Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
FEDERATION AMPLIFIES OUR COLLECTIVE STRENGTH TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE FOR EVERYONE. WE ASSIST PEOPLE IN NEED, IMPACT CHICAGOANS OF ALL FAITHS; SUPPORT ISRAEL AND THE JEWISH PEOPLE WORLDWIDE; RESPOND SWIFTLY TO CRISES; CULTIVATE JEWISH IDENTITY & CONNECTION; AND ADVANCE JEWISH LEARNING.
- Income
- $284.6 million
- Spending
- $205.7 million
- Spent on programs
- 98%
- Reserves
- 34.5 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 66%
- Employees
- 0
- Volunteers
- 12,394
- Highest pay
- $668,514, president/ceo
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 96 out of 100. Higher than 44% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, over $100m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 34.5 months of spending.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 23% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 28% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 30% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1598% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 38% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, over $100m).
Independent board
25 of 2586 of 87 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 June 30, 2025, 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 (3)
- $169.7 million spent. THE FEDERATION'S LARGEST ENDEAVOR IS TO ALLOCATE FUNDS TO A NETWORK OF NEARLY 100 AGENCIES AND INITIATIVES IN THE CHICAGO AREA THAT AID CHICAGOANS OF ALL FAITHS, INCLUDING: HOT MEALS AND GROCERIES, UTILITY AND RENT ASSISTANCE, PRESCRIPTIONS AND MEDICAL CARE FOR IMPOVERISHED FAMILIES; JOB TRAINING AND PLACEMENT FOR PEOPLE; THERAPEUTIC SCHOOL AND SPECIALIZED SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES; SUPPORT SERVICES FOR HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS; SPECIALIZED SERVICES FOR SENIORS; RESPITE SERVICES FOR CAREGIVERS; COUNSELING, PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION SERVICES FOR STRUGGLING TEENS; AN ENTIRE CONTINUUM OF PREVENTION AND THERAPEUTIC SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES IN CRISIS; AND SECURITY ASSISTANCE TO SAFEGUARD JEWISH FACILITIES.BECAUSE THE JEWISH UNITED FUND OF METROPOLITAN CHICAGO AND THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF METROPOLITAN CHICAGO ARE SO CLOSELY LINKED IN NUMEROUS WAYS (COMBINED BOARD OF DIRECTORS, SHARED PROFESSIONAL STAFF, SHARED OFFICE SPACE, ETC.), AND BECAUSE JUF PROVIDES AN ANNUAL, MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR ALLOCATION TO THE JEWISH FEDERATION, WE MEASURE AND REPORT OUR PROGRAM AND SERVICE RESULTS JOINTLY FOR THE COMBINED JUF/FEDERATION ENTERPRISE, WHICH ARE SUMMARIZED BELOW:TAKING CARE OF PEOPLE AND SERVING THE COMMUNITY:AS ONE OF THE NATION'S LARGEST HUMANITARIAN ORGANIZATIONS, JUF MEETS THE MOST FUNDAMENTAL NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY-FEEDING PEOPLE WHO ARE HUNGRY, PROVIDING EMERGENCY FINANCIAL SUPPORT, AND PROTECTING THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF THOSE IN NEED OF CARE.HELPING PEOPLE KEEP FOOD ON THEIR TABLES AND A ROOF OVERHEAD:- 20,000 INDIVIDUALS RECEIVED FOOD ASSISTANCE, INCLUDING MEALS, FOOD BAGS AND PACKAGES IN FY25.- 880 INDIVIDUALS RECEIVED AFFORDABLE HOUSING SERVICES AND 500 PEOPLE LIVED IN JUF-SUPPORTED AFFORDABLE HOUSING.- MORE THAN 5,000 HOUSEHOLDS RECEIVED $24 MILLION IN FINANCIAL AID- A 16 PERCENT INCREASE IN HOUSEHOLDS ASSISTED AND 27 PERCENT INCREASE IN DOLLARS DISTRIBUTED.- 4,400 PEOPLE- INCLUDING MORE THAN 2,000 CHILDREN-- RECEIVED IN-KIND ESSENTIALS, SUCH AS SCHOOL SUPPLIES, WINTER COATS AND TECH DEVICES. - 8,000 INDIVIDUALS RECEIVED ASSISTANCE GAINING OR MAINTAINING PUBLIC BENEFITS.PROVIDING ACCESS TO LIFE-SAVING MEDICAL CARE AND ESSENTIAL MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES:- 64,000 PEOPLE IN NEED RECEIVED DIRECT HEALTHCARE INCLUDING PRIMARY MEDICAL CARE, DENTAL, AND ACCESS TO HEALTH SCREENINGS. - MORE THAN 2,600 PEOPLE RECEIVED PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS.- 27,500 INDIVIDUALS RECEIVED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES OR EDUCATION.- 4,600 INDIVIDUALS WERE SERVED TO REDUCE ISOLATION.HELPING PEOPLE BUILD NEW LIVES IN A NEW COUNTRY:- 11,700 IMMIGRANTS AND REFUGEES RECEIVED SUPPORT FROM JUF AGENCIES IN 2025, RANGING FROM FOOD AND HOUSING TO JOB PLACEMENT AND ASSISTANCE ON THE PATH TO CITIZENSHIP-A 22% INCREASE OVER LAST YEAR. - 8,500 REFUGEES RECEIVED ONGOING RESETTLEMENT SERVICES, A 50% INCREASE OVER THE PRIOR YEARPROMOTING INCLUSION, INDIVIDUALISM AND INDEPENDENCE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES:- A RECORD 4,600 PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES RECEIVED SUPPORT FROM JUF AND ITS AGENCIES, RANGING FROM EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE TO SCHOOL AND JEWISH SUMMER CAMP.- 1,400 FAMILY MEMBERS AND CAREGIVERS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES INCREASED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ACCESS TO RESOURCES TO SUPPORT THEIR LOVED ONES.- 1,700 CHILDREN AND YOUTH WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS OR DISABILITIES WERE SERVED IN SCHOOL-BASED SETTINGS.PROVIDING HOLISTIC SUPPORT TO SUSTAIN HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS:- 1,700 HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS RECEIVED A RANGE OF SUPPORTIVE SERVICES, FROM FINANCIAL AID TO SOCIALIZATION. - FINANCIAL AID TO SURVIVORS TOTALED $17.3 MILLION. HELPING PEOPLE HELP THEMSELVES:- 4,000 PEOPLE RECEIVED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES IN 2025.- 1,600 SENIORS AND OTHERS IN NEED GOT TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE TO ACCESS HEALTH CARE, JOBS AND MORE.- INDIVIDUALS ATTAINED FINANCIAL LITERACY SKILLS THROUGH FINANCIAL COUNSELING AND EDUCATION SERVICES.- A RECORD 1,161 PEOPLE BENEFITED FROM FREE LEGAL ASSISTANCE.CONNECTING PEOPLE TO COMMUNITY:JUF CONTINUES TO ANSWER OUR COMMUNITY'S CALL FOR MEANINGFUL OPPORTUNITIES TO CELEBRATE JEWISH IDENTITY AND GATHER IN JEWISH PLACES AND SPACES. JUF GAVE COMMUNITY MEMBERS OF ALL AGES THE CHANCE TO CONNECT, SERVE, LEAD AND LEARN:- 15,500 ADULTS PARTICIPATED IN JEWISH EDUCATION PROGRAMS.- 12,400 PEOPLE VOLUNTEERED 250,000 HOURS OF THEIR TIME TO SERVE THE GREATER COMMUNITY IN AND AROUND CHICAGO.- 4,300 OLDER ADULTS PARTICIPATED IN SOCIAL, CULTURAL, AND EDUCATIONAL ENRICHMENT PROGRAMMING. JUF BROUGHT TOGETHER TENS OF THOUSANDS OF JEWISH YOUNG ADULTS AND YOUNG FAMILIES:- 13,500 YOUNG ADULTS ENGAGED IN PROGRAMS PROVIDED BY JUF AND ITS AGENCIES.- 5,400 YOUNG FAMILIES PARTICIPATED IN PROGRAMS AND EVENTS HOSTED BY JUF AND IT AGENCIES.- MORE THAN 550 PROGRAMS AND EVENTS WERE DESIGNED FOR YOUNG FAMILIES, FROM PLAYGROUPS TO PARENTING WORKSHOPS.- 5,000 PEOPLE ATTENDED SHABBAT DINNERS TO BRING TOGETHER CHICAGO-AREA MILLENNIALS.- 7,700 FAMILIES RECEIVED FREE, MONTHLY JEWISH BOOKS THROUGH PJ LIBRARY & PJ OUR WAY. JUF'S DYNAMIC PROGRAMS ENGAGED STUDENTS AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN JEWISH LIFE:- 57% OF JEWISH COLLEGE STUDENTS IN ILLINOIS-3,800 STUDENTS-- PARTICIPATED IN HILLEL PROGRAMS. - 6,400 TEENS ENGAGED IN JEWISH PROGRAMMING.- 900 CHILDREN AND YOUTH RECEIVED $1 MILLION IN NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS OR INCENTIVES TOWARD A JEWISH SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE.JUF MADE JEWISH EDUCATION MORE AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE IN 2025:- 3,600 LOCAL JEWISH DAY SCHOOL STUDENTS RECEIVED SCHOLARSHIPS AND/OR TUITION ASSISTANCE FROM JUF-SUPPORTED DAY SCHOOLS, TOTALING $48 MILLION.- YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS TRAVELED TO ISRAEL ON JUF-SUPPORTED EDUCATIONAL TRIPS.- 1,600 PRESCHOOLERS RECEIVED $2.3 MILLION IN SCHOLARSHIPS AND SUBSIDIES FOR SUMMER CAMP AND EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION EXPERIENCES. FIGHTING ANTISEMITISM:A REPORT ISSUED IN 2025 FOUND THAT HATE CRIMES TARGETING THE JEWISH COMMUNITY SKYROCKETED BY 58% IN CHICAGO AND NOW ACCOUNT FOR MORE THAN 37% OF SUCH CRIMES REPORTED IN THE CITY. THIS MIRRORS A STEEP RISE IN ANTISEMITIC INCIDENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY. LEADING THE FIGHT AGAINST JEWIS
- $8.2 million spent. CAMPUS AFFAIRS AND THE HILLELS OF ILLINOIS - FEDERATION SUPPORTS A VAST ARRAY OF ACTIVITIES FOR STUDENTS IN HIGH SCHOOLS, COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES AND PROFESSIONAL SCHOOLS IN ILLINOIS. THE HILLEL PROGRAM PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR JEWISH STUDENTS TO EXPLORE AND CELEBRATE THEIR JEWISH IDENTITY IN COLLEGE CAMPUSES ACROSS ILLINOIS. HILLEL'S VISION IS A WORLD WHERE EVERY JEWISH STUDENT IS INSPIRED TO MAKE AN ENDURING COMMITMENT TO JEWISH LIFE, LEARNING AND ISRAEL. HILLEL SEEKS TO ENRICH THE LIVES OF JEWISH STUDENTS. HILLEL CREATES A PLURALISTIC, WELCOMING AND INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR JEWISH COLLEGE STUDENTS: AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO GROW INTELLECTUALLY, SPIRITUALLY AND SOCIALLY. INCREASINGLY, CAMPUS AFFAIRS AND HILLEL MUST HELP JEWISH STUDENTS COMBAT THE DRAMATIC RISE IN ANTISEMITISM AND EFFORTS TO DELEGITIMIZE AND DEMONIZE ISRAEL AND WORK DIRECTLY WITH HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE ADMINISTRATIONS TO DEVELOP BEST PRACTICES TO ADDRESS ANTISEMITISM WHEN IT OCCURS.
- $23.4 million spent. REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT SERVICES PROGRAM - THE JEWISH FEDERATION ADMINISTERS COMPREHENSIVE REFUGEE SOCIAL SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS. THE ILLINOIS REFUGEE SOCIAL SERVICE CONSORTIUM IS COMPRISED OF 15 DIRECT SERVICE AGENCIES COMMITTED TO PROVIDING QUALITY REFUGEE SOCIAL SERVICES INCLUDING: EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE, CULTURAL ADJUSTMENT, CASE MANAGEMENT, K-12, YOUTH MENTORING, SERVICES TO OLDER REFUGEES (SENIORS), MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING, DATA COLLECTION, REPORTING VIA AN ONLINE SALESFORCE DATABASE.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, 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 September 7, 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 September 30, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 10, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since September 1949.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 October 7, 2026.
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