JNF Named to The Chronicle of Philanthropy’s Philanthropy 400 List

First Time JNF Has Been Included in Annual Ranking of NonProfits

Contact: Ariel Vered • JNF Communications Manager • 212-879-9305 ext. 227 • avered@jnf.org

October 21, 2010 – New York, NY – For the first time ever, Jewish National Fund (JNF) was named to The Chronicle of Philanthropy’s annual Philanthropy 400 survey of the country’s largest nonprofits.

The survey reported a sharp donation drop of 11% for the nation's biggest charities and 18% for the biggest Jewish charities. By contrast, of the 22 Jewish organizations that made the list, JNF was one of only four Jewish charities that saw a boost in fundraising totals.

“JNF is honored to be included amongst the nation’s best-performing charities,” said JNF National Treasurer Michael Lederman. “This recognition is of real interest and importance to our donors who are so enormously committed to developing the land of Israel and improving the quality of life for the people of Israel.”

This year's list marks the 20th time that the Chronicle has conducted the survey. When the annual survey was first put out in 1991, there were two Jewish charities in the top 10. Over the past 20 years, Jewish organizations have declined as a whole. In its first time making the list, JNF ranked 362 out of 400 nonprofits, with a 2009 fundraising total of $48,343,847. This was an increase of 8.8% from the previous year. At a time when so many organizations have seen a decrease in giving, JNF credits the magnitude and success of its mission with inspiring people to give.

"During these difficult times, people continue to want to strengthen their bond to Israel," said Mitchel Rosenzweig, JNF Chief Financial Officer, "and as the central address for Israel, JNF has provided them with that opportunity. Through the breadth of JNF's projects and our partnerships in working with KKL and other organizations, JNF has continued to engage people to connect to Israel."

For more information, please contact Ariel Vered at 212-879-9305 ext. 227 or avered@jnf.org.

 # # #

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.