Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey a NJ Nonprofit Corporation
Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey (ICUNJ) is a New Jersey nonprofit corporation based in Trenton. It advances the interests of the state’s independent, nonprofit, public-mission higher education institutions through advocacy and philanthropy. Its 13 member institutions serve more than 63,000 students, according to ICUNJ.
Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey a NJ Nonprofit Corporation at a glance
In short: Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey a NJ Nonprofit Corporation gave $642K across 15 grants in 2025 (avg $43K), mostly in New Jersey. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $641,500
- +11.2% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 15
- +0.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $42,767
- +11.2% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $44,000
- Total assets
- $2,948,850
- +8.9% vs 2024
- Primary geography
- New Jersey (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026.
How to apply to Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey a NJ Nonprofit Corporation
- Contact
Mailing address: 154 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608
Phone: (609) 218-5026
Website: https://njcolleges.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey a NJ Nonprofit Corporation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Saint Peter's University ($77K). Together the top 10 received $520K.
Grant Size Distribution
63 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 50 grants of 63 (79%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The 2025 grant data lists New Jersey as the recipient state for 100% of grant dollars. ICUNJ describes its member institutions and advocacy as focused on New Jersey.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 15 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey a NJ Nonprofit Corporation gives
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $65K (2021) to $642K (2025). In 2025 it made 15 grants totaling $642K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Saint Peter's University Jersey City, NJ | Furthering Education as an Exempt Purpose | $76,650 |
| Caldwell University Caldwell, NJ | Furthering Education as an Exempt Purpose | $63,000 |
| Georgian Court University Lakewood, NJ | Furthering Education as an Exempt Purpose | $61,500 |
| Seton Hall University South Orange, NJ | Furthering Education as an Exempt Purpose | $61,500 |
| Saint Elizabeth University Morristown, NJ | Furthering Education as an Exempt Purpose | $54,250 |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University Teaneck, NJ | Furthering Education as an Exempt Purpose | $49,500 |
| Monmouth University West Long Branch, NJ | Furthering Education as an Exempt Purpose | $46,000 |
| Felician University Lodi, NJ | Furthering Education as an Exempt Purpose | $44,000 |
| Rider University Lawrenceville, NJ | Furthering Education as an Exempt Purpose | $32,350 |
| Centenary University Hackettstown, NJ | Furthering Education as an Exempt Purpose | $31,000 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
The filing type is Form 990 (a public charity).
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $2,948,850 | $1,896,931 | $1,775,483 | $641,500 | 15 | $86,123 |
| 2024 | $2,706,630 | $1,839,854 | $1,704,452 | $577,010 | 15 | $95,620 |
| 2023 | $2,716,615 | $1,978,046 | $1,809,169 | $465,177 | 15 | $13,625 |
| 2022 | $2,289,692 | $1,680,818 | $1,942,614 | $492,364 | 15 | $47,328 |
| 2021 | $1,922,379 | $307,234 | $373,990 | $64,956 | 3 | $8,994 |
| 2020 | $1,911,486 | $1,320,667 | $1,298,726 | $640,862 | 15 | $52,131 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
ICUNJ’s stated mission is to advance New Jersey’s independent, nonprofit, public-mission higher education institutions by promoting access, affordability, and student success through public policy advocacy, corporate and individual philanthropy, and helping students choose the best fit for their educational, cultural, and environmental needs.
Its 2024 filing describes support for scholarships and funding resources for students attending one of 13 accredited independent, nonprofit, four-year colleges and universities in New Jersey. The filing says grants to member institutions encourage student access, affordability, and career readiness; technology integration in learning; faculty development and campus preparedness; awareness of global and cultural factors; humanitarian service; and lifelong learning. It also reports scholarship awards, student research opportunities, career exploration and healthcare-career programs, and efforts to address student mental-health resources.
Grantees’ own mission statements illustrate the types of institutions supported. Saint Peter’s University describes educating a diverse community in undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, grounded in its Jesuit, Catholic identity and the liberal arts. Caldwell University says it promotes intellectual, spiritual, and aesthetic growth among a diverse population. Georgian Court University describes providing a comprehensive liberal arts education open to students of all faiths.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, ICUNJ reported 15 grants totaling $641,500. Grants ranged from $18,000 to $76,650, with a median of $44,000. The largest reported awards included Saint Peter’s University ($76,650), Caldwell University ($63,000), Georgian Court University ($61,500), Seton Hall University ($61,500), and Saint Elizabeth University ($54,250). The reported grant purpose was “furthering education as an exempt purpose.”
ICUNJ’s website describes scholarship opportunities administered through partnerships with sponsoring donors. Scholarship funds are sent directly to member institutions and applied to students’ accounts toward the cost of attendance. The website states that scholarships are for full-time undergraduate students enrolled at an ICUNJ member institution; applicants submit an application and supporting documents, and incomplete applications are not reviewed. It also says ICUNJ may review an application for multiple awards and traditionally limits each student to one scholarship per academic year.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Hubert Benitez DDS PhD as trustee; Michael J Avaltroni PhD as secretary and trustee; Gary B Crosby PhD as treasurer and trustee; Nariman Farvardin PhD, Eugene Cornacchia, Mildred Mihlon PhD, and Hilary A Parker as trustees; and Patrick F Leahy PhD as vice chair.
Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey a NJ Nonprofit Corporation is led by Stephen R. Reynolds Esq., President since 2022 (on filings since 2020); 3 of 15 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Stephen R. Reynolds Esq.
President
Trustee → President, 2022
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$104K (2022) → $235K (2025)
Gregory G. Dell'omo PhD
Chair
Secretary → Trustee, 2022
Trustee → Chair, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Eugene J. Cornacchia PhD
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Nariman Farvardin PhD
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Gary B. Crosby PhD
Treasurer & Trustee
Trustee → Treasurer, 2023
Treasurer → Treasurer & Trustee, 2025
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Hilary A. Parker
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jeffrey D. Senese PhD
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michael J. Avaltroni PhD
Secretary & Trustee
Secretary → Secretary & Trustee, 2025
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mildred Mihlon PhD
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Hilary L. Link PhD
Trustee
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Hubert Benitez DDS PhD
Trustee
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Msgr Joseph R. Reilly Stl PhD
Trustee
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Maryalice Breuninger
Vice President
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$108K (2020) → $113K (2025)
R. David Rousseau
Vice President
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$92K (2022) → $194K (2025)
Patrick F. Leahy PhD
Vice Chair
Trustee → Vice Chair, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (60)
- Former: Jack A. Callahan CPA (2020–2024) — Trustee
- Former: John Drzymkowski (2020–2024) — Trustee
- Former: Joseph R. Marbach PhD (2020–2024) — Trustee
- Former: Thomas J. Spellman III Esq. (2020–2024) — Trustee
- Former: Tanya L. Freeman Esq. (2022–2024) — Trustee
- Former: Dale G. Caldwell EdD (2023–2024) — Trustee
- Former: Katia Passerini (2023) — Trustee
- Former: Bruce Murphy EdD (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Christopher A. Capuano PhD (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Joseph E. Nyre PhD (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Louis Manzione (2020–2022) — President
- Former: Marcheta P. Evans PhD (2020–2022) — Chair
- Former: Matthew H. Whelan (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Thomas J. Schwarz JD (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: James W. Crawford III (2022) — Trustee
- Former: Aaron Wilson (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Alina Fayerman (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Allan Spina (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Amanda M. Del Bene (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Attilio Rivetti (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Benedict Torcivia III (2020–2021) — Vice Chair
- Former: Brian W. Clymer (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Christopher L. Eisgruber JD (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Cynthia A. Colucci (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Daria Placitella (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: David M. Daly (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Donald J. Haake (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Edward A. Gramigna Jr. (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Erica D. Ferry (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Eugene R. Boffa Jr. Esq. (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Frank A. D'amelio (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Franz Wagner (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Gerald T. Keenan (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Gina Moran (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Greg Geissman (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Helen J. Streubert (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: James Piazza (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: James Spanarkel (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Jason Mintz (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Jerome K. Prevete (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: John A. Kritzmacher (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: John Nietzel (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Jw Crawford III (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Kimberly M. White (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Lawrence S. Sykoff PhD (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Leo Kushner (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Mark A. Bocchieri (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Michael Szura (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Patrick Migliaccio (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Paul Evanko (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Paul W. Anderson (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Rafael Perez Esq. (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Reid Brockmeier (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Richard T. Nolan Jr. Esq. (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Rob Boyajieff (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Robert M. Gerard (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Sharon E. Landgraf (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Stephen Deluca (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Stephen P. Aluotto (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Subin Baral (2020–2021) — Trustee
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $235K, to Stephen R Reynolds ESQ (President). 3 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey a NJ Nonprofit Corporation
How much does Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey a NJ Nonprofit Corporation give each year?
Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey a NJ Nonprofit Corporation gave $642K across 15 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $577K across 15 grants.
What is Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey a NJ Nonprofit Corporation's typical grant size?
Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey a NJ Nonprofit Corporation's median grant in 2025 was $44,000, and its average grant was $42,767, across 15 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Where does Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey a NJ Nonprofit Corporation give grants?
Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey a NJ Nonprofit Corporation gives mostly in New Jersey: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there.
Who are Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey a NJ Nonprofit Corporation's largest grantees?
Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey a NJ Nonprofit Corporation's largest 2025 grantees include Saint Peter's University ($76,650), Caldwell University ($63,000) and Georgian Court University ($61,500), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 31% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey a NJ Nonprofit Corporation?
Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey a NJ Nonprofit Corporation reported $2.9M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $1.9M.
What does Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey a NJ Nonprofit Corporation fund?
ICUNJ’s stated mission is to advance New Jersey’s independent, nonprofit, public-mission higher education institutions by promoting access, affordability, and student success through public policy advocacy, corporate and individual philanthropy, and helping students choose the best fit for their educational, cultural, and environmental needs. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey a NJ Nonprofit Corporation?
Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey a NJ Nonprofit Corporation has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check njcolleges.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey a NJ Nonprofit Corporation's EIN?
Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey a NJ Nonprofit Corporation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 22-1551931. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS October 13, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 13, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 11, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 14, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 15, 2025)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS December 2, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2025
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey a NJ Nonprofit Corporation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 5, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/independent-colleges-and-universities-of-new-jersey-a-nj-nonprofit-corporation-morg_378bcc612f0e4e4580025961cd342e47
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_221551931_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey a NJ Nonprofit Corporation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/independent-colleges-and-universities-of-new-jersey-a-nj-nonprofit-corporation-morg_378bcc612f0e4e4580025961cd342e47},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-05. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
} The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey a NJ Nonprofit Corporation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey a NJ Nonprofit Corporation down — hundreds of funders to go?