Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey Inc
Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey is a public charity based in Paramus, New Jersey. It describes itself as the largest Jewish organization in northern New Jersey, serving 125,000 Jews in Bergen, Hudson, and parts of Passaic Counties. Its work supports people in need locally, in Israel, and around the world.
Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey Inc at a glance
In short: Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey Inc gave $9.5M across 105 grants in 2025 (avg $90K), top state Ohio. 22% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $9,452,851
- +81.9% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 105
- +1.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $90,027
- +80.1% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $15,000
- Total assets
- $103,650,625
- +15.1% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 22% first-time grantees (23 of 103, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Ohio (37% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey Inc
- Contact
Mailing address: 50 Eisenhower Drive, Paramus, NJ 07652
Phone: (201) 820-3900
Website: https://jfnnj.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was The Jewish Community Center of Greater Columbus ($2.0M). Together the top 10 received $7.2M.
Grant Size Distribution
467 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 375 grants of 467 (80%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Federation identifies Bergen, Hudson, and parts of Passaic Counties as its service area, and says it supports needs locally, in Israel, and around the world. In 2025, recipient-state shares of grant dollars were Ohio 37%, New Jersey 36%, New York 22%, Florida 2%, and Massachusetts 1%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 105 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey Inc open to new grantees?
22%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 23 of 103 grantees (22%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $206K; repeat grants $59K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $19K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2019–2025). 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 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $1.9M (2023) to $9.5M (2025). In 2025 it made 105 grants totaling $9.5M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Jewish Community Center of Greater Columbus Columbus, OH | General | $2,000,000 |
| Economic and Community Devlopment Institute Inc Columbus, OH | General | $1,500,000 |
| Jewish Family & Children's Services of Northern Ne Teaneck, NJ | General | $1,091,421 |
| Volcani International Partnerships - Us Inc New York City, NY | General | $1,000,000 |
| Kaplen JCC on the Palisades Tenafly, NJ | General | $616,824 |
| JCC of Northern NJ West Nyack, NY | General | $423,850 |
| Moriah School Englewood, NJ | General | $163,167 |
| Hillel The Foundation For Jewish Campus Life (Rutg New Brunswick, NJ | General | $154,045 |
| Sinai Schools Paramus, NJ | General | $143,050 |
| Temple Emanu-El of Closter Closter, NJ | General | $130,384 |
Ready to take the next step with Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $103,650,625 | $40,978,312 | $20,538,810 | $9,452,851 | 105 | $2,602,700 |
| 2024 | $90,054,504 | $20,250,499 | $17,167,845 | $5,197,771 | 104 | $3,153,675 |
| 2023 | $80,362,663 | $13,860,674 | $13,405,673 | $1,916,975 | 80 | $1,200,058 |
| 2022 | $73,946,513 | $18,194,967 | $13,702,210 | $5,656,267 | 92 | $3,136,121 |
| 2021 | $82,951,522 | $16,027,817 | $12,509,914 | $5,209,121 | 86 | $3,182,171 |
| 2020 | $65,504,215 | $14,848,347 | $11,849,532 | $5,100,564 | 80 | $3,875,748 |
| 2019 | $59,146,467 | $11,728,153 | $11,201,800 | $4,923,381 | 72 | $1,464,743 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Federation’s mission is to bring people together to create a safe, welcoming, and connected Jewish community, and to support those in need locally, in Israel, and around the world. Its four stated areas of work are caring for others, combating antisemitism and ensuring community safety, strengthening Jewish identity, and advocating for and supporting Israel.
Its 2024 filing states that it distributes 5% annually of the 12-quarter average fair value of endowment assets to support its own programs, beneficiary agencies’ programs, and other 501(c)(3) organizations. Examples of 2025 grantees include Jewish community centers, schools, and human-service organizations. The Jewish Home Foundation of North Jersey describes its mission as supporting organizations affiliated with the Jewish Home at Rockleigh to pursue healthcare, education, life enrichment, and other charitable efforts. Yeshivat Heatid describes its mission as providing affordable education and individualized learning.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the Federation reported 105 grants totaling $9,452,851. Grant amounts ranged from $5,276 to $2,000,000, with a median of $15,000.
The largest reported grants included $2,000,000 to The Jewish Community Center of Greater Columbus; $1,500,000 to Economic and Community Development Institute Inc.; $1,091,421 to Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Northern New Jersey; $1,000,000 to Volcani International Partnerships – US Inc.; and $616,824 to Kaplen JCC on the Palisades. Other listed recipients included JCC of Northern NJ ($423,850), Moriah School ($163,167), Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life ($154,045), Sinai Schools ($143,050), and Temple Emanu-El of Closter ($130,384). These grants were reported with the purpose “GENERAL.”
The Federation also describes a Hudson County Micro Grants program for Jewish-identifying individuals, couples, friend groups, or families residing in Hudson County. It offers reimbursement of up to $200 for supplies and food for an event with at least 10 attendees that builds Jewish connections. Applicants choose the event’s date, location, attendees, and activity; reimbursement is provided after the event and documentation. Deadline: 2026-03-27.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Jason M. Shames as CEO and Executive Vice President; Amy Glazer as Chief Advancement Officer; Andrew Epstein as CFO; Naomi Knopf as Chief Impact Officer; Robin Rochlin as Managing Director, Endowment; Laura Freeman as Managing Director, Marketing; Kim Schwartzman as Campaign Director; Alana Burman as Director, JCRC; Barbara Joyce as Director, Women’s Philanthropy; and Devra Karger as Director, Principal Gifts.
Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey Inc is led by Jason M Shames, CEO & Executive Vice President since 2025 (on filings since 2019); 10 of 49 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Jason M Shames
CEO & Executive Vice President
CEO & Assistant Secretary → CEO & Acting Secretary, 2023
CEO & Acting Secretary → CEO & Executive Vice President, 2025
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$325K (2019) → $382K (2025)
Daniel Herz
President
Co-Vp - Financial Resource Development → Vice President & Financial Resource Development, 2023
Vice President & Financial Resource Development → President, 2025
On filings since 2019
15 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Robin Rochlin
Managing Director & Endowment
Managing Director Endowment → Managing Director & Endowment, 2023
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$115K (2019) → $156K (2025)
Laura Freeman
Managing Director & Marketing
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$122K (2020) → $154K (2025)
Barbara Joyce
Director & Women's Philanthropy
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$100K (2023) → $108K (2025)
Alana Burman
Director & Jcrc
Community Relations Committee → Director & Jcrc, 2025
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$106K (2024) → $111K (2025)
Kim Schwartzman
Campaign Director
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$118K (2024) → $125K (2025)
Devra Karger
Director & Principal Gifts
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$103K (2025)
Bruce Brafman
Trustee
Trustee → Treasurer & Trustee, 2020
Treasurer & Trustee → Trustee, 2023
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Fran Weingast
Trustee
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jayne Petak
Trustee
Vice President-At Large & Trustee → Trustee, 2021
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Joan Krieger
Trustee
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lauri Bader
Trustee
Co-Vice President-Frd & Trustee → Trustee, 2020
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lee Lasher
Trustee
President → Immediate Past President, 2023
Immediate Past President → Trustee, 2025
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Marni Kriegel MD
Trustee
Vice President & At Large → Secretary, 2024
Secretary → Trustee, 2025
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Merle Fish
Trustee
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Nathan J Lindenbaum
Trustee
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Roberta Abrams
Trustee
President & Trustee → Immediate Past President & Trustee, 2021
Immediate Past President & Trustee → Trustee, 2023
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ron Rosensweig
Trustee
Trustee → Vice President - Frd & Trustee, 2020
Vice President - Frd & Trustee → Trustee, 2021
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Susan Penn
Trustee
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tracy Zur
Trustee
Trustee → Vice President - at Large & Trustee, 2022
Vice President - at Large & Trustee → Trustee, 2023
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Paula Shaiman
Trustee
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Rena Donin Schlussel
Trustee
Vice President - P, A & Trustee → Trustee, 2022
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ruth Cole
Trustee
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Andrew Jacobs
Trustee
On filings since 2021
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Casey Halper
Trustee
On filings since 2021
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Steve Wechsler
Trustee
On filings since 2021
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Joelle Halperin
Trustee
Vice President, Planning & Allocations → Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2022
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Dina Bassen
Trustee
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Larry Silverman
Trustee
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Paul Brensilber
Trustee
Trustee → Paul Brensilber, 2024
Paul Brensilber → Trustee, 2025
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Stephanie Cohn
Trustee
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Daniel Miller
Trustee
On filings since 2024
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Evan Schwarz
Trustee
On filings since 2024
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lauren Cherkas
Trustee
On filings since 2024
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lois Roman
Trustee
On filings since 2024
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Miriam Lipsky
Trustee
On filings since 2024
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Shira Feuerstein
Trustee
On filings since 2024
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Robin Epstein
Trustee
New on the 2025 filing
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Seth Shulman
Trustee
New on the 2025 filing
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Naomi Knopf
Chief Impact Officer
Chief of Staff → Chief Impact Officer, 2025
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$116K (2021) → $174K (2025)
Andrew Epstein
CFO
Md, Finance, Administrator & Start → Md, Finance & Administrator, 2023
Md, Finance & Administrator → CFO, 2024
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$139K (2022) → $209K (2025)
Amy Glazer
Chief Advancement Officer
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$213K (2025)
Andrew Kent
Vice President & Financial Resource Development
Trustee → Vice President & Treasurer, 2023
Vice President & Treasurer → Vice President & Financial Resource Development, 2025
On filings since 2019
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Daniel M Shlufman
Immediate Past President
Incoming President & Trustee → President & Trustee, 2023
President & Trustee → Immediate Past President, 2025
On filings since 2019
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Donna Weintraub
Vice President & At Large
Secretary & Trustee → Secretary, 2023
Secretary → Vice President & At Large, 2024
On filings since 2019
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Andrea Weinberger
Vice President, Planning & Allocations
Trustee → Vice President, Planning & Allocations, 2024
On filings since 2021
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jeff Tucker
Vice President & Treasurer
Trustee → Vice President & Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2023
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Marcy Cohen
Secretary
Trustee → Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2023
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (37)
- Former: Glenn Kissler (2019–2024) — Trustee
- Former: Hadar Weiss (2022–2024) — Senior Director & Major Gifts
- Former: Tal Shuster (2024) — Trustee
- Former: David J Goodman (2019–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Judy Taub Gold (2019–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Lisa Harris-Glass (2019–2023) — Chief Planning Officer
- Former: Lisa Marcus Abramowitz (2019–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Zvi S Marans MD (2019–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Adam Groveman (2020–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Bozena Sroka (2023) — Controller
- Former: Alan Scharfstein (2019–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Geoffrey Lewis (2019–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Jeffrey Tucker (2019–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Stephanie Goldman Rosen (2019–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Suzette Diamond (2019–2022) — Co-Vp - Financial Resource Development & Trustee
- Former: Joshua Cohen (2021–2022) — Director Government Relations
- Former: Rachel Heller Scott (2021–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Fred Fish (2019–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Jodi Heimler (2019–2021) — Managing Director Development
- Former: Karen Farber (2019–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Judy Taub (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Lawrence A. Weiss (2020–2021) — Secretary & Trustee
- Former: Michal Levison (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Steve Rogers (2021) — Trustee
- Former: Dana Post Adler (2019–2020) — Trustee
- Former: Louise Tuchman (2019–2020) — Trustee
- Former: Melody Maravillas (2019–2020) — Managing Director Finance & Administration
- Former: Sarita Gross (2019–2020) — Trustee
- Former: Will Rukin (2019–2020) — Trustee
- Former: Kenneth Wagner (2020) — Chief Development Officer & Start
- Former: David Nanus (2019) — Secretary & Trustee
- Former: Gale Bindelglass (2019) — Trustee
- Former: Julie Eisen (2019) — Trustee
- Former: Julie Lipsett-Singer (2019) — Chief Development Officer & Term
- Former: Larry Weiss (2019) — Trustee
- Former: Leon Sokol (2019) — Trustee
- Former: Sue Ann Levin (2019) — Trustee
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "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 $382K, to Jason M Shames (CEO & Executive Vice President). 10 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey Inc
How much does Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey Inc give each year?
Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey Inc gave $9.5M across 105 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $5.2M across 104 grants.
What is Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey Inc's typical grant size?
Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey Inc's median grant in 2025 was $15,000, and its average grant was $90,027, across 105 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey Inc that year got $206K on average.
Where does Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey Inc give grants?
Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey Inc's top state is Ohio, with 37% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were New Jersey (36%) and New York (22%). The most frequent recipient cities were New York, NY (19 grants), Teaneck, NJ (15 grants), Englewood, NJ (9 grants) and Paramus, NJ (7 grants).
Does Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey Inc's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (105 of 105) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Who are Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey Inc's largest grantees?
Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey Inc's largest 2025 grantees include The Jewish Community Center of Greater Columbus ($2,000,000), Economic and Community Devlopment Institute Inc ($1,500,000) and Jewish Family & Children's Services of Northern Ne ($1,091,421), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 49% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey Inc?
Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey Inc reported $103.7M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $41.0M.
What does Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey Inc fund?
The Federation’s mission is to bring people together to create a safe, welcoming, and connected Jewish community, and to support those in need locally, in Israel, and around the world. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey Inc?
Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey Inc has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check jfnnj.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey Inc's EIN?
Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 20-1195592. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(8)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS May 11, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 16, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 15, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 15, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS June 12, 2020)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 15, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in New Jersey
FJC
New York, NY
FJC supports nonprofits and fiscally sponsored charitable projects across areas including arts, education, social services, health, religion, and the environment, with grantmaking concentrated in New York and also reaching other U.S. states. In 2025, grants had a median of $17,200 and ranged from $5,040 to $2.8 million. The profile does not state whether FJC accepts unsolicited grant requests.
Assets
$462.3M
Grants
747
Total Given
$41.7M
Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago
Chicago, IL
The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago funds human services, Jewish education and community programs, crisis response, and support for Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, primarily through Chicago-area agencies and initiatives. In 2025, its grants had a median of about $20,000, though awards ranged widely; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.1B
Grants
896
Total Given
$166.6M
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Princeton, NJ
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation funds efforts to improve health and health equity in the United States, including systems change addressing structural barriers to health. In 2024, its grants ranged from $125 to $12.15 million, with a median of $40,000. It typically funds through targeted programs and partnerships; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$13.4B
Grants
3,093
Total Given
$622.6M
Community Foundation of New Jersey
Morristown, NJ
The Community Foundation of New Jersey supports a broad range of causes, including arts, education, health, human services, and the environment, through donor-directed and other charitable funds. Its 2024 itemized grants had a median of $19,759, with awards ranging widely; its current health grant opportunity serves Morris and Somerset counties. Eligible New Jersey nonprofits may apply to specific grant opportunities, subject to each opportunity’s guidelines.
Assets
$1.0B
Grants
1,321
Total Given
$93.8M
Crane Fund for Widows and Children
Englewood Cliffs, NJ
The Crane Fund for Widows and Children supports charitable organizations, including those working in healthcare and social services, children’s services, recreation, and basic needs, with grants across multiple states. Its 2024 grants ranged from $2,000 to $45,000, with a median of $4,500; it funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.6M
Grants
985
Total Given
$4.5M
The Hyde and Watson Foundation
Warren Township, NJ
The Hyde and Watson Foundation funds capital projects in human services, education, health, arts and culture, and the environment. Most awards are $5,000–$20,000, with a 2024 median of $10,000, for eligible nonprofits in New York City and Essex, Morris, and Union counties in New Jersey. It accepts applications through an online portal during its stated application periods; the profile does not say whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$88.2M
Grants
611
Total Given
$6.1M
More similar funders
More Funders in New Jersey
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 5, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/jewish-federation-of-northern-new-jersey-inc-morg_517dfe5c25ad4d6d8ca1a953f3815013
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_201195592_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/jewish-federation-of-northern-new-jersey-inc-morg_517dfe5c25ad4d6d8ca1a953f3815013},
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 Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey Inc'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.
Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?