Mission: To develop and connect leaders, contributors, organizations, and ideas to build an inclusive Jewish community that helps people in need, supports Israel, and assures ... (More)
Jewish Federation of Cincinnati is a 501(c)(3) organization, with an IRS ruling year of 1972, and donations are tax-deductible.
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Important note on the timeliness of ratings
The IRS is significantly delayed in processing nonprofits' annual tax filings (Forms 990). As a result, the Financial and Accountability & Transparency score for Jewish Federation of Cincinnati is outdated and the overall rating may not be representative of its current operations. Please check with the charity directly for any questions you may have.
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Star Rating System by Charity Navigator
Charity Navigator evaluates a nonprofit organization’s financial health including measures of stability, efficiency and sustainability. We also track accountability and transparency policies to ensure the good governance and integrity of the organization.
Exceptional
This charity's score is 97.82, earning it a 4-Star rating. Donors can "Give with Confidence" to this charity.
This score is calculated from two sub-scores:
Finance: 96.92 View details
Accountability & Transparency: 100.00 View details
This score represents Form 990 data from 2019, the latest year published by the IRS.
View this organization’s historical ratings.
Star Rated Report
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Program Expense Ratio
84.0%
The Program Expense Ratio is determined by Program Expenses divided by Total Expense (average of most recent three 990s).
This measure reflects the percent of its total expenses a charity spends on the programs and services it exists to deliver. Dividing a charity's average program expenses by its average total functional expenses yields this percentage. We calculate the charity's average expenses over its three most recent fiscal years.
Source: IRS Form 990
Administrative Expenses
7.3%
As reported by charities on their IRS Form 990, this measure reflects what percent of its total budget a charity spends on overhead, administrative staff and associated costs, and organizational meetings. Dividing a charity's average administrative expenses by its average total functional expenses yields this percentage. We calculate the charity's average expenses over its three most recent fiscal years.
Source: IRS Form 990
Fundraising Expenses
8.5%
This measure reflects what a charity spends to raise money. Fundraising expenses can include campaign printing, publicity, mailing, and staffing and costs incurred in soliciting donations, memberships, and grants. Dividing a charity's average fundraising expenses by its average total functional expenses yields this percentage. We calculate the charity's average expenses over its three most recent fiscal years.
Source: IRS Form 990
Liabilities to Assets Ratio
15.9%
The Liabilities to Assets Ratio is determined by Total Liabilities divided by Total Assets (most recent 990).
Part of our goal in rating the financial performance of charities is to help donors assess the financial capacity and sustainability of a charity. As do organizations in other sectors, charities must be mindful of their management of total liabilites in relation to their total assets. This ratio is an indicator of an organization’s solvency and or long term sustainability. Dividing a charity's total liabilities by its total assets yields this percentage.
Source: IRS Form 990
Fundraising Efficiency
$0.09
The amount spent to raise $1 in charitable contributions. To calculate a charity's fundraising efficiency, we divide its average fundraising expenses by the average total contributions it receives. We calculate the charity's average expenses and average contributions over its three most recent fiscal years.
Source: IRS Form 990
Working Capital Ratio
4.27 years
Determines how long a charity could sustain its level of spending using its net available assets, or working capital, as reported on its most recently filed Form 990. We include in a charity's working capital unrestricted and temporarily restricted net assets, and exclude permanently restricted net assets. Dividing these net available assets in the most recent year by a charity's average total expenses, yields the working capital ratio. We calculate the charity's average total expenses over its three most recent fiscal years.
Source: IRS Form 990
Program Expense Growth
5.21%
We compute the average annual growth of program expenses using the following formula: [(Yn/Y0)(1/n)]-1, where Y0 is a charity's program expenses in the first year of the interval analyzed, Yn is the charity's program expenses in the most recent year, and n is the interval of years passed between Y0 and Yn.
Source: IRS Form 990
Governance
Charity Navigator looks to confirm on the Form 990 that the organization has these governance practices in place.
Sources Include: IRS Form 990
| Governance: | |
|---|---|
| Independent Voting Board Members ... (More) | |
| No Material Diversion of Assets ... (More) A diversion of assets – any unauthorized conversion or use of the organization's assets other than for the organization's authorized purposes, including but not limited to embezzlement or theft – can seriously call into question a charity's financial integrity. We check the charity's last two Forms 990 to see if the charity has reported any diversion of assets. If the charity does report a diversion, then we check to see if it complied with the Form 990 instructions by describing what happened and its corrective action. This metric will be assigned to one of the following categories:
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| Audited Financials Prepared by Independent Accountant ... (More) Audited financial statements provide important information about financial accountability and accuracy. They should be prepared by an independent accountant with oversight from an audit committee. (It is not necessary that the audit committee be a separate committee. Often at smaller charities, it falls within the responsibilities of the finance committee or the executive committee.) The committee provides an important oversight layer between the management of the organization, which is responsible for the financial information reported, and the independent accountant, who reviews the financials and issues an opinion based on its findings. We check the charity's Form 990 reporting to see if it meets this criteria.
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| Does Not Provide Loan(s) to or Receive Loan(s) From Related Parties ... (More) | |
| Documents Board Meeting Minutes ... (More) | |
| Distributes 990 to Board Before Filing ... (More) | |
| Compensates Board ... (More) |
Policies
Charity Navigator looks to confirm on the Form 990, or for some metrics on the charity's website, that the organization has these policies in place.
Sources Include: IRS Form 990 and organization's website
| Policies: | |
|---|---|
| Conflict of Interest ... (More) | |
| Whistleblower ... (More) | |
| Records Retention and Destruction ... (More) | |
| CEO Compensation Process ... (More) | |
| Donor Privacy ... (More) Donors can be reluctant to contribute to a charity when their name, address, or other basic information may become part of donor lists that are exchanged or sold, resulting in an influx of charitable solicitations from other organizations. Our analysts check the charity's website to see if the organization has a donor privacy policy in place and what it does and does not cover. Privacy policies are assigned to one of the following categories:
The privacy policy must be specific to donor information. A general website policy which references "visitor" or "user" personal information will not suffice. A policy that refers to donor information collected on the website is also not sufficient as the policy must be comprehensive and applicable to both online and offline donors. The existence of a privacy policy of any type does not prohibit the charity itself from contacting the donor for informational, educational, or solicitation purposes. (Less) |
Transparency
Charity Navigator looks to confirm on the Form 990, or for some metrics on the charity's website, that the organization makes this information easily accessible.
Sources Include: IRS Form 990 and organization's website
| Transparency: | |
|---|---|
| CEO Salary Listed on 990 ... (More) | |
| Board of Directors Listed on Website ... (More) | |
| Key Staff Listed on Website ... (More) | |
| Audited Financial Statements on Website ... (More) | |
| Form 990 Available on Website ... (More) |
Additional Information
Unscored
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Total Revenue and Expenses
This chart displays the trend of revenue and expenses over the past several years for this organization, as reported on their IRS Form 990.
Salary of Key Persons
Presented here are this organizations key compensated staff members as identified by our analysts. This compensation data includes salary, cash bonuses and expense accounts and is displayed exactly how it is reported to the IRS. The amounts do not include nontaxable benefits, deferred compensation, or other amounts not reported on Form W-2. In some cases, these amounts may include compensation from related organizations. Read the IRS policies for compensation reporting
Shepard Englander, Chief Executive Officer
$442,651 (2.02% of Total Expenses)
Current CEO and Board Chair can be found in the Leadership & Adaptability report below.
Source: IRS Form 990 (page 7), filing year 2019
Business Master File Data
Below are some key data points from the Exempt Organization IRS Business Master File (BMF) for this organization. Learn more about the BMF on the IRS website
Activities:
Gifts, grants, or loans to other organizations (BMF activity code: 602)
Gifts or grants to individuals (other than scholarships) (BMF activity code: 561)
Foundation Status:
Organization that normally receives no more than one-third of its support from gross investment income and unrelated business income and at the same time more than one-third of its support from contributions, fees, and gross receipts related to exempt purposes. 509(a)(2) (BMF foundation code: 16)
Affiliation:
Independent - the organization is an independent organization or an independent auxiliary (i.e., not affiliated with a National, Regional, or Geographic grouping of organizations). (BMF affiliation code: 3)
Data Sources: IRS Forms 990
The Form 990 is a document that nonprofit organizations file with the IRS annually. We leverage finance and accountability data from it to form Encompass ratings. Click here to view this organization's Forms 990 on the IRS website (if any are available).
Pandemic Response
Due to the unprecedented nature of the pandemic, we give charities such as this one the opportunity to share the story of COVID's impact on them. Charities may submit their own pandemic responses through their nonprofit portal.
Jewish Federation of Cincinnati reported being impacted by COVID-19 in the following ways:
Program Delivery
Fundraising Capacity
Revenue
Staffing
Administrative Capacity
Balance Sheet
How COVID-19 impacted the organization's operations financially:
We applied and received the PP loan and were able to employ a full staff.
How COVID-19 impacted the organization's delivery of programs:
Engagement programming was moved to virtual experiences. We had a spike in need for social services and raised supplemental dollars to support basic needs, mental health, services to support seniors, and safe delivery of goods and services.
How this organization adapted to changing conditions caused by COVID-19:
We shifted engagement program to virtual engagement experiences. Prior to Covid, we had zero virtual engagement experiences.
Innovations the organization intends to continue permanently after the pandemic:
We will continue virtual programming for certain types of programs, i.e. lunch webinars.
Historical Ratings
| Date Published | Form 990 FYE | Overall Score | Overall Rating |
| Rating Version: 2.1 | |||
| 12/1/2021 | 2019 | 97.82 | |
| 9/1/2021 | 2019 | 93.93 | |
This organization received multiple star ratings within this fiscal year, due to an update to its Accountability and Transparency data and/or the receipt of an amended Form 990. | |||
| 6/1/2020 | 2018 | 96.44 | |
| 8/1/2019 | 2017 | 89.26 |  |
| 6/1/2019 | 2017 | 88.19 | |
| 12/1/2018 | 2016 | 95.29 | |
| 7/1/2017 | 2015 | 91.67 | |
| 6/1/2016 | 2014 | 92.74 | |
| Rating Version: 2.0 | |||
| 8/1/2015 | 2013 | 96.48 | |
| 6/1/2014 | 2012 | 94.98 | |
| 5/1/2013 | 2011 | 94.16 | |
| 4/1/2012 | 2010 | 93.08 | |
| 9/20/2011 | 2009 | 91.43 | |
| Rating Version: 1.0 | |||
| 5/1/2011 | 2009 | 86.04 | |
| 6/1/2010 | 2008 | 76.25 |  |
| 5/1/2009 | 2007 | 98.87 | |
| 4/1/2008 | 2006 | 99.09 | |
| 4/1/2007 | 2005 | 84.93 | |
| 5/1/2006 | 2004 | 78.34 | |
| 3/1/2005 | 2003 | 86.12 | |
| 5/1/2004 | 2002 | 93.39 | |
| 2/5/2003 | 2001 | 79.11 | |
| 10/15/2002 | 2000 | 79.24 | |
Previous: Finance & Accountability / Next: Leadership & Adaptability
Impact & Results
This score estimates the actual impact a nonprofit has on the lives of those it serves, and determines whether it is making good use of donor resources to achieve that impact.
Impact & Results Score
Not Currently Scored
Jewish Federation of Cincinnati cannot currently be evaluated by our Encompass Rating Impact & Results methodology because either (A) it is eligible, but we have not yet received data; (B) we have not yet developed an algorithm to estimate its programmatic impact; (C) its programs are not direct services; or (D) it is not heavily reliant on contributions from individual donors.
Note: The absence of a score does not indicate a positive or negative assessment, it only indicates that we have not yet evaluated the organization.
Do you work at Jewish Federation of Cincinnati? Join the waitlist for an updated Impact & Results score.
Additional Information
Unscored
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Largest Programs
Jewish Federation of Cincinnati reported its three largest programs on its FY 2019 Form 990 as:
$7,933,506
Spent in most recent FY
42%
Percent of program expenses
Local and National Allocations
$1,655,071
Spent in most recent FY
8%
Percent of program expenses
Shared Business Service Program
$1,454,731
Spent in most recent FY
7%
Percent of program expenses
Overnight Camping
Previous: Impact & Results / Next: Culture & Community
Leadership & Adaptability
This score provides an assessment of the organization's leadership capacity, strategic thinking and planning, and ability to innovate or respond to changes in constituent demand/need or other relevant social and economic conditions to achieve the organization's mission.
Leadership & Adaptability Score
100
out of 100
The score earned by Jewish Federation of Cincinnati is a passing score. This score has no effect on the organization's Star Rating.
Encompass Rating V4 provides an evaluation of the organization's Leadership & Adaptability through the nonprofit organization submitting a survey response directly to Charity Navigator.
Leadership & Adaptability Report
100
of 100 points
Mission
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking through articulating the organization’s mission
To develop and connect leaders, contributors, organizations, and ideas to build an inclusive Jewish community that helps people in need, supports Israel, and assures a vibrant Jewish future.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Vision
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking through articulating the organization’s vision.
To build a flourishing, inclusive, and diverse Jewish community. We empower everyone to participate through learning, volunteering, leading, and social action. We care for everyone in our community and ensure all have access to a full and meaningful life.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Strategic Goals
The nonprofit organization presents evidence of strategic thinking and goal setting through sharing their most important strategic goals.
Goal One: Philanthropic Growth—Expand upon the strong culture of Fundraising to maximize our community’s giving capacity through deeper satisfaction and engagement of donors.
Goal Type: Invest in the capacity of our organization (financial, management, technical, etc.).
Goal Two: Civic & Safety Alliances—Enhance Jewish communal safety in Cincinnati by providing security services to empower local Jewish and civic leaders to better protect our community and combat antisemitism,.
Goal Type: Grow, expand, scale or increase access to the existing programs and services.
Goal Three: Community Building—Lead our community's strategic vision by convening & mobilizing stakeholders. We will strengthen & innovate for our future, fund vital needs & support Jews in Israel & worldwide.
Goal Type: New program(s) based on observed changes in needs among our constituencies/communities served.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Leadership Development
The nonprofit provides evidence of investment in leadership development
Describe an investment in leadership
Cincinnati’s vision is for the Jewish agencies in the city to be intentional in developing and supporting high performing professionals who are fully invested in the mission and priorities of the Jewish communal eco-system. 1) Hired a Talent Management Advisor, employed by the Federation but working on behalf of the group of agencies involved. This individual works with the COO’s of the organizations to ensure that the work moves forward. 2) Working with supervisors across the agencies to become “talent centered, learning and development focused and goal oriented.” 4) Provides a shared data-base of professional talent. 5) Developing an effective way to monitor and track high-potential professional talent across key agencies. 6) Developing talent solutions that include: a coaching and mentoring program; management skills building; and on-boarding tool kit.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Mobilizing for Mission
The nonprofit provides evidence of leadership through focusing externally and mobilizing resources for the mission.
This organization mobilizes for mission in the following ways:
Strategic Partnerships
Networks of Collective Impact Efforts
Thought Leadership
Raising Awareness
Community Building
Policy Advocacy
What are this organization’s external mobilizaton efforts?
The Jewish Federation of Cincinnati is the backbone organization that catalyzes our community in common purpose. We may come from different places and express our Jewishness in different ways, but we are unified in our vision to build a flourishing, diverse Jewish community for future generations. The Federation is a community-driven convener, mobilizing diverse groups toward collective action. We are problem-solvers and opportunity-makers with unparalleled reach, raising funds and allocating resources where they’re most needed. Connected by our values and tradition, we act as a force for good in the world: caring for the elderly, striving for social justice, keeping our community safe, combating antisemitism, and bringing crucial aid to the most vulnerable. As a small minority that brings innovation, vision, and leadership to Greater Cincinnati and beyond, the Federation operates locally with global impact.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Story of Adaptability
The nonprofit has an opportunity to tell the story of how the organization adapted to tremendous external changes in the last year.
PLAN FOR OUR FUTURE—Federation surveyed the community and convened a Community Forum in August of 2021. Over six hundred people participated in the survey and almost a hundred people participated in the Forum. We elicited concerns that will inform how Federation plans for the next decade. CREATED THE COVID-19 RELIEF FUND—to support Jewish Cincinnati’s increased needs over the past year as a result of the pandemic. Through September 2021, more than $1.6 million in grants has been distributed to help our agencies, organizations and community members of all ages with funding to support basic needs, safe delivery of programs and services, and mental health needs. As of October 2021, these funds have been fully allocated across our community. SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH FOR TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS—The Jewish Federation, in collaboration with its partner agencies, launched several major new programs to help. Jewish Family Service’s Youth Mental Health Initiative is the first (funded by the Federation). It has implemented an innovative community-care model, where a family can build layers of resources along a continuum that provide additional support on their mental health care journey. FIGHTING HATRED & INCREASING INCLUSIVE DEMOCRACY THROUGHOUT CINCINNATI—the Federation’s nonprofit public relations arm, the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), saw the need to fight hate and extremism in our currently divided culture. After thoughtful input, JCRC created the Leaders in Light Institute as a leadership development program, to craft a network of informed and skilled Cincinnatians who will become stewards of democratic engagement. The Leaders in Light program began officially on September 14, when 27 changemakers from across an intentionally wide cross-section of Cincinnati came together for a full-day retreat, the first of nine, to explore the relationships between extremism, antisemitism, racism, and democracy.
Source: Nonprofit submitted responses
Additional Information
Unscored
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Organization Leadership
Danielle V. Minson
CEO
Debbie Brant
Chair
Previous: Leadership & Adaptability
Culture & Community
This score provides an assessment of the organization's culture and connectedness to the community it serves. Learn more about how and why we rate Culture & Community.
Culture & Community Score
100
out of 100
Jewish Federation of Cincinnati has earned a passing score. This score has no effect on the organization's Star Rating. The organization provided data about how it listens to constituents (Constituent Feedback) (see report below).
The Culture & Community Beacon is comprised of the following metrics:
Constituent Feedback: 100/100 (100% of beacon score)
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion: Not Scored
Culture & Community Report
100
of 100 points
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Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
This organization has not provided information regarding the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices it is presently implementing. As such, the organization has not earned a score on this metric. Charity Navigator believes nonprofit organizations implementing effective DEI policies and practices can enhance a nonprofit's decision-making, staff motivation, innovation, and effectiveness.
Methodology
We are utilizing data collected by Candid to document and assess the DEI practices implemented by the organization. Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to fill out the Equity Strategies section of their Candid profiles to receive a rating.
Learn more about the methodology.
Constituent Feedback
Constituent Feedback and Listening Practice data are not available for this organization. Charity Navigator believes nonprofit organizations that engage in inclusive practices, such as collecting feedback from the people and communities they serve, may be more effective.
Methodology
We've partnered with Candid to survey organizations about their feedback practices. Nonprofit organizations can fill out the How We Listen section of their Candid profile to receive a rating.
Learn more about the methodology.
Analysis and Research
Like the overall Encompass Rating System, the Culture & Community Beacon is designed to evolve as metrics are developed and ready for integration. Below you can find more information about the metrics we currently evaluate in this beacon and their relevance to nonprofit performance.
Constituent Feedback
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
