FIDF’s Commitment to You

Written by FIDF National Director, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Nadav Padan

In response to recent media coverage that some of you may have seen, we want to take this opportunity to reaffirm FIDF’s steadfast commitment to you—our supporters—and to the 340,000 IDF soldiers, veterans, and their family members who count on us. As stewards of your trust and generosity, we take this responsibility with the utmost seriousness.

Thanks to you—and to the tireless efforts of FIDF leadership and staff to respond swiftly and effectively to the well-being needs of IDF soldiers on the ground—we have been able to provide life-changing support with unprecedented impact over the past 20+ months of war. Together, we are making an immeasurable difference. And as our soldiers continue to put their lives on the line every single day, it is essential that we continue to serve them with the same sense of urgency and responsibility.

As such, please take a moment to read the information below to clarify misinformation and answer questions that have arisen.

OUR COMMITMENTS

FIDF funds direct requests from The Association for Israel’s Soldiers (AFIS) on behalf of the IDF and the Israeli Ministry of Defense (MOD) for the health, well-being, and education needs of its soldiers, veterans, and family members. By both U.S. and Israeli laws, FIDF cannot in any way sponsor military equipment of any kind or assist with military activity.

EMERGENCY WELL-BEING SUPPORT

Since the beginning of war, FIDF has responded to the IDF and MOD’s requests for additional wartime well-being support and committed $250 million in emergency campaign funds. 100% funds raised for the Emergency Well-Being Campaign are being sent to Israel with no overhead being taken.

Our emergency campaign commitments include:

• $39 million for a first-ever IDF Mental Health and Resilience Center
• $24 million for mental health programs in partnership with Sheba Medical Center
• $23 million for the Soldier Recharge program that offers soldiers reprieve from combat and early detection screening for PTSD
• $20 million for therapy clinics to treat veterans and their family members
• $16 million for programs supporting bereaved families and wounded soldiers including for Legacy Camps and Bereaved Family Retreats that offer the opportunity to connect with others who understand their grief and receive professional support.
• $216 million of our $250 million commitment has been raised to-date.
• FIDF’s commitments and the timing of program transfers are made based on the requests of AFIS on behalf of the IDF and the Ministry of Defense (MOD).
• $125 million has been transferred to-date. Another $75 million will be transferred during the second half of 2025 or the first half of 2026, and the remaining $50 million will be transferred over the next five years. Payment terms are based on building project milestones and operational needs of the multi-year projects listed above.

OUR 2025 COMMITMENTS ARE THE HIGHEST IN FIDF’S HISTORY

FIDF is responding to the needs today with commitments of $76 million towards our core Education, Well-being, Financial Support and Lone Soldier programs, while planning for the future. Our overall commitment of $131 million in 2025 towards our core and Emergency Well-being programs will be the highest in FIDF’s history.

OUR LEADERSHIP

FIDF’s governance structure is clearly defined and aligned with best practices in nonprofit leadership. Rooted in a deep and shared commitment to our mission, our leadership, both professional and lay, are committed to building a culture of trust, respect, and inclusiveness. In recognition of the critical moment in history in which we find ourselves and the essential role that FIDF fulfills for IDF soldiers, FIDF’s Executive Committee has appointed me to bolster internal operations, working in tandem with Steve Weil, CEO.

OUR FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

FIDF’s financial governance and controls also reflect industry best practices. FIDF has received the highest 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for the 11th year in a rowa feat accomplished by only 2% of charities in America. FIDF also earned Charity Watch’s “Top-Rated” seal, as well as Candid’s Platinum Transparency in 2025. Only the top 0.1% of charities nationwide receive this prestigious commendation.

The Finance Department has consistently had strong lay leadership via Audit and Finance Committees and is subject to an annual external audit by Grant Thornton, and external program audits in Israel by BDO.

FIDF’s mission has never been more critical. We are actively fulfilling our promise to care for the soldiers of the IDF to meet their needs today and tomorrow. We should all be proud of what we have accomplished together and never lose sight of that.

Thank you for standing with us, but more importantly, for standing with every brave individual fighting for democracy, for good, for humanity.