Everything you need to know: This guide details top Jewish charities where donations or volunteer efforts can significantly impact communities, locally and globally, in 2024.
Our Top Choice: Keep On Riding
Keep On Riding is a remarkable project dedicated to providing bicycles to Israeli children who have been forcibly evacuated from their homes due to the Oct 7th war. These bicycles offer a return to normalcy and freedom, especially for children and teens. Your donation helps them access vital services, schools, and jobs, aiding their recovery from displacement and trauma.
Click here >> to donate to Keep on Riding
Things to consider when choosing a Jewish donations site:
- Trustworthiness and Transparency:
When you're about to perform the mitzvah of tzedakah, the credibility of the organization should be your top priority. Look for sites that provide clear information about their missions, programs, and financial reports. A trustworthy site will often have endorsements from community leaders or certifications from charity watchdogs.
2. Alignment with Values:
Jewish philanthropy is as diverse as the tapestry of Jewish life itself. Whether you're passionate about education, Israel, social justice, or religious life, it's essential to find an organization whose work resonates with your personal values and the change you wish to see in the world.
If Israel holds a special place in your heart, explore the top Israeli charities that are making a significant impact, both during regular times and especially in times of war.
3. Efficiency and Impact:
Consider how organizations utilize donations. High administrative costs can dilute the potency of your gift. Seek out sites that have a record of effective programs with tangible impacts, ensuring that your donation makes a significant difference.
4. Accessibility and Community Involvement:
The best Jewish donation sites make it easy for you to contribute and stay involved. They offer various giving options and keep you updated on how your donation is being used. Engaging donors as community members can turn occasional giving into a lifelong commitment.
Watch the Top 7 Jewish Charities Worth Supporting
The best 21 sites:
A unique project that provides bicycles to kids, teens, and adults who were evacuated from their homes due to the 2024 October 7th terror attack. Bicycles are their main way of getting around, both at home and in their new current locations. This helps them return to their regular activities, which means a lot to them.The money you donate can go toward fixing secondhand bicycles, buying a new pair or even supporting an entire family.
FIDF provides for the wellbeing of Israeli soldiers, a gesture of solidarity, ensuring that those who defend Israel do not stand alone.
3. United Jewish Appeal (UJA) Federation:
As a beacon of support for Jewish communities, UJA Federation funds a spectrum of causes, from aiding the vulnerable to nurturing Jewish education. Transparency and accountability are hallmarks, with detailed reports on fund allocation and impacts.
4. Jewish National Fund (JNF):
Rooted in the greenery of Israel, JNF leads in ecological and agricultural development, also touching lives through community building. Every dollar is a seed planted towards a greener future, with visible outcomes in the landscapes of Israel.
5. The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA):
A network that connects hundreds of Jewish Federations, JFNA amplifies your contribution across countless programs, from emergency services to nurturing global Jewish life.
6. American Jewish World Service (AJWS):
AJWS is the anthem of those advocating for human rights and ending poverty. They're strategic in their approach, fighting injustice by supporting grassroots organizations.
7. Chai Lifeline:
Dedicated to children facing life-threatening illness, Chai Lifeline is an embrace in times of turmoil. They offer support to families, bringing joy and services when it's needed most.
8. Jewish Coalition for Disaster Relief (JCDR):
Agile in response to crises, JCDR unites the Jewish community's efforts in global disaster relief, reflecting the value of tikkun olam—repairing the world.
9. The Blue Card:
Focused on Holocaust survivors in need, The Blue Card provides direct financial assistance, embodying the ethos of honoring and supporting our elders.
10. Yad Eliezer:
With a comprehensive approach to fighting poverty in Israel, Yad Eliezer's programs range from food assistance to job training, turning donations into ladders for social mobility.
11. Sharsheret:
Sharsheret stands with Jewish women facing breast cancer, offering networks of support that extend beyond mere treatment, understanding the cultural context of their battles.
12. Jewish Community Foundation (JCF):
JCF specializes in philanthropic advisory, helping donors maximize impact through strategic giving, supporting a broad array of causes reflective of the donor's intent.
13. Leket Israel:
As Israel's national food bank, Leket Israel is combating hunger by rescuing surplus food and providing for those in need, making each donation part of a larger nourishment chain.
JWW confronts genocide and mass atrocities worldwide, a testament to the Jewish commitment to never stand idly by in the face of others' suffering.
15. Keren Hayesod:
Fostering global Jewish unity, Keren Hayesod supports immigration to Israel and the social integration of immigrants, turning generosity into new beginnings.
16. The Joint Distribution Committee (JDC):
JDC's global footprint in humanitarian aid is vast, working tirelessly in over 70 countries to uplift Jewish lives and communities.
17. ORT America:
ORT America focuses on education and training, equipping individuals with the skills needed to thrive, underscoring the Jewish value of learning as a vessel for advancement.
18. Hebrew Free Loan Societies:
These societies extend interest-free loans to those in need, upholding the principle of helping others to help themselves, a powerful form of sustainable charity.
19. MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger:
MAZON is a voice against hunger, advocating and allocating resources to break the chains of food insecurity, turning your donations into a call for justice.
20. Jewish Women's Foundation (JWF):
JWF invests in social change, empowering Jewish women and girls through strategic funding, creating ripples of empowerment with each contribution.
21. Aish HaTorah:
Fostering Jewish identity and education, Aish HaTorah's contributions go toward outreach and engagement, kindling the flame of Jewish tradition in diverse communities.
22. Jewish Labor Committee (JLC):
JLC advocates for workers' rights and social justice within the Jewish community. Donations support initiatives that promote fair labor practices, workplace equality, and economic justice.
23. Jewish Family Service (JFS):
JFS provides a range of social services to individuals and families, including counseling, financial assistance, and support for seniors. Contributions help build strong, resilient communities by addressing various social needs.
24. B'nai B'rith International:
B'nai B'rith is dedicated to promoting human rights, combating anti-Semitism, and fostering a sense of global Jewish community. Donations contribute to their advocacy efforts, educational programs, and humanitarian initiatives.
25. Jewish National Fund-USA (JNF-USA):
JNF-USA focuses on environmental conservation, community development, and water resource management in Israel. Contributions support projects that enhance the country's sustainability and resilience.
26. Jewish Children's Regional Service (JCRS):
JCRS provides support to Jewish children and families facing financial hardship, ensuring access to education, healthcare, and other essential services. Donations help create opportunities for a brighter future for these children.
Summary:
In the landscape of Jewish philanthropy, the options for meaningful giving are as vast and varied as our collective heritage. The sites listed offer a chance to fulfill the mitzvah of tzedakah in ways that resonate with personal values, communal responsibilities, and a vision for the future.
The Editor's Choice goes to The "Keep on Riding" project, which supplies bicycles to the communities that were forced to evacuate their homes due to the war. Assisting these people as they navigate their new, challenging reality and regain a semblance of normalcy can have a profound and meaningful impact on their lives.
Close runners-up are the UJA Federation, with its commitment to transparency and community enrichment, and MAZON, for its advocacy and direct approach to combating hunger.
Ultimately, the most powerful donation is one given thoughtfully, reflecting our intrinsic links to one another and to the world at large.
In these challenging times, when communities in Israel are facing the impacts of war, choosing a site that aligns with your passion and supporting Israeli causes can make a significant difference. Trust that even the smallest contribution is part of a greater good, and your support can help those in need during these critical moments.
Q&A Section: Jewish Donations Sites Insights
Q1: How do I ensure my Jewish donations are tax-deductible?
A: To guarantee that your contributions are tax-deductible, donate to organizations that are recognized as 501(c)(3) entities by the IRS. Always ask for a receipt or written acknowledgment from the charity for your donation, which should include the date, amount, and a statement indicating no goods or services were received in exchange for your gift.
Q2: Can I specify how a Jewish charity uses my donation?
A: Yes, many charities allow you to designate your donation for a specific program or purpose. This is known as restricted giving. When making your donation, clearly specify your intentions and confirm with the organization that they can meet your request.
Q3: Are there Jewish charities that support environmental causes?
A: Absolutely. The Jewish National Fund (JNF) is a prime example of an organization that focuses on environmental causes, specifically reforestation and water conservation in Israel. Additionally, many local Jewish charities have green initiatives and programs supporting sustainability.
Q4: What are some ways to make Jewish donations without spending money?
A: Besides monetary donations, you can support charities through volunteering your time, donating goods or services, or even shopping through platforms that contribute a percentage of sales to a designated charity. Look for opportunities like charity runs or donation drives where your participation indirectly leads to contributions.
Q5: Is it better to donate to local or international Jewish charities?
A: It's not about better or worse; it's about personal preference and impact. Local charities may address community-specific needs that resonate with you personally, while international charities often tackle issues on a larger scale. Evaluate where you feel your donation will make the impact you desire.
Q6: How can I involve my family in Jewish philanthropy?
A: Encourage family philanthropy by discussing the values and causes important to you. Many charitable organizations have programs for young donors or opportunities for families to volunteer together. Consider setting up a donor-advised fund or a family giving circle to involve everyone in the decision-making process.
Q7: What are the best Jewish charity apps or tools for donating?
A: Technology has made giving easier. Apps like Pushke, available on various mobile platforms, allow you to donate to multiple charities. Other tools include charity finders on the websites of major Jewish philanthropic networks, which can direct you to vetted organizations.
Q8: How do recurring donations benefit Jewish charities?
A: Recurring donations provide charities with a stable and predictable income stream, which can help with budgeting and planning long-term projects. They also reduce fundraising costs and allow donors to spread their giving throughout the year, which can be financially manageable for many people.
Q9: What should I know about end-of-year giving for Jewish charities?
A: End-of-year giving is crucial for many Jewish charities, as they rely on this period for a significant portion of their annual funding. Plan your donations to ensure they are postmarked or submitted online by December 31st to qualify for that year's tax deductions. Many organizations also run matching gift campaigns during this time, so your donation could have double the impact.
Q10: How can I ensure that a Jewish charity is inclusive and supports diversity?
A: Research the charity’s programs and initiatives to ensure they align with inclusive values. Charities that support diversity will often have programs aimed at helping marginalized communities within Jewish and broader societies. Additionally, look at the organization's leadership and staff composition, mission statements, and inclusivity policies.
This Q&A section provides further insight and practical advice for individuals looking to engage in Jewish philanthropy effectively. By addressing these additional concerns, donors can make informed decisions that align with their values and the impact they wish to achieve.
Explore all charity articles
This article is part of the Jpost Charity Series, a collection of articles that delve into various charitable organizations and the impactful work they do. Throughout this series, we aim to shed light on the initiatives and causes that deserve your support. When it comes to recommendations, you can trust Jpost's thorough research and commitment to highlighting reputable organizations that make a real difference. Our team diligently evaluates each charity's transparency, effectiveness, and alignment with meaningful causes, ensuring that your generosity is directed towards the most deserving and impactful initiatives.
This article was written in cooperation with Adcore