Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
To foster and ensure a vibrant greater Atlanta Jewish community by providing programs and services of distinction that attract, involve, and inspire meaningful connections and promote Jewish values.
- Income
- $38.0 million
- Spending
- $39.6 million
- Spent on programs
- 84%
- Reserves
- 5.4 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 79%
- Employees
- 1,400
- Volunteers
- 350
- Highest pay
- $457,852, chief executive officer
Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Fair: 68 out of 100. Higher than 57% of charities in its peer group (human services, $10m to $100m).
Reserves
20 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 5.4 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 7% of what it owns.
Living within its means
8 of 15Spending exceeded income by 4% of income.
Income trend
5 of 15Income fell 17% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1584% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 15 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 35% of charities in its peer group (human services, $10m to $100m).
Independent board
25 of 2518 of 18 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 August 31, 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 (4)
- $11.7 million spent. Children & Youth: MJCCA children and youth programs positively impact the lives of more than 11,000 children and families each year. Through a variety of high-quality programs, the MJCCA provides safe, nurturing environments that support healthy development, inspire curiosity and learning, and strengthen connections to Jewish community and values from early childhood through the teen years. The MJCCA operates half-day and full-day preschool programs at three locations across metro Atlanta: The Weinstein School in Dunwoody, The Sunshine School in Marietta, and The Schiff School in Sandy Springs. MJCCA preschools are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)-a distinction held by fewer than 10% of preschools nationwide-as well as the Georgia Accrediting Commission (GAC) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). These programs foster social, emotional, and cognitive development while preparing children for kindergarten and lifelong learning. Inclusion is embedded across all youth-facing programs, enabling children with additional needs and developmental delays to learn and grow in welcoming, supportive environments tailored to their strengths while also inspiring growth. Following preschool, children may continue their MJCCA journey through Club J, the agency's essential after-school program that supports working families by providing reliable, high-quality care in a Jewish communal setting. Club J is intentionally modeled after the MJCCA Day Camps program and blends academic support with camp-inspired enrichment. Upon arrival, participants focus on homework and academic responsibilities before transitioning into a structured schedule of engaging activities that reflect the spirit of summer camp year-round. This approach promotes balance, reinforces positive learning habits, and allows children to experience consistency in values-driven programming throughout the year. For older youth and teens, the MJCCA offers a robust slate of programs that deepen leadership skills, social connections, and Jewish identity. The MJCCA is home to one of the largest BBYO teen departments in the North American JCC movement, providing Jewish teens with meaningful opportunities to build lasting relationships, develop leadership skills, and strengthen their connection to Jewish life and community. Additional offerings-including young family engagement programs, Shabbat and holiday experiences, performing arts education, and youth sports leagues-further support the MJCCA's commitment to holistic youth development. Together, the MJCCA's children and youth programs create a cohesive and aspirational pathway that supports families at every stage, ensuring that young people are nurtured, included, and empowered to grow into engaged and connected members of the community.
- $11.5 million spent. Summer Camp: The MJCCA believes that summer camp is a powerful catalyst for cultivating confident, capable, and values-driven community leaders. Through MJCCA Day Camps and its overnight camp, Camp Barney Medintz, the MJCCA serves more than 3,200 campers and counselors annually in safe, engaging, and developmentally rich environments. Guided by the principles of the Center for Experiential Jewish Education, these programs intentionally integrate Jewish values, traditions, and culture into daily experiences-strengthening Jewish identity, fostering belonging, and encouraging responsibility to self and community. Each summer, campers build lifelong friendships, gain independence and self-confidence, develop new skills, and grow as compassionate leaders. MJCCA Day Camps is one of the largest and most respected Jewish day camps in North America, offering more than 100 camp options for campers from rising kindergarten through 8th grade. In addition to its flagship traditional day camp, offerings include theme camps such as STEAM and cooking, as well as specialty camps in sports, performing arts, and leadership development. These programs provide campers with meaningful opportunities to explore interests, build teamwork and leadership skills, and engage in Jewish life in age-appropriate and experiential ways. A defining strength of the MJCCA's camping model is the intentional continuity between its day and overnight camp experiences. Many campers begin their journey at MJCCA Day Camps and later transition to Camp Barney Medintz, creating a natural and aspirational pathway rooted in shared values and educational philosophy. This progression allows campers to deepen relationships, increase independence, and expand leadership skills over time, reinforcing a cohesive, values-driven approach to youth development across programs and stages of growth. Camp Barney Medintz, located on 530 acres in the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains, offers a fully immersive, 24/7 Jewish environment where campers and counselors develop resilience, empathy, accountability, and independence. Through exceptional staff, innovative programming, and meaningful Jewish experiences, overnight camp builds upon the foundation established at day camp and strengthens campers' long-term connection to Jewish community and identity. Inclusion is central to the MJCCA's summer camp philosophy. Both MJCCA Day Camps and Camp Barney Medintz are accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and are committed to ensuring that campers of all abilities can thrive. Through a range of inclusive support models-including individualized accommodations, small-group supports, trained specialists, and collaboration with families-campers with diverse needs are supported in ways that honor their strengths and promote success. By creating environments where children of all abilities learn, play, and grow together, the MJCCA's summer camps reflect core Jewish values of dignity, equity, and belonging, ensuring that every camper has the opportunity to flourish.
- $6.9 million spent. Health, Wellness, and Recreation: The MJCCA fosters a vibrant and healthier community for today and future generations by creating welcoming environments where people of all ages and abilities can thrive. More than a fitness facility, the MJCCA serves as a communal hub where investment in health and wellness strengthens individuals, families, and social connection. The recently updated Brill Family Fitness Center anchors this work as a central gathering place for community wellness. Open seven days a week, the facility offers more than 90 weekly group exercise classes; modernized cardio and strength-training equipment; dedicated studios for Pilates, spin, functional fitness, and mind-body programming; and individualized personal training. Virtual fitness offerings expand access and flexibility for participants at home. Programs such as SilverSneakers(R) and Renew Active(R) engage older adults in safe, low-impact classes designed to meet their unique health and mobility needs. Fitness and recreational programs across the MJCCA engage more than 15,000 participants annually, supporting increased physical activity, social connection, and long-term healthy lifestyles. Inclusive sports classes, leagues, and recreational opportunities allow youth and adults to build athletic skills, confidence, and meaningful relationships in a supportive Jewish communal environment. The Debra "Debbie" Sonenshine SOAR (Special Opportunities and Recreation) program plays a vital role in this ecosystem by providing individuals with disabilities opportunities to participate and succeed in a wide range of athletic and wellness activities, including basketball, tennis, kickball, pickleball, yoga, and more. Aquatics programming further strengthens the MJCCA's holistic approach to wellness. Participants of all ages benefit from access to the indoor pool at the Northside Hospital Family Aquatic Center, Lake RB, and the Zalik Outdoor Aquatic Center, supporting swim instruction, recreation, and seasonal community gathering. The MJCCA's pickleball and tennis programs reflect the organization's commitment to multi-generational engagement and community-building through sport. The Eva G. Lipman Pickleball Complex features 15 courts for all-season play and supports open play, leagues, youth programming, and hosted tournaments that draw participants from across the region. The Selig Family Tennis Center offers year-round ALTA and USTA leagues, instructional programming, and recreational play, creating additional opportunities for connection, skill development, and healthy competition. Together, the MJCCA's health, wellness, and recreation programs provide accessible pathways for individuals and families to invest in their well-being while strengthening the social fabric of the community-ensuring that health is not only a personal goal, but a shared communal value.
- $3.2 million spent. Arts and Culture and other programming.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 31, 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 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? 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 October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending August 2025.
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 January 1956.
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.