FIDF Financials: Where Friends of the IDF's Money Goes — Revenue, Grants, Salaries, and $137 Million in Unrestricted Assets

Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) is a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit that raises money for programs benefiting IDF soldiers, veterans, and their families. Founded in 1981 and headquartered in New York, FIDF operates 25 chapters across the United States, employs approximately 173 people, and maintains offices in Petach Tikva, Israel. It is one of the largest Israel-focused charities in the United States.

On August 6, 2026, FIDF filed its 2025 audited financial statements — audited by Grant Thornton LLP with an unmodified opinion. The filing is the first full-year audit since both FIDF's chairman and CEO resigned in July 2025. It reveals a central pattern: during two years of active military operations, FIDF's unrestricted net assets rose from $67 million in 2023 to $137 million in 2025 while annual program grants reported as expenses remained around $139 million.

FIDF at a Glance — 2025 Audited Financials

Source: FIDF 2025 audited financial statements (Grant Thornton LLP, August 6, 2026) and 2024 IRS Form 990.

Where FIDF Donations Go: $139 Million in Program Grants

The most important line in FIDF's financial statements is "grants for projects and programs (including direct payments to vendors)." In 2025, that figure was $139.0 million — reported as an expense in the audited statement of functional expenses. Some of this spending is reflected in grants payable rather than immediate cash transfers. In 2024 the figure was $139.8 million. In 2023 it was $136.0 million.

FIDF primarily funds Israeli partner organizations that execute programs on the ground:

Association for Israel's Soldiers (AFIS) — FIDF's principal grantee. An Israeli nonprofit that works directly with the IDF and the Israeli Ministry of Defense. Formed from the 2016 merger of three charities including LIBI. The bulk of FIDF's $139 million flows through AFIS, which deploys funds across FIDF-designated programs. Funds are disbursed twice monthly per board-approved letters of commitment.

Sheba Medical Center — FIDF's primary partner for mental health care. The emergency campaign committed $25 million to Sheba. In 2025, $7.6 million funded a Sheba-related health construction project. Sheba operates "Back to Life" mental trauma treatment centers at Beit Halochem locations across Israel.

Nefesh B'Nefesh — Facilitates aliyah and supports lone soldiers. FIDF's $6.8 million partnership extends through 2029.

Zahav Disabled Veterans Organization — Supports wounded veterans. Specific dollar allocation not separately disclosed in the audit.

Cohen Veterans Network — Listed by Charity Navigator as a key FIDF partner. Allocation not separately disclosed.

IMPACT! Scholarship Program — FIDF's only program delivered directly rather than through Israeli partners. Full four-year scholarships for former combat soldiers from disadvantaged backgrounds.

FIDF is not the only American charity raising funds for IDF soldiers. Others include American Friends of LIBI (which claims equivalent IDF authorization), American Friends of Unit 669, American Friends of Israel Navy SEALs, Friends of Duvdevan, Operation Israel, Yashar LaChayal, and pass-through vehicles including PEF Israel Endowment Funds, the Jewish Communal Fund, and the Central Fund of Israel.

FIDF Programs: How $139 Million Was Allocated in 2025

The 2025 Grant Thornton audit breaks the $139 million into specific programs:

FIDF Health Programs: $43.6 Million

$24.2 million for well-being initiatives, $19.4 million for health-related construction. Dominated by mental health — PTSD treatment, therapy clinics, and screening programs that did not exist at this scale before October 7.

Wounded soldier and bereaved family programs — $17.8 million. Grants, supplies, gift cards, and events for soldiers in rehabilitation and bereaved families. Double the $8.7 million in 2024 — the largest year-over-year program increase, reflecting ongoing casualty levels.

Mental health construction — $11.8 million. PTSD treatment facilities. Down from 2024's $41.5 million, which included a $33.6 million increase in grants payable (accounting commitments). Flagship: the first-ever IDF Mental Health & Resilience Center, $39 million over multiple years.

Mental health therapy / PTSD services — $9.5 million. Includes $7.6 million via Sheba Medical Center partnership. Emergency campaign committed $25 million to Sheba.

Recharge Weeks — $4.5 million. Week-long program at the Recreation Village in Ashkelon. 45 Recharge Weeks, approximately 25,000 soldiers. Early PTSD detection, physical therapy, dental care.

FIDF Well-Being Programs: $71.1 Million

$50.9 million for well-being initiatives, $20.2 million for construction.

Emergency well-being (Operation Rising Lion) — $8.9 million. New line item. Real-time response during the 2025 military operation.

Lone Soldier support — $8.6 million. Over 4,200 lone soldiers. $6.8 million via Nefesh B'Nefesh (through 2029). Up from $5.7 million.

Educational and training programs — $8.5 million. 52,000 soldiers. More than double 2024's $3.9 million.

Adopt a Brigade — $6.2 million. 29 brigades. Lone soldiers and low-income soldiers.

General financial support — $4.8 million. Cash subsidies, food vouchers. ~10,000 soldiers.

Spiritual and heritage programs — $3.3 million. Judaic cultural programs. 24,000+ soldiers. Up from $0.9 million.

Adopt a Battalion — $3.2 million. 89 battalions. 45,000+ soldiers across both adoption programs.

Other well-being — $10.2 million. Fitness kits, unit barbeques, haredi soldier support.

Construction (non-health) — $20.2 million. Recreation centers, synagogues, memorial rooms, auditoriums, soldier homes.

FIDF Educational Programs: $24.3 Million

IMPACT! Scholarships — $15.8 million. 3,221 scholarships (2025-2026). 130 hours annual community service. 20,000+ graduates since 2002.

Other educational programming — $8.5 million. Immigrant assimilation, mentorship, special-needs support. 52,000 participants.

FIDF Revenue and Expenses: Three-Year Financial Overview (2023–2025)

Source: FIDF audited financial statements (Grant Thornton LLP) and IRS Form 990.

The divergence is in two rows. Program grants: $136M → $140M → $139M. Unrestricted net assets: $67M → $87M → $137M. Donor-restricted net assets fell from $221M to $176M as October 7 surge funds were released and spent. FIDF's discretionary balance sheet expanded by $70 million in two years while annual grant-making held steady.

FIDF Revenue: What Friends of the Israel Defense Forces Raised in 2025

Contributions: $123.4 million. Nearly identical to 2024's $120.3 million. In 2023: $228 million.

Special events (net): $42.2 million. Gross $56.5 million, less $14.3 million direct costs (catering $3.4M, travel $6.7M, entertainment $1.4M, photo/video $1.6M).

Investment income: $14.8 million. $6.8 million interest/dividends, $8.0 million gains.

Bequests: $6.8 million. Down from $13.3 million (2024) and $17.9 million (2023).

Foreign exchange gain: $3.1 million. Up from $211,000 in 2024.

FIDF Donor Concentration: Pledges and Bad Debt

Contributions receivable reached $79.6 million at year-end 2025, up 27% from $62.5 million. Two donors represented approximately 20% of outstanding gross receivables (Note 5). The same ratio appeared in 2024.

FIDF wrote off $5.4 million in bad debt from uncollectible pledges — more than double 2024's $2.5 million. The 2024 Form 990 Schedule B shows the five largest contributions at $10.3 million, $6.6 million, $5.5 million, $4.4 million, and $4.1 million (names redacted).

FIDF Emergency Campaign: The $250 Million Commitment After October 7

Status as of mid-2026 per FIDF's public disclosures:

$242 million raised (97% of $250 million goal).

$250 million contractually committed.

$159 million transferred to Israel (64%).

$35 million scheduled for transfer by end of 2026.

$56 million scheduled for 2027-2029.

Transfers by category: $48 million mental health, $34 million emergency medical equipment/supplies, $25 million wounded soldier/bereaved family, $52 million other emergency well-being.

Disclosed Emergency Commitments

$39 million — IDF Mental Health and Resilience Center

$25 million — Sheba Medical Center mental health partnership

$23 million — Spirit Weeks (combat reprieve + PTSD detection)

$20 million — Therapy clinics for veterans and families

$17 million — Legacy Camps and Bereaved Family Retreats

Money raised from donors responding to October 7 in 2023 will not fully deploy until 2029.

FIDF Reserves: $298 Million in Investments and $140 Million Available

Investment portfolio at year-end 2025:

Source: FIDF 2025 audit, Note 3.

The better measure of FIDF's financial flexibility is not gross investments — which include restricted and endowment assets — but the audit's own liquidity calculation (Note 6):

Total financial assets: $391.5 million

Less donor-imposed restrictions: −$176.1 million

Less contractual/internal restrictions: −$75.6 million

Available for general expenditure within one year: $139.7 million. Up 63% from $86.0 million in 2024.

Against this, FIDF carries $66.8 million in grants payable (Note 9: $70.1 million gross, discounted to $66.8 million at 3%). Maturity: $29.2 million within one year, $40.9 million in one to three years. Firm obligations for construction ($54 million) and multi-year well-being ($16 million).

CharityWatch calculated FIDF's available net assets at 1.93 years of annual expenses as of year-end 2023 — below CharityWatch's 3-year downgrade threshold. CharityWatch has never downgraded FIDF in 12 years of coverage. FIDF holds a Charity Navigator four-star rating for 11 consecutive years (2% of U.S. charities) and Candid's 2025 Platinum Transparency Seal (0.1% of nonprofits).

FIDF Salaries and Expenses: Travel Costs Rose 84% to $8.3 Million

Total 2025 expenses: $184 million. Program grants: $139 million (76%). Organizational operations: $45 million.

Source: FIDF 2025 and 2024 audited financial statements, Statement of Functional Expenses.

Top five independent contractors (2024 Form 990): Ortra Ltd., Tel Aviv ($1.9 million, travel); Mosaic Tours ($773,000, travel); BW Hotel LLC ($504,000, hotel/events); Pier Sixty LLC ($474,000, event hosting); Cohn Reznick LLP ($424,000, accounting).

The 84% increase in travel — from $4.5 million to $8.3 million — is the largest percentage jump among major operating lines. The filings do not explain what drove the increase.

Fundraising efficiency: $0.13 in fundraising cost per dollar of program grants. Most evaluators consider ratios below $0.25 acceptable.

FIDF Net Assets: Restricted vs. Unrestricted

Unrestricted: $136.8 million. Board-discretionary. Grew 57% in 2025. Doubled since 2023.

Donor-restricted: $176.1 million. Declined from $218.1 million. $139.0 million released and spent; $74.4 million in new restricted gifts.

Restricted by purpose: Wellbeing/recreational $69.0M (down from $111.6M), Educational/scholarship $44.3M (down from $53.0M), Split-interest agreements $39.8M, Construction $11.5M, Time restrictions $11.5M.

Permanent endowment: $20.1 million across 12 donor-restricted funds.

Questions for FIDF

1. Why did unrestricted net assets rise 57% in 2025? From $87.1 million to $136.8 million while program grants were flat. Was this a deliberate board decision to build reserves, or a timing effect?

2. What reserve level does the board consider appropriate during wartime? Available-for-general-expenditure rose 63% to $139.7 million. Does the board have a target reserve ratio?

3. What explains the 84% increase in travel and conference expenses? From $4.5 million to $8.3 million. Expanded operations? Mission travel? Gala costs?

4. What drove the doubling of bad-debt expense? $5.4 million vs. $2.5 million. Did specific large pledges fail to materialize?

5. Does FIDF expect available-for-general-expenditure to decline as emergency commitments are paid? $91 million remains untransferred through 2029. Will new revenue replenish or will the cushion shrink?

Frequently Asked Questions About FIDF

What is FIDF?

Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) is a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 13-3156445) incorporated in New York in 1981. It raises funds to support the health, well-being, and education of IDF soldiers, reservists, veterans, and their families. FIDF has 25 chapters, approximately 173 employees, and does not provide military equipment.

Is FIDF a legitimate charity?

FIDF holds a Charity Navigator four-star rating for 11 consecutive years (achieved by 2% of U.S. charities), Candid's 2025 Platinum Transparency Seal (0.1% of nonprofits), and has never been downgraded by CharityWatch for high reserves. Its financial statements are audited annually by Grant Thornton LLP.

Is FIDF part of the IDF?

No. FIDF is an independent American nonprofit. It is not a government entity and is not part of the Israeli military. It raises funds in the United States and distributes grants to Israeli organizations that support soldiers.

Does FIDF give money directly to the Israeli military?

FIDF does not provide military equipment. Its funding supports soldier well-being programs — scholarships, mental health treatment, financial assistance, recreation facilities, wounded soldier rehabilitation, and bereaved family support. Grants flow primarily through the Association for Israel's Soldiers (AFIS), which coordinates with the IDF and Ministry of Defense.

How much money does FIDF raise?

In 2025, FIDF reported $191.7 million in total revenue. In 2024: $193.7 million. In the post-October 7 surge year of 2023: $288 million. Revenue comes primarily from direct contributions and fundraising events.

How much money does FIDF have?

At year-end 2025, FIDF reported $399.9 million in total assets, $312.9 million in net assets, and $298.4 million in investments. Of its net assets, $136.8 million is unrestricted (board-discretionary) and $176.1 million carries donor-imposed restrictions.

How much does FIDF spend on soldiers?

FIDF reported $139.0 million in program grants as expenses in 2025. From 2023 through 2025, FIDF provided more than $325 million in total support. The largest program categories in 2025 were construction ($40.1 million), wounded soldier/bereaved family support ($17.8 million), and IMPACT! scholarships ($15.8 million).

How much does FIDF spend on salaries?

FIDF reported $21.9 million in salaries in 2025, up from $17.6 million in 2024. The 2024 Form 990 reported $658,065 in CEO compensation (Steven Weil, who resigned in July 2025) and $397,925 for the National Director (Nadav Padan, now CEO).

Where do FIDF donations go?

FIDF grants flow primarily to the Association for Israel's Soldiers (AFIS) in Israel, with additional funding to Sheba Medical Center (mental health), Nefesh B'Nefesh (lone soldiers), Zahav (disabled veterans), and the IMPACT! Scholarship Program (operated directly by FIDF).

What percentage of FIDF donations reaches Israel?

In 2025, program grants were $139.0 million out of $191.7 million in revenue, or approximately 73%. The remaining 27% covered fundraising ($18.4 million), management/general ($14.8 million), salaries and benefits allocated to operations, and bad-debt write-offs ($5.4 million).

What is FIDF's Charity Navigator rating?

Four stars, for 11 consecutive years — an honor achieved by approximately 2% of U.S. charities. Based on FY2024 data. See the full rating at Charity Navigator.

What is FIDF's EIN?

13-3156445. FIDF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

Are FIDF donations tax deductible?

Yes. FIDF is a 501(c)(3) organization. Charitable contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Who runs FIDF?

As of mid-2026, CEO and National Director is Nadav Padan, a retired Israeli general. Interim Chairman is Nily Falic. CFO is Alan Srulowitz. Former chairman Morey Levovitz and former CEO Steven Weil both resigned in July 2025. The board has 59 voting members, all independent per the 2024 Form 990.

Is FIDF the only organization authorized to raise money for IDF soldiers?

FIDF describes itself as the official U.S. organization authorized to collect charitable donations for IDF soldiers. However, when JTA asked the IDF spokesperson's office to confirm this in 2025, the military declined and referred questions to the Association for Israel's Soldiers. American Friends of LIBI claims equivalent authorization. Multiple other charities also raise funds for soldiers.

Sources and Methodology

FIDF 2025 Audited Financial Statements — Grant Thornton LLP, August 6, 2026.

FIDF 2024 Audited Financial Statements — Grant Thornton LLP, October 22, 2025.

FIDF 2024 IRS Form 990 — EIN 13-3156445.

FIDF Financials page — fidf.org/financials, accessed August 2026.

CharityWatch — "Charity Supporting Israel Defense Forces Faces Internal Crisis," March 2026.

Charity Navigator — Rating for FIDF, EIN 133156445, FY2024.

ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer — Historical 990 filings.

Jewish Telegraphic Agency — FIDF exclusivity and leadership reporting, July-August 2025.

No figures are estimated or interpolated. Every number comes from the cited filings. Where FIDF's self-reported "$133 million in total 2025 support" differs from the audited $139 million in program grants, this reflects definitional differences. Both are presented as reported. This page will be updated with future filings, the 2025 Form 990 when available, and leadership changes as they occur.