named programs · 5 · from sources
What they call their work
Autographing Sessions
Official events where guests sign licensed merchandise and personal items for attendees, with clear rules on acceptable items and line etiquette
Cosplay Masquerade
A competitive performance event at CPあC where cosplayers present skits on stage, judged on performance and adherence to family-friendly content guidelines; includes divisions for novices, journeymen, and masters
Cosplay Meetups
Social gatherings for cosplayers to connect, share inspiration, and build community during the convention; photos from events are shared with participants upon request
Dealers’ Hall and Artists’ Alley
Venue for vendors and independent artists to sell anime-related merchandise and original artwork, operating under strict policies regarding intellectual property and prohibited items
Gaming Rooms
Dedicated spaces for video, card, and board gaming activities, offering tournaments and casual play with rules ensuring equipment safety and fair access for all attendees
activities · 1 group
What they do
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LGBTQ+ Community Events and Celebrations 1 activity
- Organize and operate an annual student-run anime conventionPlans and runs the Castle Point Anime Convention, a student-led event established in 2008 that promotes cultural exchange around Japanese animation and media. The convention relocated to the Meadowlands Exposition Center in 2022 to accommodate growth, having previously hosted 5,000 attendees at its final event at Stevens Institute of Technology.
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financials · form 990 · fy2023
revenue
Total revenue$200K
Contributions & grants$11K6%
Program service revenue$189K95%
Investment income$3K1%
Other revenue$-3K
expenses
Total expenses$194K
Program expenses93%
Admin / overhead7%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$13K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineFacilities
balance sheet
Total assets$173K
Cash$173K
Investments$0
Liabilities$578
Net assets$172K
Liquid reserves10.7 mo
4 years on record · 2020–2023 · YoY revenue -1.4%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2023
Who runs it
board members · 25
- Aaren Patel — Director / Treasurer
- Alex Ha — Director / Vice-President
- Alfonsina Santiago — Director
- Angie Ruiz — Director / Vice-President
- Benjamin Knutson — Director
- Caroline Tighe — Director / Vice-President
- Daniel Gaetan — Director
- Emma Tong — Director / Vice-President
- Hazel Chinique — Director
- Isabel Sutedjo — Director / Vice-President
- Jake Israel — Director
- Jason Brennan — Director / Vice-President
- Jeffrey Meli — Director / Secretary
- Jiaren Li — Director
- Jonathan Ong Yao — Director
- Kah Yap — Director
- Kanta Nakano — President / Director
- Kate Wilcox — Director / Vice-President
- Mason Lim — Director / President / Vice-President
- Nicholas Bevacqua — Director
- Robert Basciano — Director
- Sri Vaishnav Gade — Director
- Steven Harrigan — Director
- Suprith Reddy — Director / Vice-President
- Tyler Romeo — Director / Chairman
relationships · 27
Who they work with
- Amber Gryphon Armory Partner — Featured vendor in the Dealers' Hall at CPあC 2026
- Anime Gift Partner — Featured vendor in the Dealers' Hall at CPあC 2026
- Anime NYC Partner — Featured vendor in the Dealers' Hall at CPあC 2026
- Anime Pavilion Partner — Featured vendor in the Dealers' Hall at CPあC 2026
- Aniparty Partner — Featured vendor in the Dealers' Hall at CPあC 2026
- Castle Point Anime Convention Partner — ANIME CRITICS UNITED INC collaborates with the Castle Point Anime Convention to photograph, film, and record attendees for promotional and archival purposes.
- CloverPuff Partner — Featured vendor in the Dealers' Hall at CPあC 2026
- Collectors Anime Partner — Featured vendor in the Dealers' Hall at CPあC 2026
- Derpycon Partner — Featured vendor in the Dealers' Hall at CPあC 2026
- Destination Anime Partner — Featured vendor in the Dealers' Hall at CPあC 2026
- DiaSplits Partner — Featured vendor in the Dealers' Hall at CPあC 2026
- HKT Import Toys Partner — Featured vendor in the Dealers' Hall at CPあC 2026
- HOLOSQ Partner — Featured vendor in the Dealers' Hall at CPあC 2026
- Idol Research Club Partner — Featured vendor in the Dealers' Hall at CPあC 2026
- JHouse Rock Partner — Featured vendor in the Dealers' Hall at CPあC 2026
- JPUSA Enterprises Partner — Featured vendor in the Dealers' Hall at CPあC 2026
- MUTEKI SALES Partner — Featured vendor in the Dealers' Hall at CPあC 2026
- Meadowlands Expo Center Partner — Hosts the convention at its venue in Secaucus, New Jersey
- NJIT Minicon Partner — Featured vendor in the Dealers' Hall at CPあC 2026
- Otaku Collection Partner — Featured vendor in the Dealers' Hall at CPあC 2026
- Stevens Institute of Technology Partner — Collaborates with students and alumni from Stevens Institute of Technology to organize and staff the convention.
- Sugee Partner — Featured vendor in the Dealers' Hall at CPあC 2026
- The AniManga Club Partner — Participates as a vendor in the Artists' Alley at the convention.
- Tri-State Idol Union Partner — Collaborated to host the MEあDOWLあNDS Idol Showcase at Castle Point Anime Convention.
- Urban Sheek Partner — Featured vendor in the Dealers' Hall at CPあC 2026
- Whiscal Road Records Partner — Featured vendor in the Dealers' Hall at CPあC 2026
- Zenkaikon Partner — Featured vendor in the Dealers' Hall at CPあC 2026
strategies · 5
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Interactive Fan Engagement 19 orgsmethodology: interactive_fan_engagementBy designing panels and events around audience interaction, trivia, and participatory formats, the organization deepens fan investment because active involvement increases emotional connection and retention compared to passive content delivery.shared approach: Member-Driven Co-Creation →
- Artist and Vendor Integration Modelmethodology: artist_vendor_integrationBy embedding artists and vendors directly into the convention experience, the organization strengthens the local creative economy and fan engagement because direct access to creators and unique merchandise deepens attendee investment and supports sustainable cultural production.
- Community-Driven Cultural Exchangemethodology: community_driven_cultural_exchangeBy organizing an annual convention centered on Japanese animation and culture, the organization fosters mutual understanding and belonging because shared cultural experiences create durable community bonds and cross-cultural appreciation.
- Safe and Inclusive Environmentmethodology: safe_space_policyBy enforcing safe-space policies and offering family-friendly programming, the organization broadens access and participation because clear behavioral norms and inclusive design reduce barriers for diverse attendees, including minors and marginalized groups.
- Youth Leadership Modelmethodology: student_run_organizationBy placing students in leadership and operational roles, the organization builds engagement and ownership among young fans, fostering skill development and peer-driven learning because youth-led structures increase relevance and participation within the target demographic.