Affinity Foundation's $335K Year Boosts Tri-State Communities

BASKING RIDGE, NJ – February 24, 2026 – The Affinity Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Affinity Federal Credit Union, announced a landmark fundraising year in 2025, raising $335,000 to bolster community support initiatives across New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut. The substantial sum marks a significant achievement in the foundation's ongoing mission to alleviate financial stress and empower local communities, reflecting the credit union's 90-year history of service.

The funds, generated through a combination of large-scale events and grassroots efforts, have been channeled directly into grants and development programs that support a wide spectrum of needs, from individual academic pursuits to large-scale nonprofit operations.

A Multi-Faceted Approach to Giving

The foundation's 2025 financial success was driven by a diverse fundraising strategy, which included over $213,000 raised from organized events and more than $21,000 from grassroots campaigns. This comprehensive approach allowed for a broad distribution of aid, touching thousands of lives in the tri-state area.

In total, the Affinity Foundation awarded $190,000 to 23 nonprofit organizations and an additional $65,000 in grants to 74 individual members facing financial hardship. This dual focus on both organizational infrastructure and direct individual support highlights a strategy designed for maximum impact.

“Our team stepped up to bring communities together,” said Kelly Watts, Executive Director of the Affinity Foundation. “We reached more lives than ever before and took great inspiration from the people we served.”

Marking a significant milestone, 2025 was the 20th anniversary of the foundation's higher education scholarship program. To commemorate this, individual grants of $2,500 were awarded to six exceptional high school students from New Jersey, providing critical funding for their pursuit of two- or four-year college degrees. This long-standing commitment to education underscores the foundation's goal of fostering future success and breaking cycles of financial instability.

Fueling Frontline Community Services

The impact of the foundation's giving is most visible in the work of its partner organizations. A significant portion of the funds went to nonprofits providing essential services. In 2025, the foundation awarded $70,000 in separate grants to a host of local organizations, including:

• 180 Turning Lives Around in Hazlet, NJ, which received support for its emergency domestic violence shelter and support programs, offering a safe haven and critical resources to survivors.
• Homefront in Lawrence, NJ, was awarded a grant for its “Hire Expectations” program, which focuses on employment and educational support to help families achieve financial stability and secure a stable future.
• The Food Bank Network of Somerset County, based in Bound Brook, NJ, received funding for its general food assistance and fresh food programs, addressing food insecurity for thousands of residents.
• The Center for Safety and Change in New City, NY, which used its grant to bridge critical gaps in emergency and transitional housing for survivors of domestic violence.

The year also saw the successful conclusion of a major three-year pledge that provided $20,000 annually to six key organizations, culminating in a total investment of $360,000. Recipients of this sustained support included America's Grow-a-Row, which provides fresh, healthy produce to hunger relief agencies, and Community Hope, an organization that serves homeless veterans and individuals struggling with mental illness by providing stable housing and support services.

Beyond the Checkbook: A Culture of Engagement

Affinity's commitment extends far beyond financial contributions. As a member-owned financial institution, its philanthropic philosophy is deeply integrated into its corporate culture, emphasizing hands-on involvement and volunteerism. Throughout the year, team members from both the foundation and the credit union volunteered their time at local organizations, participating in everything from food drives to financial literacy workshops.

This culture of engagement was vividly demonstrated in November when the foundation partnered with eight organizations—including CASA, Lunch Break, and Visions and Pathways—for a massive holiday drive. The collaborative effort resulted in the distribution of over 400 gifts to families in need and financial donations to five different food pantries, providing crucial support during a critical time of year.

“Affinity’s commitment to community extends from the financial services we provide to the local organizations we support,” said Kevin Brauer, Chief Executive Officer and President of Affinity. “We believe in showing up and giving back, and we turn those beliefs into action every day.”

This ethos is further supported by the credit union's broader initiatives, such as its Member Relief Fund for individuals in crisis and extensive financial wellness coaching, which are designed to empower members with the tools for long-term stability.

A Model for Sustained Community Investment

Under the leadership of CEO Kevin Brauer and Foundation Executive Director Kelly Watts, Affinity is poised to continue its trajectory of community investment. The success of 2025 serves as a foundation for future efforts, with plans to expand support to as many members and communities as possible in the coming year.

The foundation's model, which balances direct aid, long-term nonprofit partnerships, and active employee engagement, serves as a blueprint for impactful corporate philanthropy within the credit union sector. By leveraging its resources and human capital, the organization addresses immediate needs while investing in long-term solutions aimed at promoting financial independence and well-being.

The Affinity Foundation will build upon its current work in 2026, extending their support to as many Affinity members and communities as possible.