Uncovering the Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) Funding Network
Executive Summary
Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) is a U.S.-based political organization, which refers to itself as the “Jewish wing” of the Palestinian solidarity movement. JVP provides the façade of significant Jewish support for BDS and other forms of demonization, including on university campuses and in churches, while also seeking to create “a wedge” within the American Jewish community and generate polarization over Israel.
As previously noted by NGO Monitor, JVP is not transparent about funding sources. Limited financial information on JVP is available through public IRS documents (990s) and databases, which report a total budget of $1,407,148 for 2014.
In light of this lack of transparency on the part of JVP, NGO Monitor undertook research into its funders and supporters. In total, between the years of 2014-2015, NGO Monitor was able to identify $626,793 in donations and grants awarded to JVP. Our research reveals that JVP received funding from a broad range of foundations and charitable trusts, many of which, unsurprisingly, also contribute to other anti-Israel organizations.
For other donors, however, grants to JVP seem to be inconsistent with their pattern of grantmaking, suggesting a lack of understanding of JVP’s agenda.
Among the visible donors, contributors to JVP include both private foundations that disburse funds at the discretion of directors, as well as public foundations that act as conduits for private giving.
In the 2014-5 period, the largest visible donations were provided by:
- Rockefeller Brothers Fund- ($140,000 in 2015)
- Tides Foundation- ($49,477 in 2014)
- Firedoll Foudation- ($25,000 in 2014)
- Schwab Charitable Foundation- ($158,800 in 2014)
- Jewish Communal Fund- ($25,100 in 2015)
- Most other grants were below $30,000.
Introduction
Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) is a U.S.-based political organization, which refers to itself as the “Jewish wing” of the Palestinian solidarity movement. JVP provides the façade of significant Jewish support for BDS and other forms of demonization, including on university campuses and in churches, while also seeking to create “a wedge” within the American Jewish community and generate polarization over Israel.
As previously noted by NGO Monitor, JVP is not transparent about funding sources. Its website provides no information on its donors or its received donations. Limited financial information on JVP is available through public IRS documents (990s) and databases, which report a total budget of $1,407,148 for 2014.
In light of this lack of transparency on the part of JVP, and the importance of identifying its enablers, NGO Monitor undertook research into its funders and supporters. This information was not concentrated into one centralized document; to locate the grants, individual foundations and their tax forms were examined.
In total, NGO Monitor was able to identify $626,793 in donations and grants awarded to JVP in 2014-2015. Our research reveals that JVP received funding from a broad range of foundations and charitable trusts, many of which, unsurprisingly, also contribute to other organizations promoting active anti-Israel agendas. The largest donations originated with Rockefeller Brothers Fund, Tides Foundation, the Firedoll Foundation, Schwab Charitable Foundation, and the Jewish Communal Fund. Most grants were for amounts less than $30,000.
Background: JVP’s Agenda
The agenda of JVP is to dilute support for Israel in the Jewish community and the American public at large, toward the goal of reducing or eliminating the United States government’s economic, military, and political support for Israel. To this end, JVP promotes anti-Israel BDS (boycotts, divestment, and sanctions) campaigns on U.S. campuses, in academic associations, unions, churches, and in corporate stockholder meetings by deploying the language of demonization and delegitimization. JVP also acts to provide a façade of Jewish legitimacy to these campaigns.
The scope of JVP’s activities in recent years highlights their increased access to funding. In 2016, the group led the production and distribution of 10,000 copies of a fake edition of the New York Times, along with an accompanying website and Twitter account. The production quality was such that the New York Times commented that the lookalike was “designed to trade on our name and mislead users.”
In February 2016, the group joined with the BDS organization “US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation” in a full-page ad in the LA Times, calling on Oscar nominees to reject a free trip to Israel.
These examples stress the importance of focusing on those that provide the funds required to make such high profile anti-Israel efforts possible.
NGO Monitor’s Findings
Different types of charitable foundations in the United States exercise varying levels of control over the funds that they distribute. The boards of private foundations generally select the organizations to which they donate; in contrast, public foundations act as conduits, distributing the funds provided by and under the advisement of the foundations’ donors.
According to our research, JVP receives funding from both.
Private Foundations
- Rockefeller Brothers Fund – $140,000 grant in 2015
- Founded in 1940, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund (RBF) aims to advance “social change that contributes to a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world.”
- RBF has also distributed to funds to other anti-Israel groups, such as: American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) ($50,000 in 2015), Middle East Policy Network (Al-Shabaka) ($100,000 for 2 years in 2015), Grassroots Jerusalem ($50,000 in 2015), US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation ($30,000 in 2015), and Zochrot ($20,000 in 2015).
- Firedoll Foundation – $25,000 grant in 2014
- The Firedoll Foundation is a private family foundation concentrates its grant giving in the Alameda and Contra Costa Counties of the San Francisco Bay Area.
- “The foundation is concerned with community development, immigrant issues and human rights, environmental conservation, survivors of traumatic brain injury and the peace process in the Middle East.”
- The organization also distributed funds to pro-BDS organizations such as Center for Constitutional Rights ($27,500 in 2012). Firedoll Foundation also funds the Israeli political NGOs Hamoked ($12,500 in 2012) and Rabbis for Human Rights ($20,000 in 2012).
- Bonus Fund – $20,000 grant in 2014 (Curbstone Financial Management Corporation)
- The Bonus Fund gives grants to other pro-BDS organizations such as: Tree of Life-Gaza Relief ($10,000 in 2014), Grassroots International ($35,000 in 2014), and the US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation ($5,000 in 2013)
- The Kaphan Foundation – $20,000 grant in 2014
- A non-profit foundation created by Sheldon J. Kaphan
- The foundation also distributed funds to a pro-BDS organization, Center for Constitutional Rights ($300,000 in 2014 and $150,000 in 2012).
- Violet Jabara Charitable Trust – $15,000 grant in 2015
- The Violet Jabara Charitable Trust claims that its mission “two-fold: to help im-prove the lives of the people in developing countries of the Middle East and to foster greater understanding of Middle Eastern culture in the United States.”
- In addition to supporting JVP, the Violet Jabara Charitable Trust also funds Electronic Intifada ($1,000 in 2014) and Frontline Defenders ($15,000 in 2014).
- Left Tilt Fund – $15,000 grant in 2015, $15,000 grant in 2014
- The Left Tilt Fund is a non-profit private social justice foundation founded in 1998. It is interested in “economic equality, civil liberties, prisoners’ rights, labor issues, racial justice, homelessness, the environment, the arts, and international solidarity work pertaining to Palestine, the Middle East, and Latin America.”
- Also referred to as the Lynn Handleman Charitable Foundation (the Lynn Handleman Charitable Foundation 990 form refers to “doing business as the Left Tilt Fund”).
- There is a discrepancy in the amounts awarded to JVP in the records of Left Tilt Fund ($10,000 in 2014) and Lynn Handleman Charitable Foundation ($15,000 in 2014).
- Left Tilt seeks to support “a diverse range of social justice organizations, including those that do not receive funds from traditional sources.”
- Left Tilt also distributes funds to International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network ($10,000 in 2015) and Electronic Intifada ($15,000 in 2014).
- The Pomegranate Foundation – $10,000 grant in 2014
- This foundation is associated with Kathleen Peratis, who is listed at the foundation’s only trustee on its 990 form. Peratis is a former board member of J Street. She currently chairs the Middle East and North Africa Division of Human Rights Watch and is a board member for Americans for Peace Now.
- Pomegranate Foundation also funds the New Israel Fund ($45,000 in 2014) and the Institute for Middle East Understanding ($2,500 in 2014).
- Bijan Amin and Soraya Amin Foundation – $10,000 grant in 2014
- Founded by brothers Mark and Reza Amin in 2000. Mark Amin is an Iranian American motion picture producer, distributor, and writer.
- Vivian & Paul Olum Charitable Foundation – $10,000 grant in 2014
- The foundation distributes grants to organizations involved in: arms control, diseases and conditions, education, human rights, human services, international peace and security, international relations, nuclear non-proliferation, and sports and recreation
- The foundation also supports Rabbis for Human Rights ($3,000 in 2014).
- The Sparkplug Foundation – $6,500 grant in 2014
- The Sparkplug Foundation is a family foundation that supports “the development of emerging democratic movements and communities working on issues of local democracy, justice, and sustainable energy in the rebuilding of the U.S. and global economies.”
- The foundation also funds the pro-BDS group Adalah-NY (via WESPAC Foundation–$20,400 in 2014), as well as 972 – Advancement of Citizen Journalism ($10,000 in 2015) and Breaking the Silence ($10,000 in 2010).
- Shams Foundation – $5,000 grant in 2014
- According to Ahmad Shams, the founder and chairman, the Shams Foundation is a, “medium for funding various charitable and non-profit organizations.”
- LouVin Foundation – $5,000 grant in 2014
- The Nasiri Foundation – $5,000 grant in 2014
- The Nasiri Foundation is a family foundation that seeks to support “progressive non-profit organizations that have tech-based platforms focused on alleviating global social problems in the areas of: education, poverty, healthcare, and initiatives promoting non-violence and diplomacy.”
- Porter Family Charitable Foundation – $4,500 grant in 2014
- The foundation also donated money to Education for a Just Peace in the Middle East ($1,000 in 2013).
- Do Right Foundation – $3,000 grant in 2014
- According to the website, the Do Right Foundation seeks to, “help mankind create a more joyful society. We believe in the joy of learning, innovation and continuous improvement. We promote respect for God and all His creations; family unity; limited government; private property; free enterprise and the rule of righteous law.”
- One of the foundation goals is to support “Liberty, responsibility, and tradition…champion that which was intended by the anti-federalist, Christian founders of our country.”
- The James & Mary Jane Barrett Foundation – $7,166 grant in 2014
- Distributes small grants to other peace-building organizations, such as: Nonviolent Peaceforce, Witness for Peace, and Peace Tax Foundation (all grants of $7,166 in 2014).
- Shimkin Foundation – $3,000 grant in 2014
- Ben & Jerry’s Foundation – $2,500 grant in 2014
- This is foundation is the charitable giving mechanism of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream
- The grant to JVP is described as: “Trustee, Staff and Advisor Directed.”
- Iqbal G. Mamdani and Shelby M. Mamdani – $2,500 grant in 2014
- This is a family foundation with funds originating from Iqbal Mamdani’s fortune earned from TAIB Bank.
- AJ Muste Memorial Institute Inc, – $2,000 grant in 2014
- This grant was allocated towards JVP’s “We Divest Campaign.”
- The foundation also donated money to the WESPAC Foundation ($2,000 in 2014).
- Hope and Justice Educational Foundation – $1,100 grant in 2014
- According to Guidestar, “a religious, educational, charitable, scientific or literary organization.”
- Also funded If Americans Knew ($4,000 in 2014).
- De La Cour Family Foundation – $1,000 grant in 2014
- The Foundation is described as being “created to enable the family to contribute more generously to worthwhile organizations.”
Public Charities
As noted, public charities receive funds from different sources. The most common types of public charities are donor-advised funds and community foundations:
- A donor-advised fund is a charitable giving mechanism to help manage charitable donations on behalf of organizations, families, or individuals. Once money is deposited in the fund, ownership is surrendered, but the donating individuals retain advisory privileges over how they would like their investments to be distributed. Ultimately, control over distribution lies within the fund itself; however, the only criterion for qualification as a grantee is usually 501(c)(3) status. Donor-advised funds often lack transparency, and it is impossible for the public to know the origins of the funds.
- A community foundation is the legal owner of the donated funds and is not required to heed the advice of the donor regarding its distribution. However, often the foundation will consider the donors’ preferences.
- Schwab Charitable Foundation – $158,800 grant in 2014
- Between the fiscal years of 2012–2014, the Schwab Charitable Fund directed $448,700 to Jewish Voice for Peace.
- The Schwab Charitable Fund, established by and involved with certain affiliates of the Charles Schwab Corporation, is a donor-advised fund that manages charitable donations on behalf Schwab investors.
- According to its website, “A Schwab Charitable donor-advised fund account allows investors to contribute cash or appreciated assets to a charitable account to realize the greatest possible tax benefits and then support their favorite charities over time.” Once deposited, the individual forfeits their ownership of the money to the fund. However, the individual still retains some advisory privileges regarding the distribution of their donations.
- Regarding grant recommendations, Schwab Charitable explicitly states in their program policies, “Donors may recommend grants to charities of choice from their Schwab Charitable account. Because contributions to a Schwab Charitable account receive associated tax benefits, they are irrevocable and legally owned by Schwab Charitable. Schwab Charitable reviews and processes grant recommendations. Grant recommendations are generally approved as long as the organizations are IRS-approved 501(c)(3) public charities and the grants comply with guidelines and restrictions.”
- In 2014, the Schwab Charitable Fund also distributed $133,146 to the AFSC, which, as noted above, is a central promoter of BDS.
- Tides Foundation – $49,477 grant in 2014
- The Tides Foundation is a donor-advised fund that seeks to “build a world of shared prosperity and social justice, founded on equality and human rights, a sustainable environment, healthy individuals and communities, and quality education.”
- Tides Foundation funds other pro-BDS organizations such as, Code Pink ($40,084 in 2014), AFSC ($13,000 in 2014), Palestine Solidarity Legal Support ($20,000 in 2014), the Rachel Corrie Foundation for Peace and Justice ($40,257 in 2014), and the Center for Constitutional Rights ($292,181.12 in 2014).
- There are discrepancies in the amounts that appear in Tides Foundation’s 2014 990 tax forms and its list of 2014 grantees.
- Jewish Communal Fund – $25,100 grant in 2015
- The Jewish Communal Fund is the largest and most active Jewish donor-advised fund in the country. The Fund “facilitates and promotes charitable giving to sec-tarian and nonsectarian organizations through donor-advised funds and provides support to Jewish organizations in New York.”
- Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program – $14,500 grant in 2014
- “Vanguard Charitable is a leading U.S. nonprofit organization that fulfills its mission to increase philanthropic giving by administering a donor-advised fund–a tax-effective way to consolidate, accrue, and grant assets to charity. Our philanthropic accounts offer donors a flexible and convenient way to give and, ultimately, help them make a greater charitable impact.”
- Although “separate entities, Vanguard Charitable is strongly aligned with Vanguard’s principled investment philosophy and unwavering values, including its commitment to diversification, transparency, and cost-effective service. We firmly believe in the importance of long-term, strategic charitable planning that minimizes costs and maximizes the impact of philanthropic giving.”
- In 2014, Vanguard Charitable also distributed $96,104.02 to AFSC.
- National Philanthropic Fund – $12,900 grant in 2014
- “National Philanthropic Trust (NPT) is a public charity dedicated to providing philanthropic expertise to donors, foundations and financial institutions, enabling them to realize their philanthropic aspirations.”
- National Philanthropic Fund also donated funds to the AFSC ($15,550 in 2014).
- New York Community Trust – $10,250 grant in 2014
- Ploughshares Foundation – $5,000 grant in 2014
- Ploughshares Fund is a global security foundation primarily focused on eliminat-ing nuclear weapons and “promoting stability in regions of conflict where nuclear weapons exist.”
- The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven – $1,500 grant in 2014
- “The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven is a philanthropic institution that was established in 1928 as the community’s permanent charitable endowment.” The Foundation seeks “to create positive and sustainable change in Connecticut’s Greater New Haven region by increasing the amount of and enhancing the impact of community philanthropy.”
- The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven is made up of approximately “900 charitable funds established by individuals, families, nonprofit and for-profit businesses.”
- Horizons Foundation – $1,000 grant in 2014
- Horizons Foundation is the world’s first community foundation that is based in and serves the LGBT community. According to its website, “Horizons Foundation envisions a world where all people live free from prejudice and discrimination, and where LGBT people contribute to and thrive in a vibrant, diverse, giving, and compassionate community.”
- Horizons Foundation also supports pro-BDS groups such as Code Pink ($1,000 in 2014).
Combined Federal Campaign
In addition to private and public foundations, JVP also benefits from a federally organized fundraising mechanism called the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). Established in 1971, the CFC is designed to facilitate the charitable giving of federal employees and allows them “to make charitable donations through payroll deduction.” The CFC is managed by the United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which serves as the “independent agency of the US government that manages the civil service of the federal government.”
The CFC is comprised of 165 local campaigns across the US that “organize the annual fundraising effort in federal workplaces in the United States and abroad.” Each federal employee is supplied with an extensive directory of preapproved national and international organizations to which they can easily donate their money.
To participate in the CFC fundraising drive, organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax exempt, provide services in at least 15 states, account for funds and provide an annual audit, submit an annual tax return to the IRS, and be governed by “an active and responsible board who members have no material conflict of interest.”
According to the annual report on donor preferences in the Combined Federal Campaign, between the years 2012-2014, Jewish Voice for Peace received approximately $10,000 in donations.
Funder | Year | Grant |
---|---|---|
Rockefeller Brothers Fund | 2015 | $140,000 |
Jewish Communal Fund | 2015 | $25,100 |
Violet Jabara Charitable Trust | 2015 | $15,000 |
Left Tilt Fund | 2015 | $15,000 |
Schwab Charitable Foundation | 2014 | $158,000 |
Tides Foundation | 2014 | $49,477 |
Firedoll Foundation | 2014 | $25,000 |
Bonus Fund (Curbstone Financial Management Corporation) | 2014 | $20,000 |
The Kaphan Foundation | 2014 | $20,000 |
Left Tilt Fund | 2014 | $15,000 |
Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program | 2014 | $14,500 |
National Philanthropic Fund | 2014 | $12,900 |
New York Community Trust | 2014 | $10,250 |
Bijan Amin and Soraya Amin Foundation | 2014 | $10,000 |
The Pomegranate Foundation | 2014 | $10,000 |
Vivian & Paul Olum Charitable Foundation | 2014 | $10,000 |
The James & Mary Jane Barrett Foundation | 2014 | $7,166 |
Sparkplug Foundation | 2014 | $6,500 |
LouVin Foundation | 2014 | $5,000 |
The Nasiri Foundation | 2014 | $5,000 |
Ploughshares Foundation | 2014 | $5,000 |
Shams Foundation | 2014 | $5,000 |
Porter Family Charitable Foundation | 2014 | $4,500 |
Do Right Foundation | 2014 | $3,000 |
Shimkin Foundation | 2014 | $3,000 |
Ben & Jerrry’s Foundation | 2014 | $2,500 |
Iqbal G. Mamdani and Shelby M. Mamdani | 2014 | $2,500 |
AJ Muste Memorial Trust | 2014 | $2,000 |
The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven | 2014 | $1,500 |
Hope and Justice Educational Foundation | 2014 | $1,100 |
De La Cour Family Foundation | 2014 | $1,000 |
Horizons Foundation | 2014 | $1,000 |
Combined Federal Campaign | 2012-2014 | $10,000 (estimated) |