Bergen Volunteers

What Bergen Volunteers does

Bergen Volunteers, legally the Volunteer Center of Bergen County, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1966 and headquartered in Paramus, New Jersey. The organization functions as a volunteer-matching intermediary and direct service provider for Bergen County residents, connecting community members with volunteer opportunities and delivering programs that serve seniors, youth, families, and low-income households. Its operational footprint spans 70 Bergen County municipalities and reaches approximately 8,000 lives annually through a portfolio of named programs including CHEER (senior companionship), CHORE (senior home maintenance), SFSSI, one-on-one youth Mentoring, Bergen READS (literacy, with 2,850+ tutoring hours logged), VITA (free tax preparation), and the Bergen LEADS civic-leadership track with 400+ alumni, alongside the newer Teen LEADS youth cohort.

The technology stack supporting these programs is modest and largely off-the-shelf: Galaxy Digital Get Connected for volunteer intake and matching, Constant Contact for email outreach, Wix as the website platform, and GiveButter for online donations. There is no indication of proprietary platforms, data assets, or AI/ML capabilities; the organization's core value proposition rests on human relationship brokering rather than algorithmic matching.

Revenue is generated through a diversified mix of channels including individual donations, donor-advised funds, qualified charitable distributions, planned giving, corporate matching gifts, merchandise sales, agency membership dues, corporate impact projects (priced at $2,500 each), and government and foundation grants. Programmatic fee income is captured through Teen LEADS at $350 per participant. The organization holds a Charity Navigator 4-star rating and is currently leveraging its 60th anniversary in 2026 to run a $60,000 spring appeal and a Diamond Gala scheduled for November 19, 2026. Leadership is anchored by CEO Nina Bachrach, with a small staff of 11-50 employees operating the full program portfolio.

Name

Bergen Volunteers

Legal name

Volunteer Center of Bergen County

Website

https://bergenvolunteers.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1966

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Bergen Volunteers is a Paramus, NJ-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1966 that connects volunteers with community needs across 70 Bergen County towns, running senior services, youth mentoring, literacy, and civic-leadership programs serving roughly 8,000 lives annually.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Volunteer Services

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Civic and Social Organizations (813410)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Community-Based Senior Centers with Adult Day Services (HLADAIAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

Community Centers & Neighborhood Support Services (BPAGAEAL)

Keywords

• Volunteer matching services
• Human services programs
• Nonprofit community services
• Senior assistance programs
• Youth mentoring programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Hackensack

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual donations and recurring giving: One-time and recurring monthly donations processed online; donors receive annual statements. Tribute donations can be directed to general operating support or a specific program, with notification to honorees.
2. Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs): Donors can fund a DAF with cash, stock, real estate, or other assets, and recommend a grant to Bergen Volunteers (Federal Tax ID 22-1821282). DAFs may be invested tax-free, and Bergen Volunteers may be named as a beneficiary.
3. Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from IRAs: Donors aged 70½ or older can direct up to $100,000 from their IRA directly to Bergen Volunteers to satisfy Required Minimum Distributions without recognizing it as income.
4. Gifts of stock and planned/legacy gifts: Long-term appreciated securities donations (potentially greater tax savings than cash gifts) and planned/major/legacy gifts through estate and charitable planning strategies.
5. Corporate matching funds: Matching funds accepted from participating donors and their employers; participating in matching fund campaigns where private or individual donors match funds raised.
6. Shop for Good merchandise revenue share: Bergen Volunteers-branded merchandise (sweatshirts, hats, t-shirts) sold via Cali Customs; 15% of all sales are donated directly to Bergen Volunteers.
7. Nonprofit Agency Membership dues: Partner nonprofit agencies pay annual dues for access to the Bergen Volunteers database, networking, training, and member benefits.
8. Community Impact Project fees for corporate groups: Companies and groups pay $2,500 for Bergen Volunteers to coordinate a kit-assembly impact project (e.g., School Supply Kits, Snack Packs, Toiletry Kits, Birthday in a Bag), including materials for 100 complete kits, a guest speaker, delivery, and recognition.
9. Government and foundation grants: Programs such as CHEER are funded by the Bergen County Division of Senior Services, client contributions, and Bergen Volunteer Center fundraising activities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Bergen Volunteers (Volunteer Center of Bergen County) delivers volunteer-driven, direct-assistance human service programs across Bergen County, NJ, including senior companionship and home repair services, youth mentoring and literacy tutoring, free tax preparation, and civic leadership development. The organization also operates the Get Connected volunteer opportunity database and a Nonprofit Agency Membership program to aggregate and coordinate volunteer capacity across 70 municipalities.

Product overview

Bergen Volunteers (the Volunteer Center of Bergen County) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1966 that delivers a portfolio of direct-service human service programs rather than a single unified software product. Its offerings are organized into three programmatic pillars: Programs for Seniors (CHEER companion/errand visits, CHORE volunteer-led home repairs, the Mark & Amy Shirvan Family Senior Safety Initiative for home safety evaluations, and Redefining Retirement engagement), Programs for At-Risk Youth & Families (Mentoring for ages 10–21, Bergen READS literacy tutoring, and VITA free tax preparation), and Civic Engagement & Leadership (Bergen LEADS for adult civic leaders and Teen LEADS for high school students). Underpinning this portfolio is the Get Connected volunteer database (powered by Galaxy Digital at volunteer.bergenvolunteers.org), which lists partner agencies, opportunities, events, and registration workflows, complemented by a Nonprofit Agency Membership program and supporting offerings such as the Community Impact Project for corporate groups and the Making-It-Home furniture program (now operated by Advance Housing). Bergen Volunteers also publishes the monthly "Bergen Buzz" newsletter (via Constant Contact) and hosts events such as the annual Paddles & Prosecco fundraiser and the 60th Anniversary Diamond Gala.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Bergen READS: One-on-one literacy tutoring program pairing trained adult volunteers with elementary school students in Hackensack and Teaneck.
• CHEER
• CHORE
• Bergen LEADS
• Teen LEADS
• Redefining Retirement
• Shirvan Family Senior Safety Initiative (SFSSI) / AMSFSSI
• VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)

Products and services

• CHEER A no-fee supportive services program that matches trained volunteers with homebound seniors aged 60+ in Bergen County, providing weekly visits to assist with grocery shopping, pharmacy pick-up, post office trips, and library book returns to help seniors maintain independence. Funded by Bergen County Division of Senior Services, client contributions, and Bergen Volunteer Center fundraising.
• CHORE A volunteer-led home repair and safety program providing minor home repairs and safety enhancements (such as grab bar installation, leaky faucet fixes, and door lock upgrades) to help seniors age safely in their own homes with dignity and confidence.
• Mark & Amy Shirvan Family Senior Safety Initiative (AMSFSSI / SFSSI) Provides free home safety evaluations for seniors; trained volunteers assess the home environment, identify fall and injury risks, and offer personalized safety recommendations, often connecting seniors to CHEER or CHORE for additional support.
• Redefining Retirement A program that helps retirees explore volunteer opportunities and transition into meaningful post-career engagement, including information sessions and presentations (e.g., reverse mortgage workshops).
• Mentoring A long-term mentoring program that matches youth ages 10 to 21 with trained adult mentors who meet regularly to offer guidance, encouragement, hope, and help them learn about community resources, identify strengths, set goals, and build self-confidence.
• Bergen READS A one-on-one reading tutoring program in which trained volunteers work with elementary school students in Hackensack and Teaneck to improve reading comprehension, vocabulary, fluency, and self-confidence (over 2,850 hours of one-on-one reading logged in the prior year).
• VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) An IRS-supported program that provides free tax preparation assistance to qualifying individuals and families through trained volunteer preparers, primarily using retired finance professionals.
• Bergen LEADS A civic leadership development program for adults consisting of six full-day sessions designed to challenge perspectives, build executive skills, and bridge professional success with civic leadership; open to those who live or work in Bergen County, NJ (400+ alumni).
• Teen LEADS
• Community Impact Project for Companies & Groups A corporate team-building program offering four customizable kit-assembly projects (School Supply Kits, Snack Packs, Toiletry Kits, Birthday in a Bag) for companies to assemble 100 complete Essential Care Kits for $2,500, delivered to local shelters, food pantries, children's programs, and senior care organizations.
• Nonprofit Agency Membership A membership offering for nonprofit agencies in Bergen County that provides access to volunteer database support, training resources, networking, and a packet of services to help fulfill their missions and improve effectiveness.
• Get Connected Volunteer Database Galaxy Digital-powered volunteer opportunity database at volunteer.bergenvolunteers.org that lists agencies, opportunities, and events; allows users to register, browse opportunities by interest/location, sign up as individuals or teams, and connect with Bergen Volunteer Center and partner agencies.

Quantifiable outcome

• 8,000 lives positively impacted each year
• +4 more outcomes

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, mid and minor.

• Children's Aid and Family Services, Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of northern New Jersey's leading nonprofit providers of services for vulnerable children, adults, and families. Listed as a current Agency Member of Bergen Volunteers with opportunities (Host a community drive, Volunteer at The Depot gift shop, Special Events Volunteer) listed in the Get Connected database. Mission focus on disability support, foster care, family services, and substance misuse prevention. Located at 200 Robin Road, Paramus, NJ 07652.
• Galaxy DigitalcoreTechnology or IntegrationProvides the Get Connected volunteer opportunity database platform powering volunteer.bergenvolunteers.org. Enables volunteer signup, opportunity posting by agencies, search by zip code/cause/age, court-ordered community service routing, and blog/news functionality. Privacy Policy and cookie consent managed by Galaxy Digital.
• Bergen CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates of Bergen County)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit advocating for abused and neglected children in foster care. Listed as a recent Agency Member. Co-hosts Foster Care Advocate Information Sessions at Fair Lawn Library (April 30, 2026) and Zoom-based virtual info sessions monthly. Located at One Bergen County Plaza, Hackensack, NJ 07601.
• Adler Aphasia CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaywood, NJ-based center serving people with aphasia. Listed as a recent Agency Member and partner agency with volunteer opportunities (Arts and Crafts Volunteer, Computer Partners). Co-hosts the annual Drama Production events (August 5, 2026).
• The Closter Nature CentermidStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit in Closter, NJ maintaining a 136-acre preserve. Agency partner with volunteer opportunities in trail maintenance, invasive species removal, GIS coordination, and Natural Resources Committee. Co-hosts the Seedling Potting Up event with Wild Woods Restoration Project on June 27, 2026.
• Comfort Zone CampmidStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit 501(c)3 bereavement organization for children who have lost a parent, sibling, or caregiver. Listed as an Agency partner offering NJ volunteer training on August 15, 2026 (Senior Services Borough, 20 Lawlor Drive, Oakland, NJ).
• Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative (BVMI)midStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a recent Agency Member on volunteer.bergenvolunteers.org. Healthcare volunteer placement partner for uninsured Bergen County residents.
• Tenafly Nature CentermidStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosts Forest Defenders invasive species removal volunteer shifts twice monthly (Sundays June-August) at 313 Hudson Avenue, Tenafly. Listed as a partner agency offering teen (13-17) and adult volunteer opportunities.
• Englewood HealthmidStrategic or Co-development PartnerHospital partner offering the Pet Therapy Program volunteer opportunity. Requirements include 18+, three to four visits per month, physician clearance, and certified pet therapy dogs.
• Advance HousingmidStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit partner that has assumed operation of the Making-It-Home furniture program previously run by Bergen Volunteers. Cynthia Massarsky ([email protected]) handles furniture donations for veterans, survivors of domestic violence, seniors, and people with disabilities transitioning to housing.
• Jewish Family & Children's Services of Northern New JerseymidStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a partner agency on the Get Connected database alongside other nonprofit collaborators across Bergen County.
• American Red Cross New Jersey RegionmidStrategic or Co-development PartnerDisaster response and humanitarian aid partner listed as an Agency Member in the Bergen Volunteers database. Supports volunteer recruitment for blood drives, disaster response, and armed services support.
• Bergen County Division of Family Guidance - ReflectionsmidStrategic or Co-development PartnerCounty government partner hosting the RISE - Reflections InterACTive Summer Experience for teens (Bergen County 9th-12th graders) on Tuesday nights from July 7 to August 25, 2026. Located at 1 Bergen County Plaza, Hackensack, NJ.
• Cali CustomsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMerchandise partner for the "Shop for Good" program. Sells Bergen Volunteers-branded sweatshirts, hats, and t-shirts via calicustoms.info/bergenvolunteers; 15% of all sales are donated directly to Bergen Volunteers.
• Constant ContactcoreTechnology or IntegrationEmail service provider powering the Bergen Buzz monthly newsletter signup and donor-advised fund / appeal email blasts (e.g., givebutter, constantcontact.com opt-in links).

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Others

• Galaxy Digital: Technology vendor powering the Get Connected volunteer database that underpins Bergen Volunteers' matching infrastructure; included as an ecosystem enabler rather than a competitive peer.

Regional players

• Center for Food Action: Bergen County food security nonprofit and listed Agency Member; mirrors the volunteer-driven direct-service model and shares the same donor pool, county footprint, and partner ecosystem as Bergen Volunteers.
• Jewish Family & Children's Services of Northern New Jersey: Agency partner offering volunteer opportunities through Bergen Volunteers' database; a comparable Bergen County-based human services nonprofit with overlapping client demographics (seniors, families, youth) and similar funding mix.
• American Red Cross New Jersey Region: Bergen Volunteers agency member and regional disaster-response / volunteer-mobilization peer; shares the volunteer recruitment infrastructure and operates the same court-ordered community service referral pathways in New Jersey.
• Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County: Listed Bergen Volunteers agency member and fellow Bergen County 501(c)(3) running volunteer-driven direct-service programs; comparable nonprofit footprint, donor base, and event-driven fundraising motion within the same county.
• United Way of Bergen County: Local United Way affiliate serving the same Bergen County geography with comparable human-service fundraising, volunteer mobilization, and partner-agency grantmaking; directly competes for corporate giving and donor mindshare in the same county.

Direct peers

• VolunteerMatch: National online volunteer-matching platform that connects individuals with nonprofit opportunities, directly analogous to Bergen Volunteers' Get Connected database — same core use case (browse and sign up for volunteer roles by cause/location) but at a much larger national scale.
• Idealist (Idealist.org): Volunteer and nonprofit job-matching platform with a comparable database-driven approach to opportunity discovery and sign-up; serves as a parallel direct peer in the volunteer aggregation category.

Emerging players

• VolunteerHub: Volunteer management SaaS used by many community-based nonprofits to run their own opportunity databases — a parallel SaaS vendor to the Galaxy Digital Get Connected platform that Bergen Volunteers relies on.

Broad incumbents

• Points of Light: National nonprofit operating the HandsOn Network and the global volunteer infrastructure including the Connected in Volunteering network — Bergen Volunteers holds the Bergen County seat in that same network, making Points of Light the direct national umbrella peer.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/bcvolunteers
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@BergenVolunteers
• Facebookfacebook.com/bergenvolunteers
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/volunteer-center-of-bergen-county-inc
• Instagraminstagram.com/bergenvolunteers
• Pinterestpinterest.com/bcvolunteers

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Bergen Volunteers