In December of 2021, Forbes unveiled its annual list of America’s Top 100 Charities, a prestigious ranking that celebrates organizations making a significant impact in the world of philanthropy. Among these distinguished organizations, the International Fellowship of Christian and Jews (IFCJ) made its debut at the remarkable #100 spot, with an impressive $167 million in private donations. This achievement not only marks a significant milestone for the IFCJ but also underscores the unwavering spirit of generosity and cooperation that transcends religious boundaries.
The ranking, which is based on fiscal year data ending December 31, 2020, reveals a compelling narrative of resilience and compassion. In a year plagued by the far-reaching effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, many anticipated a decline in charitable giving. However, Forbes reported that the Top 100 charities experienced a collective 10% increase in donations during this challenging period, defying the odds and demonstrating the enduring commitment of donors to worthy causes.
Private support, as defined in Forbes’ rankings, encompasses contributions from individuals, estates, corporations, fellow nonprofits, federated campaigns, and fundraising events. Donations come in various forms, including cash, securities, goods, real estate, and even labor, when quantifiable. While government grants, revenue from sales or services, and investment returns are excluded from these rankings, they do not diminish the remarkable accomplishments of these charitable organizations.
Forbes’ analysis goes beyond the surface, delving into two essential ratios that shed light on how effectively charities utilize their funds: Charitable Commitment and Fundraising Efficiency. Charitable Commitment, which evaluates how much of a charity’s expenses directly contribute to its charitable mission, is a critical metric. The IFCJ proudly scores 74% on this metric, surpassing the recommended threshold of 65%, with an emphasis on program support despite the challenges posed by construction expenses.
Fundraising Efficiency, the other crucial measure, calculates the percentage of private donations remaining after deducting fundraising expenses. Here, the IFCJ excels with an 89% efficiency score, signifying its exceptional ability to maximize donations. This efficiency score exceeds the 65-70% threshold commonly regarded as respectable in the charitable sector.
At the helm of the IFCJ is Yael Eckstein, serving as its President and CEO. Her annual salary of $625,980 may seem substantial, but it reflects her unwavering dedication to the organization’s mission. Eckstein, who resides in Israel despite the organization’s Chicago headquarters, also serves as the IFCJ’s international spokesperson. Her leadership and passion are instrumental in steering the organization toward its humanitarian goals.
Eckstein herself reflects on the IFCJ’s inclusion in Forbes’ prestigious list, saying, “The best and most meaningful part about being included on this list is that we’ve been able to help so many people in need. That’s how we measure our success.” Despite the unparalleled challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the IFCJ assisted an astonishing 2 million people. In 2021, they continued to shine by extending their support to even more individuals. This achievement aligns perfectly with the IFCJ’s mission to foster connections between Christians and Jews, providing humanitarian aid and blessing Israel and the global Jewish community.
Beyond Forbes’ recognition, the IFCJ garnered several other honors in 2021. It earned the title of “Best Nonprofits to Work For” from the NonProfit Times, highlighting its commitment to its employees and their well-being. Moreover, it was named “Organization of the Year” by the ANA Nonprofit Federation, recognizing its outstanding contributions to the world of philanthropy. Yael Eckstein herself was honored as one of the “50 Most Influential Jews of 2021” by the Jerusalem Post, cementing her legacy as a dedicated leader.
The IFCJ’s story began in 1983 when Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein founded the organization with the vision of fostering understanding and cooperation between Christians and Jews while garnering broad support for Israel. Over the years, it has evolved into one of the leading forces in assisting Israel and Jews in need worldwide. Today, it stands as the largest channel of Christian support for Israel. The majority of its donations come from Christians who are passionate about aiding Israel and the Jewish community. Since its inception, the IFCJ has raised an astonishing $1.8 billion for this noble cause, and it continues to make a profound impact on countless lives.
The IFCJ operates through offices in key locations, including Jerusalem, Chicago, Toronto, and Seoul, reinforcing its global reach and influence. It remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting goodwill, breaking down barriers, and bringing hope to those in need.
For those inspired by the International Fellowship of Christian and Jews’ remarkable journey and eager to contribute to its humanitarian mission, more information about the organization and donation opportunities can be found at https://www.ifcj.org. As the IFCJ continues to build bridges and change lives, its story serves as a testament to the enduring power of compassion and cooperation in our increasingly interconnected world.
