Help Center
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about JDF, donations, tax benefits, ways to give, and how to get involved.
About JDF
The Jewish Defense Fund (JDF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and empowering Jewish communities worldwide. We work through grantmaking and direct action. See about to learn more.
Yes, JDF is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our EIN is 88-0703290. We maintain Silver Transparency status with Candid (formerly GuideStar), and our IRS Determination Letter is available on our Transparency page.
JDF Ambassadors are prominent figures who are passionate about Jewish defense and advocacy. They use their platforms to raise awareness and support our mission. Visit our Ambassadors page to learn more about our Ambassador program.
JDF is based in New York City. Our work extends nationwide and globally through our programs and initiatives.
No. Jewish Defense Fund (EIN 88-0703290) is an independent 501(c)(3) founded in 2022, focused on Jewish community security in the U.S. FIDF is a separate organization that supports soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces. Read more on our Similar Organizations page.
No. JDF has no connection to the JDL. JDF is a nonpartisan charity working through lawful grantmaking, self-defense training, legal advocacy, and education. Read more on our Similar Organizations page.
No. Both are separate organizations. Read more on our Similar Organizations page.
Search by EIN 88-0703290, or use the direct links: Charity Navigator profile and GuideStar profile.
Donations & Tax Benefits
Yes, all donations to JDF are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. As a 501(c)(3) organization, we provide tax receipts for all applicable contributions. Consult your tax advisor for specific guidance on your situation.
Tax receipts are automatically emailed to you after your donation is processed. If you need a duplicate receipt or have questions about your donation history, please contact us at info@jewishdefensefund.org.
We accept credit/debit cards, bank transfers (ACH), checks, stock and securities, cryptocurrency, property, Donor Advised Fund (DAF) grants, and planned giving. Visit our Ways to Give section for details on each method.
Our EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 88-0703290.
Ways to Give
Yes! Donating appreciated stock or securities can provide significant tax benefits. You may avoid capital gains taxes while receiving a charitable deduction for the full market value. Visit our Securities donation page or contact us to initiate a transfer.
If you have a DAF, you can recommend a grant to Jewish Defense Fund (EIN: 88-0703290). Simply log into your DAF sponsor's website and search for us, or use our DAF Direct widget on our donation page for supported sponsors.
Planned giving allows you to make a lasting impact through arrangements like bequests in your will, charitable remainder trusts, or life insurance policies. These gifts ensure your support for JDF continues as part of your legacy. Visit our Planned Giving page for more details.
Yes, we accept donations of real estate, vehicles, art, and other valuable assets. These gifts often provide significant tax advantages. Contact us to discuss your specific situation and learn about the process.
Including JDF in your will is a meaningful way to support our mission. You can designate a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or name JDF as a contingent beneficiary. We recommend working with an estate planning attorney. Sample bequest language is available on our Planned Giving page.
Reserve balances do not earn interest for the account holder. JDF manages all reserve funds as part of its overall treasury. This allows JDF to put idle reserves to work for the mission while your allocation preferences remain on file for deployment at any time.
There is no deadline to deploy your reserve — it remains available whenever you're ready. After 12 months of no deployment activity, our team will send a reminder. If no deployment activity occurs for 24 months, your reserve will be automatically allocated to the JDF Primary Fund — but not before we send you a 30-day advance notice giving you the opportunity to deploy or extend your fund. You will always be notified before any automatic allocation takes place.
Programs & Impact
Learn more about JDF's programs on our About page.
Your donation directly supports our programs and operations. We maintain low overhead costs to maximize impact.
Learn more about how we allocate funds on our About page.
Learn more about how we allocate funds on our About page.
We track impact through multiple metrics including: people reached through media accountability (40M+), communities trained in self-defense, individuals and students supported through our Personal Defense Program, and other datapoints.
Getting Involved
We welcome volunteers for various roles including fundraising, social media, event support, community outreach, professional services (legal, marketing, etc.), and administrative support. Visit our Volunteer page to learn about current opportunities and submit an application.
JDF Ambassadors are influential figures who actively advocate for our mission. If you're a public figure with a large or global audience interested in becoming an Ambassador, or if you'd like to nominate someone, please contact us at info@jewishdefensefund.org with relevant information.
Yes! Contact us to discuss partnership possibilities and any proposals.