Learn About Us
Who We Are
The World’s Largest Privately Funded Nonprofit
United Way of Northern New Jersey is one of 1,800 United Ways around the world. Each United Way is an independent entity, that serves a specific community.
United Ways partner with global, national, and local businesses; nonprofits; civic and faith organizations; as well as educators, labor, health organizations, government, and more to address the needs of the communities they serve.
Nearly 2.6 million volunteers and 9.6 million donors around the world support United Way. Collectively, United Way raises more than $5 billion every year to create community solutions that improve life for everyone — impacting the lives of up to 50 million people every year.
Communities We Serve
United Way of Northern New Jersey serves communities across five counties which account for 1,700 square miles with 1.2 million residents. It is a region with amazing resources, expertise, and talent. Fifty Fortune 500 companies have headquarters or major facilities in this area.
As we all know, the problems of our communities do not stop at county lines. United Way of Northern New Jersey combines the strengths, diversity of skills and experience, and rich histories of six United Ways to create more impact, grow more resources, be more influential stewards of our combined assets, and have a greater impact on our local communities.
United Way Of Northern New Jersey’s History
For decades, United Ways in Morris, Somerset, Suburban Essex, Sussex, and Warren counties worked hard to support struggling families and individuals in their communities. As the climate of our region and the nonprofit arena evolved, the sister United Ways began to share best practices and collaborate on a variety of fundraising efforts and community programs — all to create stronger communities for those who live and work in our area.
In 2010, volunteers and staff leaders from United Ways throughout the region came together to brainstorm strategies for the organizations to collaborate even more. It was determined that in order to have the greatest impact in our communities, many sister United Ways would join forces, merging into one regional entity.
2011: United Way of Northern New Jersey was established
2011: United Way of Northern New Jersey was established
We know the problems of our population do not stop at county lines. In January 2011, five United Ways merged to form United Way of Northern New Jersey in order to increase impact in our local communities. The founding United Ways recognized the benefits of combining resources in order to maintain and grow local community presence and create lasting change in the lives of citizens in three focused areas: Education, Income, and Health.
Based upon a successful first few years, a sixth community – Millburn-Short Hills – joined the regional entity in January 2014.
2020: The path for a more equitable future is set
2020: The path for a more equitable future is set
Today, United Way of Northern New Jersey is a thriving regional entity serving the communities of its founding members. With a renewed purpose, all of our work to build stronger northern New Jersey communities is focused on improving life for ALICE – our neighbors who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These nearly 890,000 New Jersey households – and a quarter of households in our region – are working, but are still unable to afford the basics of housing, food, child care, health care, and transportation.
When ALICE suffers and is forced to make difficult choices, we all face serious consequences. United Way is fighting for ALICE – essential workers critical to the stability of our communities. We are looking beyond temporary fixes to find solutions that result in long-term, sustainable change for all individuals and families. Our focus on three areas – education, income, and health – helps ALICE at three key points – now, in the near term, and with an eye to a better and more stable future.
Click here to learn more about ALICE in our region. Click here to learn about the ALICE project across the country.
Equity Diversity Statement
We believe that diversity of thought as well as cultural diversity of staff, board, and volunteers strengthens United Way of Northern New Jersey’s ability to achieve its mission, vision, philosophy, and values. United Way is committed to having a workforce and volunteer teams that reflect and celebrate the diversity of our community in all respects.
We help ALICE save money
Getting my return done and knowing I don’t have to pay $200 to $300 for someone to prepare my taxes is a lifesaving thing.
–Lynette, free tax preparation client
