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AMERICAN FRIENDS OF IDC
NEW YORK, NY · EIN 311577589 · Form 990 · FY2024 · NTEE Q113 · International Affairs · Medium ($1M-$10M) · aforu.org
revenue
$9.8M
expenses
$22.8M
net assets
$15.5M
employees
4
volunteers
25
program ratio
98%
mission · from form 990

TO ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO PURSUE THEIR PERSONAL DREAMS BE THEY IN BUSINESS, LAW, COMPUTER SCIENCE, GOVERNMENT, STRATEGY, DIPLOMACY, OR COMMUNICATIONS, WITHOUT FORGETTING THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO COMMUNITY, WHETHER LOCAL OR GLOBAL.

profile · synthesized from sources

American Friends of Reichman University (AFORU) supports Reichman University in Israel by raising funds and promoting its academic programs in the United States. The organization provides scholarships, supports research and academic initiatives, and facilitates recruitment of international students, particularly those seeking a Zionist-affirming, English-language higher education environment. It serves as a bridge for North American donors and students to engage with one of Israel’s leading social sciences universities.

irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2024

What they reported doing

  1. #1 primary $6.03M
    SCHOLARSHIPS TO ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO PURSUE HIGHER EDUCATION.
  2. #2 $11.08M
    GENERAL SUPPORT - PROVIDE SUPPORT TO REICHMAN UNIVERSITY'S OPERATING AND INFRASTRUCTURE GROWTH COSTS.
named programs · 5 · from sources

What they call their work

Israel At Heart Ethiopian Scholarship Program
Provides full tuition, living stipends, English lessons, tutoring, and advocacy training for Israeli students of Ethiopian descent
Jewish Life on Campus
Supports initiatives that strengthen Jewish identity and Zionist values within the university environment
Keren Or ("Ray of Light")
Offers access to higher education in business or computer science for students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds in Israel, using an alternative admissions process
Raphael Recanati International School Scholarship Program
Offers financial aid to international students enrolled in English-language undergraduate and graduate programs at Reichman University
Veterans of Elite IDF Units and Lone Soldiers Program
Provides preferential admissions and support for former IDF soldiers, especially those from elite units or who served as lone soldiers
activities · 7 groups

What they do

  • Israel and Jewish Heritage Educational Travel 2 activities
    • Develop future public and private sector leaders in Israel
      Supports initiatives that develop Israel's next generation of leaders with global competitiveness skills, preparing them for roles in public service and diplomacy.
    • Support access to higher education for underrepresented and disadvantaged student populations
      Provides targeted support for students of Ethiopian descent, including language support, tutoring, career assistance, public speaking training, and international speaking tours. Also offers preferential admission to former military personnel, especially commanders and officers from elite IDF units or with technological expertise, and supports students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds in Israel.
  • Youth Global Leadership & Model UN Programs 1 activity
    • Build leadership and diplomacy capacity among Israeli students
      Provides leadership and diplomacy training for Israeli students through theoretical and practical international programming, including delegations such as one conducted to Taiwan in collaboration with Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  • Alumni Community Building 1 activity
    • Engage alumni and supporters through events and outreach in the United States
      Organizes community events, alumni panel discussions, and exclusive gatherings such as a rooftop event in Bryant Park to connect alumni and friends, share campus updates, and promote Reichman University across U.S. cities.
  • International Student Recruitment & Academic Partnerships 1 activity
    • Expand access to higher education for international students through English-language programs
      Supports 2,000 full-time international students studying in English at Reichman University’s International School, providing access to higher education for non-Israelis and promoting the school through representation at U.S. conferences and events.
  • Support for Israeli Educational Institutions 1 activity
    • Fund academic and institutional development at Reichman University
      Supports Reichman University through funding for scholarships, capital projects, academic chairs, research institutes, Jewish life initiatives, and knowledge development on Israel’s policy challenges.
  • Financial Aid and Scholarship Access Programs 1 activity
    • Provide need-based financial aid and scholarships to students at Reichman University
      Offers need-based financial assistance to one in every six students at Reichman University, including full tuition scholarships, living stipends, and support services for students of Ethiopian background and international students facing financial challenges. The scholarship program has operated since 2001, using an alternative admissions process that excludes the standard Psychometric exam.
  • Military and Veteran Educational Support 1 activity
    • Support rehabilitation and integration of wounded IDF veterans and security forces into academic life
      Provides tuition-free education, personalized mentorship, rehabilitation support, and comprehensive wellness programs to severely injured IDF veterans and others coping with physical or invisible wounds. Actively supports their academic and social integration at Reichman University.
financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$9.80M
Contributions & grants$9.47M97%
Program service revenue$00%
Investment income$328K3%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$22.81M
Program expenses98%
Admin / overhead1%
Fundraising1%
Salaries & benefits$696K
Grants paid out$21.74M
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$15.57M
Cash$176K
Investments$2.38M
Liabilities$117K
Net assets$15.46M
Liquid reserves1.4 mo
4 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue -56.4%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024

Who runs it

paid leadership · 2
NameTitleHours/wkCompensation
LESLIE SKYBA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 40 $257K
AMY GROSS DIR. OF ADVANCEMENT 40 $168K
board members · 23
  • ALBERTO VITALE — BOARD MEMBER
  • ALLEN ROSESHINE — BOARD MEMBER
  • ANDREW LEWIN — BOARD MEMBER
  • ANDREW TAITZ — BOARD MEMBER
  • DANIEL JUSIDMAN — BOARD MEMBER
  • DAVID FINE — BOARD MEMBER
  • DEBORAH SLADE — BOARD MEMBER
  • ELI ELEFANT — BOARD MEMBER
  • GADI SLADE — BOARD MEMBER
  • GIDEON ARGOV — BOARD MEMBER
  • GIL TENZER — CHAIRMAN
  • GUY WELTSCH — BOARD MEMBER
  • JOANNE LANDAU — TREASURER
  • JOEY LOW — BOARD MEMBER
  • LAUREN CRAMER — SECRETARY
  • MARK GERSON — BOARD MEMBER
  • MENACHEM STERNBERG — BOARD MEMBER
  • MIRIAM ADELSON — BOARD MEMBER
  • NATHAN HEVRONY — BOARD MEMBER
  • ROBERT BLUM — BOARD MEMBER
  • RONALD LAUDER — BOARD MEMBER
  • ROY RASKIN — BOARD MEMBER
  • STEPHANIE SEBAG — BOARD MEMBER
relationships · 18

Who they work with

  • Israeli consulates Partner — Endorse and host speaking tours for students in the Israel At Heart Ethiopian Scholarship Program
  • Israeli embassies Partner — Endorse and host speaking tours for students in the Israel At Heart Ethiopian Scholarship Program
  • Joey Low Partner — Provided vision and funding to launch the Israel at Heart Outstanding Ethiopian Students Program and remains a steadfast supporter
  • Jonathan Davis Partner — Tirelessly champions the Israel at Heart Outstanding Ethiopian Students Program and shares its story with donors and supporters
  • Raphael Recanati International School Partner — Academic unit promoted by American Friends of IDC in the United States.
  • Raphael Recanati International School Partner — U.S. recruitment and financial aid operations are supported by AFORU staff.
  • Reichman University Partner — Collaborates to support alumni relations and share campus updates with North American alumni.
  • Reichman University Partner — Collaborates with Reichman University to engage alumni and supporters in the United States.
  • Reichman University Partner — Collaborates with Reichman University to support student programs and host events
  • Reichman University Partner — Collaborates with Reichman University, specifically through the Raphael Recanati International School, to provide educational opportunities for students transferring from hostile academic environments.
  • Reichman University Partner — Partners with Reichman University to support the integration of IDF wounded veterans into academic life.
  • Reichman University Partner — Primary institution administering scholarship programs funded and supported by AMERICAN FRIENDS OF IDC
  • Reichman University Partner — Primary institution supported and represented by American Friends of IDC.
  • Reichman University Partner — Primary institution supported by AMERICAN FRIENDS OF IDC, providing education and healing programs for injured students.
  • Reichman University Partner — Primary institution supported by American Friends of Reichman University.
  • Reichman University Partner — Primary institutional partner; AFORU supports its academic and strategic programs in the United States.
  • Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Partner — Collaborated with to organize a delegation to Taiwan for leadership and diplomacy training.
  • U.S. Alumni Association Partner — Cosponsors events with the U.S. Alumni Association to connect graduates and friends of Reichman University.
strategies · 5

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.

  • Barrier-Free Admissions
    methodology: barrier_free_admissions
    By replacing standardized testing with workshops and personal interviews, we identify and admit qualified students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, because rigid exam-based admissions systematically exclude capable learners.
  • Education as Healing
    methodology: education-as-healing
    By integrating education into recovery programs, we support the healing of wounded veterans and trauma-affected students, because structured academic engagement fosters psychological resilience, social reconnection, and purpose.
  • Global Access Through Language
    methodology: global_access_through_language
    By offering an English-language curriculum, we expand access to higher education for non-Israeli and at-risk Jewish students, because language inclusion enables both academic opportunity and safe educational alternatives in times of rising hostility.
  • Holistic Support with Advocacy Training
    methodology: holistic_support_with_advocacy_training
    By providing comprehensive academic, financial, and leadership support to Ethiopian-Israeli students, we ensure their academic success and empower public advocacy, because sustained inclusion requires both access and voice.
  • Independent University Model
    methodology: independent_university_model
    By operating as Israel's first non-government funded university, we drive educational innovation and institutional competition, prioritizing student needs over bureaucratic constraints.