activities · 6 groups
What they do
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Recognition and Awards Programs 1 activity
- Administering the Ellis Island Medal of HonorOrganizes and hosts the annual Ellis Island Medal of Honor ceremony to recognize Americans whose achievements, service, and commitment reflect the American spirit and honor their immigrant heritage; includes ceremonial elements such as the Posting of the Colors, musical performances, and honoree participation. The program has recognized distinguished individuals since 1986, including eight U.S. presidents.
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Israel and Jewish Heritage Educational Travel 1 activity
- Advocating for a National Day of Honor and RespectSupports and champions the introduction of H. Res. 1350, a bipartisan congressional resolution to designate September 17 as a National Day of Honor and Respect, promoting unity, tolerance, and mutual respect across cultural, ethnic, and religious lines.
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Charitable Grantmaking to Specific Causes 1 activity
- Funding scholarships and cultural programsCreates and supports scholarships focused on immigration, funds cultural events and programs across the United States, and mobilizes Medal recipients to raise funds for global disaster relief.
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Archaeological and Cultural Conservation 1 activity
- Managing a database of Medal recipientsMaintains and provides access to a searchable database of all Ellis Island Medal of Honor recipients from 1986 to the present, supporting historical and public engagement with the awardees.
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Industry and Community Recognition Awards 1 activity
- Presenting the Beacon Awards to young leadersHosts the annual Beacon Awards to recognize young leaders in New York City for their leadership and civic contributions, with ceremonies held since 2019 and scheduled through 2027.
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Uncategorized 1 activity
- Conducting public engagement and media activities around the Medal ceremonyConducts interviews with honorees and shares public reflections, such as poems from past medalists, to amplify themes of patriotism, heritage, and unity connected to the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$1.33M
Contributions & grants$2.74M206%
Program service revenue$00%
Investment income$71K5%
Other revenue$-1.48M
expenses
Total expenses$732K
Program expenses64%
Admin / overhead24%
Fundraising12%
Salaries & benefits$387K
Grants paid out$210K
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$3.19M
Cash$2.80M
Investments$0
Liabilities$65K
Net assets$3.13M
Liquid reserves45.9 mo
4 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue -67.2%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 2
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| KATHRYN HAAS | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $194K |
| MICHAEL COCA | DIR. OF MEDIA COMMS. | 40 | $131K |
board members · 19
- AMB NANCY BRINKER — DIRECTOR
- DR JAMES WEINSTEIN — DIRECTOR
- DR MEHMET OZ — VICE CHAIR
- EDUARDO DEL RIEGO — VICE CHAIR
- HON CHARLES RANGEL — DIRECTOR
- HON DAN BURTON — SECRETARY
- HON EUGENE SULLIVAN — RECORDING SECRETARY
- HON LOUIS FREEH — VICE CHAIR
- HOWARD SHECTER ESQ — DIRECTOR
- JENNIFER FISCHER — DIRECTOR
- JOHN SCARPA — TREASURER
- JOHN SCULLEY — DIRECTOR
- KAROL MASON — DIRECTOR
- KATHY ROTH-DOUQUET — DIRECTOR
- LTG GWEN BINGHAM USA — DIRECTOR
- MARTHA MACMILLAN — DIRECTOR
- NASSER KAZEMINY — CHAIRMAN & CEO
- WILLIAM POPE — VICE CHAIR
- YE-SAI-KAN — DIRECTOR
relationships · 12
Who they work with
- 82nd Airborne Division All-American Chorus Partner — Collaborated with the organization to perform at the 2026 Ellis Island Medals of Honor Ceremony.
- Charles Rangel Partner — Long-time member of the EIHS Board of Directors and husband of honoree Alma E. Rangel.
- Congressman Pete Sessions Government — Co-sponsored the introduction of H. Res. 1350, supported by EIHS.
- Congressman Tom Suozzi Government — Co-sponsored the introduction of H. Res. 1350, supported by EIHS.
- Ellis Island Government — Hosts the annual Ellis Island Medal of Honor ceremony on Ellis Island, maintaining a symbolic and operational connection to the historic site.
- House of Representatives Government — Expresses institutional support for the goals of the Ellis Island Honors Society through H.RES.1350.
- Lee Greenwood Partner — Performed "God Bless the USA" with the 82nd Airborne Division All-American Chorus at the 2026 Ellis Island Medals of Honor Ceremony.
- Monica Morales Partner — Hosted the Beacon Awards ceremony as an eight-time Emmy Award winner.
- Nasser J. Kazeminy Partner — Chairman of the Ellis Island Honors Society, providing leadership and governance.
- Peter Arnell Partner — 2007 Ellis Island Medalist who shared a poem with the organization reflecting on American ideals and patriotism.
- U.S. House of Representatives Government — Engaged in advocacy efforts by supporting the introduction of H. Res. 1350 in the House.
- Voto Latino Partner — Featured Maria Teresa Kumar, president and CEO of Voto Latino, as a speaker at the 2026 Ellis Island Medal of Honor ceremony.
strategies · 3
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.
- Civic Recognition as a Catalyst for National Unitymethodology: civic_recognitionBy publicly honoring individuals—particularly immigrants and young leaders—for their contributions, we strengthen civic understanding and national unity, because symbolic recognition fosters shared identity, inspires community engagement, and embodies the principle of E Pluribus Unum ("Out of many, one").
- Symbolic Commemoration to Strengthen Civic Unitymethodology: civic-unity-through-symbolic-recognitionBy advocating for and observing nationally recognized days of honor—such as September 17th and Labor Day—we foster reflection on shared American values, because collective commemoration provides a unifying ritual that transcends cultural and ethnic differences.
- Values-Based Storytelling to Promote Social Cohesionmethodology: values-based_storytellingBy featuring personal narratives and artistic expressions in ceremonies and communications, we promote mutual respect across diverse communities, because storytelling rooted in heritage, service, and unity makes abstract values tangible and fosters empathy and shared purpose.