraising $2,280

Balance sheet

Part X, book values.

  • 1 · Cash, non-interest-bearing

    beginning of year $159,544 · end of year $58,238

  • 2 · Savings and temporary cash investments

    beginning of year $3,485,188 · end of year $2,342,165

  • 3 · Pledges and grants receivable

    beginning of year $91,860 · end of year $445,351

  • 9 · Prepaid expenses and deferred charges

    beginning of year $50,278 · end of year $61,321

  • 10a · Land, buildings and equipment: cost or other basis

    $2,439,589

  • 10b · Land, buildings and equipment: accumulated depreciation

    $1,711,985

  • 10c · Land, buildings and equipment, net

    beginning of year $807,504 · end of year $727,604

  • 11 · Investments: publicly traded securities

    beginning of year $1,914,530 · end of year $2,945,354

  • 15 · Other assets

    beginning of year $293,085 · end of year $512,896

  • 17 · Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    beginning of year $170,320 · end of year $302,745

  • 19 · Deferred revenue

    beginning of year $266,109 · end of year $108,044

  • 25 · Other liabilities

    beginning of year $37,511 · end of year $282,351

  • 27 · Net assets without donor restrictions

    beginning of year $4,694,868 · end of year $5,043,342

  • 28 · Net assets with donor restrictions

    beginning of year $1,633,181 · end of year $1,356,447

Mission and programs · 2024

Mission

United Way of Central Jersey's leadership brings together resources for local disadvantaged families to ensure that all young children in our community attain better educational outcomes and a healthier, brighter and more successful future.

Activities or mission (Part I)

Striving to ensure all young children in our communities attain a more successful future.

  • Healthy CommunityNurse Family Partnership The evidence-based Nurse Family Partnership (NFP) program specifically serves low-income, first-time pregnant women, providing comprehensive parenting training and education, and additional supportive services, from the twelfth week of pregnancy through the child's second birthday. (Additional Information provided on Schedule O)Nurse Family Partnership (NFP) This evidence-based program targets first-time low-income pregnant women and provides intensive parent education, health and other resources and support services. NFP clients typically have a higher risk for poor birth outcomes since, on average they are more likely to be impacted by social and economic inequality and systemic racism than the general population of individuals pregnant with or parenting their first child.Our NFP program outcomes include reductions in pre-term births, low birth weight infants and subsequent pregnancies. Increases in breast feeding at birth, 6 and 12 months as well as increased workforce participation at 6, 12 and 24 months have also been documented.During 2024, our 8 bachelor-level nurse home visitors supported 225 families which included 205 children. 41 Mothers graduated from this program in August, culminating 1,000 continuous days in partnership with their nurse.Four exciting components of the program launched this year. 150 Mothers supported by UWCJ's contract with the New Jersey Department of Children and Families received financial assistance to purchase infant formula or breastfeeding supplies. 99 families received grocery gift cards funded by UWCJ's FEMA Award, stretching family resources for other basic needs such as rent, child care, transportation and more. UWCJ's grant from United Way Worldwide's Ride United Transportation Access program provided Lyft transportation for specific causes including grocery shopping, medical appointments, employment and other services. The Parent Leaders group continues to expand and assumed the lead in planning educational programs and social events for current and graduate NFP families.

    Expenses $1,617,896 · Revenue $1,368,491

  • Financial SecurityUWCJ assists financially fragile households in multiple capacities, including our year-round IRS-certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, administration oversight of FEMA Emergency Food and Shelter funding in Middlesex County NJ, supporting the NJ211 information and referral service, UWCJ's Family Financial Opportunity Center (FFOC), and the Middlesex County Alliance for Child and Family Success program.(Additional Information provided on Schedule O)UWCJ has a multi-level focus to provide much-needed financial security for community residents. VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)Individuals and families making $75,000 or less per year can have their federal and state income tax returns prepared and filed for free by IRS-certified volunteers in UWCJ's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance ('VITA') Program. The volunteer-driven program supports over 2,500 individuals in Middlesex County and returns an average of $2.5 million dollars in refunds, including Earned Income Tax Credits ('EITC'), and Child Care credits for taxpayers. Unlike other VITA programs, United Way of Central Jersey provides VITA services year-round to assist late filers, delinquent filers, filers responding to IRS and State tax notices, and preparation of ITIN applications and renewals. Low-income VITA tax clients also received FEMA-funded grocery gift cards. THE 2024 NUMBERS:145 volunteers 4,478 tax returns filed$2.5 million refunds & creditsFamily Financial Opportunity Center (FFOC)Our FFOC opened in May 2024 and provides the tools for our priority population of unemployed and underemployed parents of young children to thrive financially. Financial, employment and income support coaches provide resources and support to enable clients and their families to improve their financial well-being. During its initial 6- months of operation, the FFOC engaged 70 clients who were primarily female and Hispanic with monthly incomes under $2,000.FEMA Emergency Food & ShelterUWCJ provides administrative support for Middlesex County's Local FEMA Board, responsible for recommending Awards to local organizations providing emergency shelter; rent, mortgage and utility assistance and emergency food, diapers and infant formula. The Emergency Food and Shelter National Board informed New Jersey Local Boards of their Phase 42 Allocations in December 2023. Middlesex County's Award totaled $385,562. However, no further information has been received by the Local Board regarding next steps for the Phase 42 process.RIDE UNITEDLaunched in July, our Ride United Transportation Access initiative provided no-cost rides for individuals and families participating in our direct-service programs. Lyft transportation is available to our clients for the following purposes: health appointments, employment interviews, access to food and food-related benefits, education, legal issues, housing and economic stability needs.NJ211UWCJ supports United Ways of New Jersey's NJ 211 helpline, available 24/7/365 in multiple languages. During 2024, NJ 211 received 34,249 calls from Middlesex County residents and 12,167 web searches. Top live assistance needs were, in priority order: utilities assistance, at risk of homelessness and homeless housing programs, housing expense assistance, benefits screening and general information. Top web searches, in priority order were: housing expense assistance, residential housing options, utility assistance, emergency shelter and emergency food.Middlesex County Alliance for Child and Family SuccessThe Alliance is a community resource that residents can call for assistance with housing, childcare, benefits, immigration and other issues. In 2024, the Alliance handled 1,080 calls, including 138 callers with 183 young children. Alliance clients typically are women who have annual incomes below $29,000, about two-thirds of whom are Hispanic. Most clients were having trouble finding adequate housing and food. Jamesburg Healthy Food ProgramUWCJ operates a food pantry for families of students at JFK Elementary School, hosted at the Jamesburg Elks Lodge No. 2180. The pantry, which opened in September 2024, operates twice a month, and has provided over 80 households with over 200 children with culturally appropriate and nutritious food. The pantry is staffed by UWCJ and community volunteers. It obtains food from the Replenish Food Bank and is supported by a grant from the Middlesex County Board of Commissioners.SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)During the year 2024, UWCJ entered into a contract (effective January 2025) with the State Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development, to serve as SNAP Navigators - informing Middlesex and Somerset County residents about food benefits assistance and helping them enroll in the program. ImmigrationIn 2024, UWCJ continued its longstanding commitment to the network of community-based organizations providing direct service and opportunities to our community's new arrivals. UWCJ continued our support of D.I.R.E., an invaluable initiative of the Reformed Church of Highland Park. The Deportation and Immigration Response Equipo helpline and support services continued its expansion with regional service locations to facilitate access to immigrant families facing the challenges of assimilation into life in the United States: food and financial insecurity, housing, language as well as detention, deportation and other immigration related issues. The D.I.R.E. helpline is available 24/7/365; During 2024, the helpline received 580 calls.

    Expenses $1,081,105 · Grants $242,572 · Revenue $1,097,915

  • Youth OpoortunityFocusing on academic and life success for Middlesex County Children ages 0-5, our primary initiatives are 1) a Placed-based Initiative at JFK Elementary School in Jamesburg NJ, 2) Summer STREAM Stars summer and school-year program at JFK, and 3) Abriendo Puertas parent-training. (Additional Information provided on Schedule O)UWCJ's three focused 'Early Education Youth Opportunity' initiatives are:Place-based Initiative at JFK Elementary School in Jamesburg NJUnited Way of Central Jersey leads John F. Kennedy Elementary School's Early Childhood Council's long-term strategy to address the early education and development needs of preschool students and their families. Our Family Advocate stationed at JFK has an active caseload of over 60 families with a wide range of education, child development, health, immigration, nutrition, and financial hurdles. The Family Advocate also facilitated parent workshops, ESL classes, and community events. UWCJ also supported an in-school food pantry and a holiday food distribution. Jamesburg JFK School families also received FEMA-funded grocery gift cards. Summer STREAM Stars at JFK ElementaryUWCJ received Community Project funding for a summer STREAM program for preschool and kindergarten students at JFK identified by their teachers in need of additional support to increase academic success. Students attended a half-day program of instruction in science, math, technology, engineering and the arts and reading.Students were eligible to take part in a summer afterschool program, and their parents participated in UWCJ-facilitated workshops. The learning continued at home with toolkits and home libraries that were shared with parents. The program continued into the school year with STREAM modules incorporated into an enhanced science curriculum. In 2024, 90 preschool and kindergarten students took part in the summer program. All participants received school-ready backpacks and take-home libraries.Abriendo Puertas/Opening DoorsAbriendo Puertas (Opening Doors) is a 10-session, evidence-based series, for Latino parents with children ages 0-5 that prepares parents to be effective advocates for their child when engaging with the educational, medical and social service systems. One workshop series was held in June with 8 graduates.

    Expenses $443,984 · Revenue $322,250

  • UWCJ is committed to ensuring that families with children ages 0-5 living within our community receive resources and support enabling all to thrive: financially, educationally, and in good health; which impacts the life trajectory of the children. We offer programs and services supplementing our 13 core programs as follows: Back-to-School Supplies - In 2024, UWCJ provided 420 backpacks filled with grade-targeted school supplies to Middlesex County schools that requested supplies for students living in income-challenged households. Supplies were donated by generous area corporations and businesses and stuffed by UWCJ and corporate volunteers. Gifts of the Season - This program provides end of the year holiday gifts to families participating in UWCJ direct services as well as clients enrolled with our non-profit community partners' programs. Gifts are purchased by 23 of our generous corporate partners as well as members of the general public based upon the wish list of the children, provided by their parents. In 2024, this program provided gifts to 608 children. UWCJ Women United A volunteer-driven organization, UWCJ Women United, hosted their annual nonpartisan 'Legislative Breakfast' in 2024, at which local and state government officials presented information to 100+ participants from local community nonprofit agencies. Facilities and Other Services to local Non-profit Organizations In addition to offering free meeting space to local community-partner nonprofit organizations, UWCJ continues to provide technical assistance and other in-kind services to local nonprofit organizations.

    Expenses $9,827 · Revenue $9,827

As filed on the 2024 return. The filer continues this part on Schedule O, which is not shown here.

Listed in Part VII

  • Ainsworth Kiffin

    TRUSTEE

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Carmen F Maietta

    TRUSTEE

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Charko Patterson

    TRUSTEE

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Chris Van Der Stad

    TRUSTEE

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Gary Karlin

    TREASURER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    3
  • Lauren Gokhale

    TRUSTEE

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Lawrence P O'Connell

    CHIEF VOLUNTEER OFFICER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    3
  • Lee F Livingston

    FIRST VICE CHAIR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    3
  • Maurice Williams

    TRUSTEE

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Muriel Grimmett

    TRUSTEE

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Rev Dr Michael Wilkerson Leach

    TRUSTEE

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Sharletta Everett

    TRUSTEE

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Sol Heckelman

    VICE CHAIR, COMMUNITY INVESTMENT

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    3
  • Stu Schwartz

    TRUSTEE

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • THOMAS S McDONOUGH

    TRUSTEE

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Giselle Mudge

    TRUSTEE

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Elizabeth E Hance

    VP OF FINANCE (CFO)

    Total calculated
    $114,854
    From this org
    $104,198
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $10,656
    Hours/week
    45
  • Gloria Aftanski

    PRESIDENT, CPO

    Total calculated
    $190,018
    From this org
    $168,000
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $22,018
    Hours/week
    45

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $168,000
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $8,400
    Nontaxable benefits
    $13,618
    Filer's total
    $190,018

Compensation is as filed in Part VII: reportable pay from this organization and from related organizations, other compensation, and hours per week. The total, marked calculated, is our sum of the three dollar columns, with a blank column counted as $0; the form itself has no total. On a Form 990-EZ the columns are Part IV's instead, and on a Form 990-PF Part VIII's — compensation, contributions to benefit plans, and expense account — and the total sums those. A Schedule J breakdown is as filed: base pay, bonus, other, deferred compensation and nontaxable benefits from this organization, with any from related organizations beside each, and the filer's own total. It is shown with the Part VII listing of the same name on the same return. The form gives no key between the two, so that pairing is ours, and is marked matched by us.

Schedule J

Answered yes

  • 3 · Compensation survey or study
  • 3 · Approval by the board or compensation committee

Answered no

  • 4a · Severance or change-of-control payment
  • 4b · Supplemental nonqualified retirement plan
  • 4c · Equity-based compensation arrangement
  • 5a · Pay contingent on this organization's revenues
  • 5b · Pay contingent on a related organization's revenues
  • 6a · Pay contingent on this organization's net earnings
  • 6b · Pay contingent on a related organization's net earnings
  • 7 · Other non-fixed payments
  • 8 · Paid under the initial-contract exception

Part I's answers as filed. A line not listed was left unanswered; on lines 1a and 3 that means the box was not checked.

Grants on this return

Provenance

Return type
form_990
Tax year
2024
Filed
14 November 2025
IRS schema version
2024v5.2
Source object
202523189349303902

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