6 North Bergen Nonprofits and Community Groups to Know

North Bergen is full of neighbors who give their time to cats, kids, veterans and families who need a little help. Our team rounded up six North Bergen nonprofits and community groups in Hudson County, NJ that rescue and rehome cats, mentor young people, support veterans, stock a monthly food pantry and fund care for children with serious illnesses. Each one welcomes volunteers, donations or a friendly hello.

1. North Bergen Purr

North Bergen Purr is a local 501(c)(3) dedicated to the welfare of cats in Hudson County. The group uses Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) to humanely manage feral cat populations and prevent unwanted litters, and it finds loving homes for friendly cats in need. Residents can adopt, foster, volunteer or submit a TNR request for a stray on the North Bergen Purr website.

2. Hope For Nine Lives

Hope For Nine Lives, based on 3rd Avenue in North Bergen, rescues abandoned, injured, sick and homeless cats and gives them medical care, food, shelter, TNR and a path to adoption. The rescue serves Hudson County and nearby communities, and its long-term vision is an affordable veterinary clinic and a permanent shelter. Meet rescued cats like Prince, Maya and Sophie on the Hope For Nine Lives website.

3. New Jersey Veteran Support Alliance

The New Jersey Veteran Support Alliance (NJVSA) is a North Bergen-based 501(c)(3) run by volunteers, including active duty military members and civilians. It connects veterans with a large network of partnered medical and mental health professionals, helps with documentation for VA claims and assists with transitional housing, and it never charges veterans for its support services. In October 2026 the group held its Ghost Signals fundraiser at the Waterside Restaurant in North Bergen. Refer a veteran or donate on the NJVSA website.

4. Rose 2 Hope

Rose 2 Hope is a North Bergen 501(c)(3) that helps youth and young adults build social, emotional, academic and spiritual balance through mentoring and tutoring in math, science and writing. Since 2015 it has worked with more than 500 young people, and its signature program, The Rose Initiative, is an annual week-long summer youth summit in New York City. Apply for programs or sign up to volunteer on the Rose 2 Hope website.

5. Gospel Tabernacle Food Pantry

The food pantry at Gospel Tabernacle Church, 5029 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, hands out groceries and food staples to neighbors in North Bergen, West New York, Guttenberg and Union City. Distribution takes place every third Thursday of the month from 11 AM to 6 PM. Volunteers are needed on pantry Thursdays and to unload trucks on the Tuesday of pantry week, so check the Gospel Tabernacle Food Pantry page to lend a hand.

6. Gambino Medical & Science Foundation

The Gambino Medical & Science Foundation (GMSF), headquartered on 71st Street in North Bergen, is a 501(c)(3) focused on helping children battling life-threatening illnesses. Its donors have supported pediatric programs at Cohen Children’s Medical Center of Northwell Health, including a bone marrow transplantation unit, an epilepsy treatment program and the Child Life and Creative Art Therapies staff. Learn about its programs and events on the GMSF website.

More Ways to Explore North Bergen and Hudson County

Spending a day in town? Start with our guide to Braddock Park in North Bergen, and see our roundup of Veterans Day parades and ceremonies in Hudson County to honor local veterans. Next door, try our picks for West New York and Guttenberg classes. Want to help elsewhere in the county? See our lists of Jersey City nonprofits, Hoboken nonprofits and Kearny nonprofits.

Support North Bergen Close to Home

These groups run on volunteers, donors and neighbors who show up. Know a North Bergen organization or business that deserves a shout? Nominate it in the Best of Hudson County 2026 awards, and subscribe to our free newsletter for weekly local picks.

Featured image: Shop Hudson County, with logos from each organization’s website.