Applications frequently require essays, letters of recommendation, or internet access—barriers for ALICE populations juggling work, caregiving, and financial stress. These time and tech constraints can prevent capable applicants from even applying.

Most scholarships are geared toward recent high school graduates, making it harder for adult learners—especially those over 24—to qualify. ALICE individuals returning to school later in life often face eligibility gaps in age, enrollment status, or dependency status.

Programs that cover remaining tuition costs after other aid (like Pell Grants) are especially helpful for ALICE students. They reduce the out-of-pocket burden that often prevents low-income but employed individuals from enrolling or completing a program.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 38% of undergraduates are adult learners aged 25 and up. A large share of these students are financially independent and working while enrolled, aligning closely with ALICE demographics—working individuals with limited financial resources but above-poverty-level incomes.

Partnering with United Way of Hunterdon gives your team many ways to get involved and make a difference. We’re here to help you add real power to your Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, from engaging employees through volunteer opportunities to investing in community programs. We’ll be your go-to partner in philanthropy whether you’re organizing a company-wide volunteer day, developing leadership skills or looking to create meaningful engagement for new hires. 93% of employees say they want to work for a company that cares about them and 51% are unwilling to work for one that lacks strong social or environmental commitments. It’s clear that doing good is good for business. Plus, 74% of employees say their job is more fulfilling when they’re given a chance to make a positive impact. Learn more about: Volunteer Opportunities Giving Opportunities

There are so many ways to partner with United Way of Hunterdon County and make a difference. Are you looking to engage employees? Invest in your community? Boost your brand through cause marketing? We’ve got you covered. The sections below show how you can take action to help the people and places that matter most to you. Together we can create real, lasting change.

Investing in your community through United Way of Hunterdon creates real, lasting change. Our strategy helps kids succeed in school and equips young people for the job market. It also ensures that people of all ages have the opportunity to build economic stability and lead healthier lives. We’ll work together on solutions that go beyond quick fixes and have a long-term impact that truly makes a difference. 80% of consumers believe that businesses should play a role in solving societal problems. Your community investment not only benefits those in need. It also aligns your brand with what matters most to your consumers.

United Way of Hunterdon teams up with companies for impactful cause marketing campaigns. Each partnership is customized to drive mutual success. We offer brand recognition, national presence and support with marketing and public relations to maximize your results.

United Way of Hunterdon connects thousands of volunteers, staff, corporations and community partners every year for learning, sharing and inspiration. Our sponsorship packages give companies unique opportunities to support events in ways that meet their goals.

We are unable to prepare taxes with (but not limited to): Farm income Businesses with a loss or costs of goods sold (i.e. inventory) We cannot depreciate for a home office Rental income (depreciation) Minors with income over $2,200 of unearned income (e.g. unemployment income, sale of stocks/bonds, interest), due to Kiddie tax implications 1098-T forms with lines 4 or 6 filled in However, if you are comfortable self-preparing your tax return, we have 2 free online options for you to prepare your federal and state returns electronically. Option 1: Visit www.myfreetaxes.com if your household income is less than $73,000 and you live in Hunterdon County. Option 2: Email taxes@uwhunterdon.org to request a link to TaxSlayer FSA, your household income must be less than $73,000.

We receive grants and funding from the IRS to support residents in this program.

Yes. Our trained volunteers sign confidentiality agreements, and anyone working with your personal information has been cleared through a background check with government agencies.

We are looking to serve low to moderate income households. We want to ensure that Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) families and individuals avoid paying for tax preparation to ensure they keep their entire refunds. We prioritize servicing those who work and/or live in Hunterdon County. Instead of an income limit, we have a complexity limit as we do have tax situations that are out-of-scope for the VITA program (see "out-of-scope services" section, below). We especially welcome seniors, adults, and disabled adults on a fixed-income, parents who qualify for the child credit, undocumented residents, residents with ITINs, and contract workers.

Intake packets are currently available at these locations: United Way of Hunterdon County Volunteer Center 20 Fulper Rd, Flemington NJ 08822 Packets in clear tote at main doors by parking lot English and Spanish packets available 24/7 United Way of Hunterdon County Walter Foran Office 4 Walter E. Foran Boulevard, Suite 401 Clinton Town Municipal Building 43 Leigh St, Clinton NJ 08822 Packets on porch by picnic table (facing Rt. 173/Old Rt 22) in clear tote. English packets available 24/7 Lambertville Public Library 6 Lilly St, Lambertville, NJ 08530 Packets in clear tote by book drop in parking lot. English and Spanish packets available 24/7 Riegel Ridge Community Center 910 Milford-Warren Glen Rd, Milford, NJ 08848 Tax Packets will be available in the upstairs lobby of the RRCC. They will be available to pick-up during RRCC open hours: Monday-Friday: 5am to 9pm Saturday: 8am to 5pm Sunday: 8am to 2pm North Branch Library, Clinton 65 Halstead St, Clinton, NJ 08809 Packets available at the Reference Desk Readington Township Library 255 Main Street Whitehouse Station, NJ At the train station on the bench under the porch. English and Spanish packets available 24/7

Once a client contacts us or is referred for assistance, a member of United Way of Hunterdon County will schedule an initial interview to understand the client's needs and potential to participate in the program. If the client qualifies for free income tax preparation, the client will be matched with a volunteer income tax preparer. The client and income tax preparer will work together to fill out and file their income tax return.