Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) Company Profile
Background
Established in 1981, Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the well-being of the men and women serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), as well as supporting wounded veterans and the families of fallen soldiers. Headquartered in New York City, FIDF operates 15 regional offices across the United States and Panama. The organization's mission is to provide educational, cultural, recreational, and social services programs and facilities to the soldiers who protect Israel and Jews worldwide.
Key Strategic Focus
FIDF's strategic objectives include:
- Expanding Donor Engagement and Retention: The organization has grown its donor base from approximately 20,000 to 80,000 over the past four years, with a goal to reach 150,000 in the next 3-4 years. Strategies include online and in-person briefings from IDF spokespeople and experts on Middle East politics, as well as the creation of a tiered donor society to recognize and honor contributors.
- Comprehensive Support Programs: FIDF commits substantial resources to various programs, including:
- PTSD and Mental Health Solutions: $117 million committed to support, care, and treatment of IDF soldiers and veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Emergency Well-Being Needs: $104 million committed to address urgent requests from the IDF, supplying essential items such as clothing, portable tents, beds, and vital medical resources.
- Wounded Soldier and Bereaved Family Support: $29 million committed to offer financial, psychological, and emotional rehabilitation to families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty.
Financials and Funding
FIDF's financial performance over recent years is as follows:
- 2023:
- Revenue: $281,961,247
- Expenses: $143,165,470
- Net Income: $138,795,777
- Net Assets: $287,980,572
- 2022:
- Revenue: $89,338,598
- Expenses: $85,745,619
- Net Income: $3,592,979
- Net Assets: $174,302,786
- 2021:
- Revenue: $87,861,352
- Expenses: $88,567,512
- Net Income: -$706,160
- Net Assets: $174,079,130
The organization has consistently received high ratings for accountability and transparency, including a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for 11 consecutive years, a distinction achieved by only 2% of charities in America.
Leadership Team
FIDF's leadership comprises experienced professionals dedicated to advancing the organization's mission:
- Steven Weil: Chief Executive Officer
- Nadav Padan: National Director
- Galit Brichta: Vice President, Northeast Region
- Alan Srulowitz: Chief Financial Officer
- Lesley Plachta: Executive Director (through September 2023)
Competitor Profile
Market Insights and Dynamics
As a nonprofit organization, FIDF operates within the charitable sector focused on supporting military personnel and their families. The market includes various organizations dedicated to similar causes, each striving to engage donors and provide comprehensive support programs.
Competitor Analysis
While FIDF is unique in its specific mission to support IDF soldiers, other organizations in the nonprofit sector focus on military support, veteran assistance, and related causes. These organizations may offer overlapping services, such as educational programs, mental health support, and emergency assistance, targeting different military communities.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
FIDF collaborates with various entities to enhance its support programs, including partnerships with medical communities and the Ministry of Defense to provide care and treatment for IDF soldiers and veterans with PTSD.
Operational Insights
FIDF's strategic considerations include:
- Donor Engagement: Implementing tiered donor societies and regular briefings to maintain and expand the donor base.
- Program Development: Continuously assessing and addressing the evolving needs of IDF soldiers through targeted support programs.
- Financial Management: Maintaining transparency and accountability to ensure donor trust and effective allocation of resources.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
FIDF aims to:
- Expand Donor Base: Achieve a donor base of 150,000 within the next 3-4 years through enhanced engagement strategies.
- Enhance Support Programs: Develop and implement new initiatives to address emerging needs of IDF soldiers and their families.
- Strengthen Partnerships: Forge new collaborations to broaden the scope and impact of support services.
Contact Information
- Website: fidf.org
- Social Media:
- Headquarters: New York, NY, USA
