JNF Earns an “A” from AIP

Contact: Jodi Bodner • 212-879-9305 ext. 221 • jbodner@jnf.org

September 12, 2008 -- New York, NY -- The American Institute of Philanthropy (AIP), a national charity watchdog and information service, has just listed Jewish National Fund (JNF) as a top-rated charity.

This puts JNF in a unique category as it already meets all 20 standards of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance (BBB), the standards of practice for Jewish organizations of Tzedekah, Inc, and has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for two consecutive years, in addition to the new AIP rating.

AIP conducts a thorough analysis of a charity’s tax forms, audited financial statements and annual reports and issues a letter grade rating reflecting how efficiently a charity raises and spends public dollars. JNF earned an “A” for meeting the stringent standards for financial efficiency and accountability required by AIP to qualify for listing as a top-rated charity. Of the more than 500 charities rated by AIP only a small number qualify for this rating.

"We work hard here at JNF to meet the very high standards our donors deserve,” said Art Silber, JNF’s treasurer, “and we are gratified that it is recognized by those in the field, especially by such reputable and important players in the business. This rating is a result of our stellar business management, quarterly reviews, resource management, and follow-through on our donors’ directed dollars. I take my position seriously and travel to Israel frequently to ensure that we are doing what we need to do. These ratings tell the world that we are doing it right.”

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JEWISH NATIONAL FUND (JNF) began in 1901 as a dream and vision to reestablish a homeland in Israel for Jewish people everywhere. Jews the world over collected coins in iconic JNF Blue Boxes, purchasing land and planting trees until ultimately, their dream of a Jewish homeland was a reality. JNF gives all generations of Jews a unique voice in building a prosperous future for the land of Israel and its people.

JNF embodies both heart and action; our work is varied in scope but singular in benefit. We strive to bring an enhanced quality of life to all of Israel’s residents, and translate these advancements to the world beyond. JNF is greening the desert with millions of trees, building thousands of parks, creating new communities and cities for generations of Israelis to call home, bolstering Israel’s water supply, helping develop innovative arid-agriculture techniques, and educating both young and old about the founding and importance of Israel and Zionism.

JNF is a registered 501(c)(3) organization and United Nations NGO, which continuously earns top ratings from charity overseers.

For more information on JNF, call 888-JNF-0099 or visit www.jnf.org.