Jessica Cares Foundation Inc.

## Approach Strategy for Jessica Cares Foundation Inc.

J.E.S.S.I.C.A. Cares (Journey to becoming an Extraordinarily, Strong, Successful, Individual, with Courageous Aspirations) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Northern New Jersey, founded in November 2010. The organization operates as both a direct service provider and a grantmaker (NTEE: T20 — Private Grantmaking Foundations). Its core mission is empowering teen girls ages 12-17 through personal development workshops, retreats, mentoring, and community initiatives. The foundation has transformed over 2,000 lives and maintains strong school partnerships. Organizations seeking collaboration should focus on youth development, girls' empowerment, and teen mental health in the Northern New Jersey area. The foundation is approachable — offering free consultations and customizable programs for schools and community organizations. Direct outreach to the founder at jessica@jessicacares.org or 862-258-5447 is appropriate. The physical office is at 66 Grove Street, Suite 2, Hackensack, NJ 07601 (IRS address: 245 Old Hook Rd, Suite 2A, Westwood, NJ 07675).

## Funding Patterns Analysis

Jessica Cares Foundation has maintained a consistent grantmaking program alongside its direct service operations:

• 2023: $250,000 in grants (total expenses: $339,078, book assets: $6.6M, FMV: $9.1M)
• 2022: $404,248 in grants (total expenses: $486,612, book assets: $6.9M, FMV: $8.0M)
• 2021: $448,416 in grants (total expenses: $499,629, book assets: $7.3M, FMV: $10.1M)
• 2020: $400,000 in grants (total expenses: $445,717, book assets: $6.3M, FMV: $8.4M)
• 2019: $450,000 in grants (total expenses: $482,420, book assets: $7.2M, FMV: $8.3M)

The five-year average is $390K annually. There was a notable drop in 2023 to $250K (a 38% decline from 2022). The foundation's payout rate relative to FMV in 2023 was approximately 2.7%, below the 5% IRS minimum for private foundations, which may trigger required distributions in future years. Revenue is modest ($120K-$140K annually, except for a $888K spike in 2021), indicating the endowment largely sustains itself through investment returns. The foundation does not receive significant outside contributions.

## Peer Comparison

Jessica Cares is distinctive as a hybrid foundation that both makes grants and delivers direct services. Its payout rate of 2.7% in 2023 is notably below the IRS 5% minimum for private foundations, suggesting potential regulatory attention or catch-up distributions ahead. The impact metrics are strong (100% school satisfaction, 2,000+ lives transformed), demonstrating effective program delivery despite relatively modest financial scale.

## Recent Activity and Trends

Key observations from recent filings and the foundation's online presence:

• Grant Reduction in 2023: The most significant recent trend is the sharp decline in grantmaking from a five-year average of $425K to just $250K in 2023. This 41% year-over-year drop warrants monitoring. The reduced payout rate (2.7% of FMV) falls below the IRS 5% minimum distribution requirement for private foundations.

• Growing Digital Presence: The foundation has invested in a modern website and active social media presence, reflecting a strategic commitment to youth engagement through digital channels. Virtual empowerment masterclasses were added, likely accelerated during the pandemic period.

• Physical Expansion: The foundation operates from 66 Grove Street, Suite 2, Hackensack, NJ (a different location from the IRS-registered address in Westwood), suggesting operational growth and potentially expanded service area.

• Youth Committee Development: The Youth Community Board program represents a pipeline from participant to leader, creating sustained engagement and potential for alumni-driven growth. This leadership development model is increasingly common among youth-serving organizations.

• Strong Outcome Metrics: The foundation reports that over 2,000 lives have been transformed, 100% of partnering schools would offer the program again, and the vast majority of parents and girls reported positive experiences. These metrics support continued funding and potential expansion.

## Application Tips

Jessica Cares Foundation is more accessible than many private foundations. Here are strategies for engagement:

1. Direct Outreach is Welcome: Unlike many private foundations, Jessica Cares actively invites contact. Email jessica@jessicacares.org or call 862-258-5447. Free consultations are offered by phone or at your location. The foundation can customize and tailor programs to fit specific needs.

2. School Partnerships: If you represent a school or educational institution in Northern New Jersey, the foundation's primary delivery model is school-based workshops and programs for teen girls ages 12-17. Propose a specific program implementation with clear student counts and scheduling.

3. Align With Core Themes: All engagement should center on the foundation's pillars: self-esteem building, positive decision-making, leadership development, independent thinking, accountability, and purpose-driven living. Avoid requests that don't directly serve teen girls' empowerment.

4. Community Organizations: If you run a community organization serving teen girls, propose collaborative programming. The foundation values partnerships that extend its reach — retreats, events, and community initiatives that complement school-based programs.

5. Volunteer and Youth Committee: The foundation accepts volunteer applications and youth committee applications through its website. This can be a pathway to deeper engagement and eventual programmatic or funding partnerships.

6. Mailing Address: Jessica Cares Foundation Inc., 66 Grove Street, Suite 2, Hackensack, NJ 07601 (or 245 Old Hook Rd, Suite 2A, Westwood, NJ 07675 for formal correspondence).