Salary of the CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ)
The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ), founded in 1983 by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, aims to build bridges between Christians and Jews while providing humanitarian assistance. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the organization has a significant global impact, offering aid to victims of war and terror, funding security programs, and assisting Jews in escaping poverty and anti-Semitism.
Tax-Exempt Status and Funding
Designated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, IFCJ has been tax-exempt since December 1983. Donations to the organization are tax-deductible, contributing to its ability to raise substantial funds. In 2021, IFCJ raised $220 million and reported $177 million in expenses. The largest expenses were grants ($104 million), fundraising and advertising ($41 million), and compensation ($15 million).
Humanitarian Efforts and Programs
The organization’s humanitarian efforts include:
- On Wings of Eagles: Providing aliyah (immigration to Israel) and resettlement assistance to oppressed and impoverished Jews.
- Guardians of Israel: Supplying food, housing, medical care, and other necessities to poor Israelis.
- Isaiah 58: Supporting needy Jews in the former Soviet Union with essential supplies and funding children’s homes and schools.
In 2021 alone, IFCJ reported helping over 2 million people worldwide through various projects such as soup kitchens, job training programs, and emergency relief.
CEO Salary and Compensation
Public Scrutiny
The compensation of IFCJ’s leaders, particularly that of the CEO, has been a topic of public scrutiny. This was highlighted in a Washington Post exposé, which revealed that the elder Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein’s total compensation in 2018 was over $700,000. His daughter, Yael Eckstein, who took over as CEO, earned more than $400,000 in the same year.
2019 Compensation Controversy
In 2019, the year of Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein’s death, his compensation reportedly surged to approximately $3 million due to a death benefit paid to his widow. This large payout drew attention and criticism, especially given the organization’s revenue exceeding $100 million in that year.
Current CEO Compensation
Yael Eckstein-Farkas, the current CEO and daughter of the founder, received $776,301 in 2021. Over the past five years, her compensation has been as follows:
- 2021: $776,301
- 2020: $696,072
- 2019: $625,980
- 2018: $496,547
- 2017: $374,600
Top Executive Salaries
In addition to Yael Eckstein-Farkas, other top executives’ compensations include:
- Robin Van Etten, Global COO: $461,516
- Laurel Simkovich, VP of Finance: $286,043
- Eric Frans, VP of Philanthropy: $276,715
Compensation Breakdown
With 133 employees receiving $15 million in total compensation, the average compensation per employee stands at approximately $113,000. Among these, 26 employees earned more than $100,000 annually. The 11 highest compensated employees, who collectively received $3.3 million, highlight the substantial salaries at the leadership level.
Financial Health
As of the most recent financial report, IFCJ’s total income was $171,143,198, with total expenses amounting to $137,942,160. The organization reported an income in excess of expenses of $33,201,038. The beginning net assets were $51,676,680, with other changes in net assets recorded at -$6,109,675.
The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews plays a crucial role in providing humanitarian aid and fostering interfaith relationships. However, the substantial compensation of its top executives, particularly the CEO, has drawn criticism and public scrutiny. While these salaries reflect the leadership’s significant responsibilities, they also underscore the need for transparency and accountability in non-profit organizations.
As IFCJ continues its mission, ensuring that donor funds are used effectively and ethically will be vital for maintaining public trust and support.