Over the years the people of Belleville created numerous organizations for benevolent, civic, and social purposes. Among the oldest are the Belleville Lodge No. 108 F. & A.M., founded in 1870, and the Belleville Knights of Columbus Council 835, instituted in 1904.

The Belleville Rotary Club was chartered in 1922 and the Belleville Lions Club in 1925. Both organizations began as male enclaves; both admitted female members in the 1980's.

Originating as the Belleville Improvement Association in 1916, the Woman's Club of Belleville joined the New Jersey State Federation of Woman's clubs in 1922. A Junior Woman's Club followed.

Other Belleville groups include local affiliates of national organizations: American Legion, Elks, Kiwanis, Moose, Optimists, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. There is also an Italian-American Civic Association.

Belleville's civic-minded groups have provided scholarships, funds for local charities, summer camp opportunities, athletic activities, and items for the needy.

Source: Belleville: 150th-Anniversary Historical Highlights 1839-1989 by Robert B. Burnett and the Belleville 150th-Anniversary Committee Belleville, New Jersey. 1991.