BASKING RIDGE, N.J. (Somerset County) — The Affinity Foundation raised a record $335,000 in 2025 to support individuals and nonprofit organizations across New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, including several groups in Somerset and Morris counties.
The foundation, which supports members of Affinity Federal Credit Union and surrounding communities, provides assistance through development programs and grant funding. Affinity Federal Credit Union is a member-owned financial institution marking 90 years of service.
In 2025, the foundation raised more than $213,000 through events and more than $21,000 through grassroots fundraising efforts. It awarded a combined $65,000 to 74 individual members and $190,000 to 23 nonprofit organizations through multiple grant programs.
“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.”
In 2025, the Affinity Foundation gave a total of $70,000 in separate grants to local organizations, among them:
- Center for Great Expectations in Somerset for its Adult Residential Mommy & Me Program
- Deirdre O’Brien Child Advocacy Center in Morristown for Deirdre’s House Medical and Mental Health Program
- Food Bank Network of Somerset County in Bound Brook for its General Food Assistance – Fresh Food Program
- Middle Earth in Bridgewater for its Journeys Employment Readiness Component program
- Safe + Sound Somerset in Somerset for its Financial Empowerment & Support Program
- Second Street Youth Center in Hillsborough for its Full STEAM Ahead summer camp
- Women’s Center for Entrepreneurship in Chatham for its 2025 eCommerce/AI Program
The year also marked the 20th anniversary of the foundation’s higher education scholarship program. Six New Jersey high school students each received $2,500 scholarships to pursue two- or four-year college degrees.
In addition, the foundation completed a three-year pledge that provided $20,000 annually to six organizations, totaling $360,000 over the commitment period.
Beyond grantmaking, the foundation hosted and sponsored several community initiatives. In November, it partnered with eight organizations to conduct a holiday drive that provided more than 400 gifts and donated funds to five food pantries. Foundation and credit union employees also volunteered throughout the year at local nonprofit organizations.
“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.”
The foundation said it plans to expand its outreach and support efforts in 2026 to continue serving Affinity members and communities throughout the region.
