Joint Israel
Public records raise at least one point you should look into before giving.
What it says it does
To help build a more just society by creating model programs for disadvantaged populations. The activities focus primarily on helping Israel overcome the challenges facing five groups (cont. on sched O):
- Income
- $111.5 million
- Spending
- $111.2 million
- Spent on programs
- 96%
- Reserves
- 1.5 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 52%
- Employees
- 534
- Volunteers
- 15,000
- Highest pay
- $897,783, board member
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Fair: 58 out of 100. Higher than 34% of charities in its peer group (international, over $100m).
Reserves
10 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 1.5 months of spending.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 28% of what it owns.
Living within its means
12 of 15Income exceeded spending by 0% of income.
Income trend
5 of 15Income fell 11% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1596% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 20% of charities in its peer group (international, over $100m).
Independent board
25 of 254 of 7 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (4)
- $20.3 million spent. Emergency servicesIn recent years, the State of Israel and Israeli society have faced numerous crises: the Covid-19 pandemic, military operations, social upheaval and public protests, and, since October 2023, the Iron Swords War. This war is significantly different in its scale and impact from previous wars that Israel has experienced, especially the need to provide emergency services to large swaths of the Israeli population, especially the most vulnerable. In 2024, we achieved this goal through two main strategies:(See Sched O)A) Immediate relief initiatives, related to the target populations of each JDC Israel division, to be applied during the first stage of humanitarian response- Command Center Preparedness: formation of a sustainable technological and organizational infrastructure that enabled Northern Israel's organizations, war rooms, and communities to synchronize and coordinate aid. - Caseworkers: a network of professionals deployed in municipalities throughout Israel. Caseworkers provided community support in collaboration with local social service departments. Caseworkers locate people who lack a supportive social network, offer immediate emotional assistance, and connect individuals to community-based social services and emergency resources. - Emergency Employment Coordination Center: JDC and the Israel's Ministry of Economy expanded the employment infrastructure developed in the south after October 7 and increasing the scope of the employment coordination center, in preparation for an escalation of the war in the north. This started with mapping the relevant essential businesses in the region, while working to determine the types of jobs, and the number of positions per location, which would be needed in the weeks following a potential outbreak of war. JDC-Tevet built a database of 2,000 emergency workers who can could work in the relevant industries, with an emphasis on food production and distribution. These recruits remain "on standby and can be matched with these businesses based on their geographical location. - Hibuki Therapy: This recognized trauma-recovery program helped children process distress through a unique therapeutic model involving Hibuki dollsstuffed dog toys with sad faces and long arms that wrap around the child and allow them to express concerns and fear and rebuild a sense of safety and healing.. Launched in 2006 to support children affected by the Second Lebanon War, the program has since reached 10,840 children and parents with trauma therapy and guidance from the start of the Iron Swords War through May 2024. B) Humanitarian Aid to Northern Israel- Mapping and Outreach: In May 2024, JDC launched a humanitarian mapping effort across 19 northern local authorities to identify isolated, struggling families, and people with disabilities many already vulnerable before the war. In each city, a JDC coordinator led local steering committees, conducted home visits and community events to identify unmet needs, and integrate findings into a municipal dashboard. This was done to ensure we and partners could respond to any large-scale escalations from Hezbollah in Lebanon which had already battered the North since October 2023.- Reaching People in Distress: Nearly 31,000 emergency kits containing lifesaving essentialssuch as first-aid supplies, battery-powered radios, and flashlightswere delivered to elderly individuals, at-risk families, and people with disabilities across 32,880 households. Beyond providing critical supplies, the delivery process helped cities identify and map vulnerable residents. In some municipalities, welfare registries grew by nearly 30%, adding individuals previously unknown to local authorities and ensuring they could receive sustained support and extra attention during emergencies. Volunteers also used these visits to share clear guidance on where recipients could seek help in a crisis.- Direct Humanitarian Aid: JDC tracked aid requests and distributions in real time across all 19 locations, including follow-up deliveries of food, water, and diapers. All data was integrated into JDC's data management system, which segments the information by city, enabling local teams to monitor and respond to evolving needs.
- $19.8 million spent. Workforce Integration and ProductivityThe war decimated businesses and put tens of thousands including evacuees and injured soldiers - out of work. Statistics show that if these newly unemployed people don't rejoin the workforce within two years, their chances of ever doing so are close to zero.In the devastating first months of the war JDC ensured that small Israeli businesses remained solvent. In 2024, we helped Israelis get back to work. The strategic assistance we provide through today means thousands of Israelis will have an income tomorrow. - Support for Small Businesses JDC offered 3,000 farms and small businesses the boost they needed to remain viable. (see Sched. O) Aid included small grants, consultations and networking assistance, retail space in malls, an online "Pay Now, Receive Later" program, marketing assistance, and pairing small farms with volunteers and business mentors. - Employment Programs: JDC helped over 13,00013,000 jobseekers including reservists, evacuees, and injured soldiers get back on track to employment through skills training and job placement assistance. The Employment Rehab reaches participants as soon after their trauma or injury as possible, integrating job counseling with trauma care to ensure these vulnerable Israelis don't fall into chronic unemployment. - Digital Tools: 268,000+ Israelis used JDC's digital employment platforms and discovered career guidance for decision making based on data.- Career Guidance and Support: 13,107 participants received employment guidance and support.- Enhanced Vocational Education: In 37 vocational schools, including all 24 Arab vocational schools, students received assistance to start their path toward quality employment.
- $17.2 million spent. Public System Efficiency and Effectiveness JDC has been at the forefront of strengthening Israel's public systems, working to ensure that all residents can access the public services they need to thrive. Through partnerships with government ministries, local authorities, civil society organizations and the business sector, we tackle system-wide challenges and transform them into opportunities for meaningful impact.Our work focuses on modernizing government operations, promoting digital transformation, advancing equity through improved resource utilization, and building stronger connections between national and local leadership. We run comprehensive professional (See Sched. O) development programs, create innovative data-driven solutions, and build professional alumni networks spanning over 800 senior public servants committed to improving Israel's public service infrastructure. Among our most prominent programs in 2024:- Northern Initiative: JDC Elka's Northern Initiative, in formal partnership with the GOI and its new Tenufa Letzafon bureau, supported 24 municipalities with hands-on project management, planning expertise, and strategic guidance. JDC embedded professionals in each locality to co-develop war homecoming, infrastructure, and development plans that meet national standards while reflecting local realities. Simultaneously, regional roundtables and multisector teams tackled broader growth areas such as housing, education, med-tech, tourism, and employment. The initiative ensured public funds are efficiently used, evacuees return safely, and the North emerges strongerready to thrive and attract new residents and investment.- Mawared: Mawared, launched by JDC in 2020, strengthened the ability of Arab local authorities to access and utilize public funding allocated for their communities. At the center of this work were Resource Integrators, trained professionals which have been embedded within local authorities to lead strategic planning, intergovernmental coordination, and economic development efforts. The Resource Integrators receive continual training and support from JDC to further their effectiveness in their roles. To date, 60 Mawared Resource Integrators have collectively driven a 75% increase in public fund utilization across participating municipalities.- The Elka National Public Sector Networks: This collection of initiatives represents a powerful, cross-sector community of senior public leaders who have completed JDC-Elka's flagship professional development programs. These include Digital Leaders for Local Government, Digital Leaders for National Government, National Infrastructure Leaders, Forum Metro, Leaders for Better Aging, the Mawared Integrators Program, and the National Lay Leadership Initiative. Together, these graduates formed a national leadership ecosystem that spans local and central government, civil society, and philanthropy. The network provided a platform for shared learning, policy innovation, and collaboration across systemsadvancing the collective capacity of Israel's public sector to respond to complex challenges with resilience, creativity, and equity.
- $49.4 million spent. Mental Health Crisis Response The horrors and strain of the ongoing war led to a mental health crisis affecting over half the country. And as the conflict dragged on, growing numbers of Israelis have been feeling the strain. At the same time, mild mental health symptoms have grown into serious mental illness. In 2024, JDC continued to respond with solutions to help Israelis of all ages, from the young children dealing with intense trauma, to adults at risk of falling through the cracks of Israel's overburdened mental health system. As millions struggle with emotional distress, overwhelming the country's ability to respond, JDC began revolutionizing Israel's mental health system by expanding it beyond traditional one on one therapy, to include a wide range of new treatment models and mental health solutions. - Psychological First Aid: 65% of Israelis in mental distress are not aware of their condition and don't seek assistance. The sooner these needs are treated, the less likely their condition will escalate into serious mental illness. JDC trained and continues to train public service providers police officers, HR departments, health clinic staff in early detection, helping them identify red flags, provide "psychological first aid, and direct those suffering to additional support. - Innovative Digital Solutions: JDC created an accessible online database (Nafshi.info) that quickly connects Israelis across the country with the targeted mental health assistance they need, to apps offering peer and AI based support, and VR treatments. JDC is helping Israel grow beyond traditional therapy to reach the expanding number of Israelis who need care. Protection of Vulnerable Populations In the chaos of war, Israel's elderly and people with disabilities have been left behind save for JDC's efforts to ensure their wellbeing. Their pre-war support systems are overwhelmed, and local resources are focused elsewhere. At the same time, the war has disrupted routine and made older adults less likely to leave their homes, putting them at serious risk for physical, psychological and cognitive decline. Israelis with disabilities are likewise suffering hundreds of thousands of Israelis have a disability that affects their ability to get to shelter quickly. From the beginning of the war through 2024, JDC has been protecting these vulnerable Israelis through programs such as:- Community Caseworkers: In 94 towns across Israel, 164 caseworkers have been providing individual support to over 13,000 older adults and people with disabilities, connecting them with services, social support, and community. These caseworkers bring immediate assistance to those who need it and ensure that elderly people join the communities and activities that will keep them active and prevent decline. Strengthening Frontline CitiesThe suffering caused by the war has been especially acute in the cities and communities on Israel's southern and northern borders. In the south, cities slammed by rocket fire and terror are still struggling to restore residents' sense of security. In the north, many communities remained under fire in 2024. The work in this area included: - Rebuilding Community Life: Through its "Reviving the Spirit" initiative which builds community resilience, paths to healing, and sustainable recover JDC helped 76,500 Israelis in Ashkelon, Nahariya, Ofakim, and Rahat. regain a sense of security and communal strength. In partnership with local authorities and residents, JDC created safe, vibrant public spaces; developed local resilience programs; trained volunteers and emergency responders; and launched healing initiatives that helped communities recover their confidence, connection, and hope for the future.- Preparation for Escalation in the North: Refer to section 1B. - Planning for the day after: JDC has been working to rebuild communities and strengthen social services in 24 northern locations.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Caution.
The IRS master file records contributions to this 501(c)(3) charitable organization as not deductible.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since November 2002.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated November 4, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.