Jewish Family Services of Greater Charleston
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
To empower individuals, strengthen families, protect the vulnerable and help seniors age with dignity. Our work is based on Jewish values to improve quality of life regardless of race, religion, ethnic background, sexual orientation, or gender identity. JFS is guided by the fundamental Jewish values of tzedakah (charity) and tikkun olam (repair of the world).
- Income
- $551,864
- Spending
- $434,279
- Spent on programs
- 75%
- Reserves
- 17.9 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 90%
- Employees
- 5
- Volunteers
- 11
- Highest pay
- $85,000, ceo
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 95 out of 100. Higher than 86% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 17.9 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 1% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 21% of income.
Income trend
10 of 15Income fell 8% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1575% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 6 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Good: 89 out of 100. Higher than 75% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
25 of 257 of 7 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no 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
12 of 15Its accounts were reviewed or compiled by an independent accountant, but not audited.
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, 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 (2)
- $178,196 spent. Senior Outreach Initiative Jewish Family Services offers services and resource referrals through the Senior Outreach Initiative for older adults in greater Charleston. JFS seeks to maintain the independence and dignity of senior adults, while keeping them connected to Jewish traditions and community. Our friendly staff provide the following services to assist seniors and their family and caregivers: Resources and referrals to the appropriate local agencies.Comprehensive assessments Assistance in navigating senior benefits Home and long-term care visitations Jewish-themed gatherings at senior living residences Wellness visits Holocaust Survivor Support JFS also provides Holocaust survivors with critical financial resources that they need to live with dignity.
- $147,748 spent. Emergency Financial Assistance Emergency Financial Services offers financial assistance to individuals and families in greater Charleston. Jewish history and values guide our work; therefore, we have a responsibility to meet the particular needs of the Jewish community while also providing services to people of all backgrounds. We assist people in the Jewish and broader communities to achieve stability and well-being by providing food, financial assistance and social support services. Kosher Food Pantry Since its creation, the Kosher Food Pantry (KFP) has contributed to the response to hunger in the greater Charleston community. The KFP reflects our commitment to the Jewish values of tzedakah (charity) and tikkun olam (repair of the world) and to serving community members in need with kavod (respect). Jewish Education Loan Fund JELF funded 396 Jewish students at over 100 different college and universities with a total of $1,933,235 in interest-free loans. In 2025, students from the Charleston area and received $2,000. JELF is proud that it's 100% interest-free loans for higher education (college, graduate school and vocational programs) helped more Jewish students with more loans and larger average loans than ever before. To qualify for a JELF loan, a student applicant must be: A permanent resident of FL, GA, SC, NC, and VA (excluding the greater DC area) - but can go to any U.S. accredited school Enrolled full time in a program leading to a degree or certificate and in good academic standing A U.S. citizen or have lawful immigration status Able to provide a designated co-signer Able to demonstrate financial need (FAFSA application required) The need for student loans is more important now than ever before. New statistics report that since 1980, the cost of college tuition has gone up 260% for both public and private four-year colleges. By contrast, inflation rates have only risen by 2.7%. This is why approximately 43 million Americans collectively owe $1.5 trillion in federal student loan debt, plus an estimated $119 billion in private student loans. JELF's loans go beyond paying for rising tuition cost. They also help cover the educational and living expenses that other financial aid doesn't offer, such as travel, rent, food and books. As a result, JELF's no-interest loans help borrowers save thousands of dollars in high-interest bearing debt. As one recent "JELFie" put it, "JELF's gift is truly in the savings." While there are many organizations that provide interest-free loans, JELF is distinct in that it is the only Jewish organization in the U.S. focused exclusively on higher education. Students and their families can apply online at JELF.org starting March 1. The application will then be open until April 30th with supporting documents being due a week later. "My college journey was made possible by JELF," says Joshua Klafter, a recent JELF loan recipient. "I can't express how appreciative I am for its existence." In addition to being funded by support from individual donors and family foundations, JELF is proud to boast a 99% repayment rate. It's a sign that the community strongly believes that money should not stand between a student and the education that he or she needs to excel in life. Since 1961, JELF has provided more than $12.5 million in the form of over 4,500 loans. Jewish Free Loans To provide members of our Jewish community financial loans to help them meet unexpected financial challenges, or assistance with the cost to engage in Jewish life. Jewish or "Hebrew" Free Loan Associations have been providing interest-free loans to individuals across North America for over a century. There is a recognition that sometimes life throws a wrench in one's plans, and that the support of the community can make the difference in how one is able to meet that challenge. Jewish Family Services (JFS) is excited to embark on a new initiative for helping individuals and families in the Charleston community-Jewish Free Loans of Charleston. Supporting one another through "life's ups and downs," we ensure the strength and vitality of our community now and into the future. Eligibility Applicants must: Identify as being Jewish Be 18 years of age or older Demonstrate financial need Have a Co-signer (Two co-signers if the loan is over $2000) Have lived in the Charleston or Greater Charleston area for at least one Year
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 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 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 December 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 April 2021.
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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