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CHAI LIFELINE INC
NEW YORK, NY · EIN 112940331 · Form 990 · FY2024 · NTEE E860 · Health Care · Large ($10M-$50M) · chailifeline.org
revenue
$32.8M
expenses
$32.3M
net assets
$19.5M
employees
270
volunteers
5,595
program ratio
83%
mission · from form 990

CHAI LIFELINE IS AN INTERNATIONAL HEALTH SUPPORT NETWORK, PROVIDING SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL, FINANCIAL AND PRACTICAL ASSISTANCE TO CHILDREN, FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES FACING ILLNESS, CRISIS, OR LOSS. CHAI LIFELINE OFFERS MORE THAN TWO-DOZEN YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS AND SERVICES, INCLUDING CASE MANAGEMENT AND COUNSELING; MEALS DELIVERED TO HOSPITALS AND HOMES; TRANSPORTATION TO MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS; HOSPITAL AND IN-HOME RESPITE; EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE; INSURANCE ADVOCACY; TRIPS, RETREATS AND SPECIAL EVENTS; PROJECT CHAI CRISIS INTERVENTION, TRAUMA, AND BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT; CLINICAL INTERVENTIONS; EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES; I-SHINE AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMMING; AND ITS FLAGSHIP SUMMER PROGRAMS CAMP SIMCHA, CAMP SIMCHA SPECIAL, AND CAMP SIMCHA WITHOUT BORDERS FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS WITH LIFE-THREATENING AND LIFELONG ILLNESS.

profile · synthesized from sources

Chai Lifeline is an international nonprofit providing comprehensive support to children, families, and communities facing serious illness, crisis, or loss. The organization offers more than two dozen programs including case management, counseling, meals delivery, transportation to medical appointments, hospital respite, financial assistance, and specialized camps. It operates across multiple U.S. regions and responds to crises globally within the Jewish community.

irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2024

What they reported doing

  1. #1 primary $7.22M
    SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS: CHAI LIFELINE OPERATES TWO MEDICALLY SUPERVISED SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS ON ONE CAMPUS FOR SERIOUSLY ILL CHILDREN WITH LIFE-THREATENING AND LIFELONG ILLNESSES. CAMP SIMCHA IS OPEN TO CHILDREN AND TEENS WITH CANCER AND OTHER BLOOD-BASED ILLNESSES. CAMP SIMCHA SPECIAL IS DESIGNED TO MEET THE MEDICAL AND SOCIAL NEEDS OF CHILDREN AND TEENS WITH MULTIPLE, DISPARATE CHRONIC ILLNESSES AND/OR DISABILITIES. EACH CAMP RUNS TWO, TWO-WEEK SESSIONS EVERY SUMMER AT THEIR 125-ACRE, FULLY ACCESSIBLE CAMPGROUND IN GLEN SPEY, NY. ACTIVITIES INCLUDE ADAPTED SPORTS, SWIMMING (INCLUDING RED CROSS INSTRUCTION), BOATING, CRAFTS, WORKSHOPS, AND SPECIAL EVENTS LIKE CONCERTS AND SHOWS. THE GOALS OF THE CAMPS ARE TO FACILITATE INDEPENDENCE; BUILD SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL, AND DAILY LIVING SKILLS; ENHANCE KNOWLEDGE OF ONE'S ILLNESS AND CAPABILITIES, AND ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF FRIENDSHIPS AND SUPPORTIVE RELATIONSHIPS THAT CONTINUE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. IN ADDITION, CHAI LIFELINE OPERATES CAMP SIMCHA WITHOUT BORDERS, WHICH HOSTS PROGRAMS AND EVENTS IN COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE U.S. IN TOTAL, 993 CHILDREN AND TEENS TOOK PART IN SIMCHA PROGRAMMING IN 2024.
  2. #2 $6.53M
    HOSPITAL AND HOME-BASED SERVICES: GOALS INCLUDE ENABLING THE FAMILY UNIT TO CONTINUE TO FUNCTION DURING MEDICAL CRISES; PROVIDING IN-HOSPITAL SUPPORT TO PATIENTS AND CAREGIVERS; AND BRINGING JOY AND HOPE TO YOUNG PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES. INITIAL SUPPORT BEGINS WITH A CASE MANAGER'S EVALUATION THAT IDENTIFIES NEEDS AND SUGGESTS PROGRAMMATIC RESPONSES. IN 2024, CHAI LIFELINE PROVIDED EMOTIONAL, SOCIAL, AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO 10,952 FAMILIES THROUGH MEDICAL REFERRALS AND ADVOCACY; 5,595 VOLUNTEERS RAISED SPIRITS AND PROVIDED CRITICAL SUPPORT; 91,406 PEOPLE RECEIVED TRANSPORTATION TO MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS, THUS FACILITATING TREATMENT COMPLIANCE; 122,133 NOURISHING MEALS WERE DELIVERED TO HOSPITALS AND HOMES; 5,497 RESPITE HOSPITAL AND HOME-BASED VOLUNTEER VISITS OFFERED COMFORT AND RELIEF; AND 2,805 FAMILIES RECEIVED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE THROUGH THE EVAN LEVY Z"L FUND.
named programs · 12 · from sources

What they call their work

Big Brother/Sister Program
Mentorship program pairing siblings of ill children with volunteer mentors for emotional support
Camp Simcha
Specialized camp program providing summer camp experiences for children with serious illnesses, including Camp Simcha Without Borders with regional locations across the U.S.
Case Management
Professional case management offering individualized, ongoing support to families navigating pediatric illness or loss
Counseling Services
Clinical counseling services for each member of the family, including crisis intervention and mental health support
Crisis Intervention
24-hour crisis response team providing immediate support, clinical interventions, and community consultations following traumatic events
Financial Assistance (Evan Levy Z"l Fund)
Emergency financial aid for families facing economic hardship due to medical crises
Holiday Parties & Family Days
Organized celebrations during holidays and special occasions to bring joy to families facing illness or loss
Insurance Advocacy
Assistance with insurance claims and advocacy to help families navigate coverage challenges
Meals Delivery
Nourishing meals delivered to hospitals and homes for families impacted by illness or crisis
Shabbaton
Annual weekend retreat bringing together families impacted by pediatric illness for connection and community support
Transportation Services
Transportation to medical appointments for children and families affected by serious illness
i-Shine Afterschool Programming
After-school program for children facing illness or loss, providing educational and emotional support
activities · 11 groups

What they do

  • Recreational and Emotional Support Programs for Children with Serious Illnesses 2 activities
    • Operates camp and recreational programs for children with serious illness
      Runs Camp Simcha and organizes trips, retreats, weekend programs, and recreational events to provide psychosocial support and positive experiences for children living with serious illness.
    • Runs sibling mentorship program
      Operates a Big Brother/Sister program that pairs siblings of ill children with mentors to provide emotional and social support.
  • Non-Emergency Medical & Essential Transportation 1 activity
    • Delivers meals and transportation to families affected by serious illness
      Provides nourishing meals to hospitals and homes and offers transportation services for families affected by serious illness, including rides to medical appointments. These services support families across regions including New York, the Mid-Atlantic, and South Florida.
  • Disaster Relief and Recovery Services 1 activity
    • Deploys crisis intervention teams in response to traumatic events
      Mobilizes crisis teams to provide immediate emotional and psychological support following traumatic incidents, including terrorist attacks and mass shootings, both locally and globally.
  • Fundraising for Community and Charitable Initiatives 1 activity
    • Facilitates fundraising and community engagement initiatives
      Supports personal and team-based fundraising through events like Bike4Chai and Team Lifeline, and enables children and individuals to create lemonade stands, bake sales, or memorial campaigns to support children with serious illness.
  • Volunteer-Driven Residential Care Support 1 activity
    • Offers volunteer-based support services
      Trains and deploys hundreds of paraprofessional volunteers globally to deliver crisis response, hospital respite, home-based support, mentorship, and transportation assistance with cultural sensitivity.
  • Comprehensive Community Service Hubs 1 activity
    • Operates regional service centers for families facing illness or loss
      Provides programs and services through regional hubs including the Lasko Family Service Center in South Florida and operations in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, supporting thousands of families annually.
  • Jewish Holiday and Shabbat Community Events 1 activity
    • Organizes community events and holiday celebrations
      Hosts holiday parties, family days, and annual events such as the Chanukah Party and Shabbaton to foster community connection and support for families impacted by illness and crisis.
  • After-School Academic and Enrichment Programs 1 activity
    • Provides afterschool and educational support programming
      Offers i-Shine afterschool programming and tutoring services for children facing illness or loss, providing educational and social support in structured settings.
  • Cancer Patient Financial and Practical Support 1 activity
    • Provides financial and insurance advocacy assistance
      Offers financial support through dedicated funds and provides insurance advocacy services to help families navigate medical costs and coverage challenges.
  • School-Based Mental Health and Family Support 1 activity
    • Provides psychosocial and emotional support programs for children and families
      Offers counseling, crisis intervention, and emotional support to children, families, and school communities affected by illness, trauma, or loss. Services include individualized case management, in-home support, and ongoing consultation following traumatic events.
  • Uncategorized 1 activity
    • Provides wigs through hair donations for children with medical conditions
      Accepts donated hair to create wigs for children with cancer and other conditions, aiming to improve self-esteem and reduce stigma associated with hair loss.
financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$32.83M
Contributions & grants$40.18M122%
Program service revenue$79K0%
Investment income$675K2%
Other revenue$-8.10M
expenses
Total expenses$32.32M
Program expenses83%
Admin / overhead8%
Fundraising9%
Salaries & benefits$15.27M
Grants paid out$1.18M
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$28.16M
Cash$1.46M
Investments$5K
Liabilities$8.64M
Net assets$19.52M
Liquid reserves0.5 mo
4 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +7.0%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024

Who runs it

paid leadership · 13
NameTitleHours/wkCompensation
STEPHEN SCHOLAR CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 50 $538K
ISRAEL FRIED BIKE4CHAI/ NJ EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 50 $448K
ESTHER BERGMAN CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER 50 $342K
ARYE ADEST DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 50 $340K
MORDECHAI E GOBIOFF DIRECTOR OF CLIENT SERVICE 50 $318K
MATTHEW YANIV CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER 50 $316K
ZEVY BAMBERGER DIRECTOR OF BIKE4CHAI 50 $301K
ABRAHAM M COHEN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 50 $293K
LEVI Y KATLOWITZ DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 50 $292K
NACHMAN MAIMON CAMP DIRECTOR 50 $288K
ELLIOT HALPERIN CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER 50 $236K
YOSEF ABRAHAM EVENT PRODUCER OF BIKE4CHAI 50 $227K
RANDI J GROSSMAN REGIONAL DIRECTOR 50 $202K
board members · 12
  • ABIE MALEH — BOARD MEMBER
  • ALAN SHAMAH — BOARD MEMBER
  • BARI ERBER — BOARD MEMBER
  • BRIAN HAIMM — BOARD MEMBER
  • DANIEL WEINGARTEN — BOARD MEMBER
  • DAVID KLEIN — SECRETARY
  • DAVID MANDELBAUM — BOARD MEMBER
  • ELI SCHRON — BOARD MEMBER
  • ELLIOT MOSKOWITZ — BOARD MEMBER
  • JOSEPH HAMMER — CHAIRMAN OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
  • MAYER FISCHL — BOARD MEMBER
  • MORDY ROTHBERG — CO-CHAIRMAN
relationships · 4

Who they work with

  • Chai Lifeline Network — New York/Greater Atlantic Region is the founding region and international headquarters of Chai Lifeline.
  • Chaim V'Chessed Partner — Partnered with Chai Lifeline to operate a crisis line serving the English-speaking community in Israel during wartime.
  • Nefesh, the International Network of Orthodox Jewish Mental Health Professionals Partner — Collaborated with Chai Lifeline to include crisis-related programming at the Nefesh Conference, including a presentation by Rabbi Dr. Dovid Fox on trauma from the Gaza war.
  • Senator John Fetterman Government — Visited Chai Lifeline's newly opened regional center in Jackson, NJ, engaging with staff, volunteers, and families benefiting from its services.
strategies · 10

How they approach the work

Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.

  • Creative Therapeutic and Symbolic Interventions
    methodology: creative_therapeutic_programming
    By combining professional case management with creative programming and symbolic acts like wig donation and holiday gift delivery, we produce psychological well-being and social integration because restoring dignity and joy counters the isolating effects of illness and trauma.
  • Creative and Therapeutic Engagement
    methodology: creative_therapeutic_programming
    By combining professional case management with creative therapeutic programming and symbolic acts like wig donation or holiday gift delivery, we support psychological well-being because restoring a sense of normalcy, dignity, and joy helps children and families cope with trauma and medical hardship.
  • Holiday-Centered Emotional Resilience
    methodology: holiday-centered support programming
    By delivering gifts and community connection during holidays, the organization combats isolation and fosters hope because ritual and timing-sensitive interventions amplify emotional impact during vulnerable moments.
  • Holistic Family Support Model
    methodology: holistic_family_support
    By addressing the emotional, social, and financial needs of families through integrated services, the organization produces more sustainable support outcomes during medical crisis or loss because treating these dimensions together reflects the interconnected reality of family trauma.
  • Individualized Case Management
    methodology: individualized_case_management
    By using professional case management to tailor ongoing support to each family’s unique needs, we produce more effective outcomes because personalized planning ensures relevance, continuity, and accountability in service delivery.
  • No-Cost Access Model
    methodology: no_cost_access
    By removing financial barriers through fully free programs and services, the organization increases access and reduces stress for families in crisis because economic pressure exacerbates trauma and limits help-seeking behavior.
  • Psychosocial Support Through Appearance
    methodology: psychosocial_support_through_appearance
    By providing wigs made from donated hair, the organization supports psychological well-being and social integration for children in treatment because restoring a sense of normalcy and identity helps mitigate the trauma of medical appearance changes.
  • Volunteer-Driven Relational Support
    methodology: relational_support_network
    By deploying rigorously trained paraprofessional volunteers to provide sustained, personalized assistance within families' homes and communities, we produce deeper engagement and continuity of care because relationships built on trust and cultural familiarity enhance psychosocial resilience.
  • Volunteer-Driven Relational Support
    methodology: relational_support_network
    By deploying rigorously trained volunteers into relational and home-based support roles, the organization produces deeper, sustained engagement because personal connection and community belonging are critical to healing during crisis.
  • Volunteer-Driven Relational Support
    methodology: relational_support_network
    By deploying rigorously trained volunteers in sustained relational and logistical roles, we produce deeper psychosocial support because ongoing, personalized connections foster trust and reduce isolation during prolonged medical crises.