JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES OF GREATER CHARLESTON

Financials

From the e-filed returns the IRS publishes as XML (latest three processing years; amended returns replace the original). PDF copies at the IRS.

Officers, directors and key employees

As listed on the 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025, highest compensation first.

Address and contacts

Address (IRS master file)

176 CROGHAN SPUR RD STE 103, CHARLESTON, SC 29407-7564

In care of

% SARA CHESLEY

Principal officer (990 for 2025)

Elliott Lessen, 176 Croghan Spur Rd Ste 103, Charleston, SC 29407

Signed the 990

Elliott Lessen, Treasurer

Phone

(843) 614-6494

Website

https://charlestonjfs.com/

Return prepared by

Glaser and Company LLC

Mission

To empower individuals, strengthen families, protect the vulnerable and help seniors age with dignity. Our work is based on Jewish values to improve quality of life regardless of race, religion, ethnic background, sexual orientation, or gender identity. JFS is guided by the fundamental Jewish values of tzedakah (charity) and tikkun olam (repair of the world).

Program accomplishments

• Senior Outreach Initiative Jewish Family Services offers services and resource referrals through the Senior Outreach Initiative for older adults in greater Charleston. JFS seeks to maintain the independence and dignity of senior adults, while keeping them connected to Jewish traditions and community. Our friendly staff provide the following services to assist seniors and their family and caregivers: Resources and referrals to the appropriate local agencies.Comprehensive assessments Assistance in navigating senior benefits Home and long-term care visitations Jewish-themed gatherings at senior living residences Wellness visits Holocaust Survivor Support JFS also provides Holocaust survivors with critical financial resources that they need to live with dignity.
  Expenses $178,196 · grants $13,532 · revenue $8,505
• Emergency Financial Assistance Emergency Financial Services offers financial assistance to individuals and families in greater Charleston. Jewish history and values guide our work; therefore, we have a responsibility to meet the particular needs of the Jewish community while also providing services to people of all backgrounds. We assist people in the Jewish and broader communities to achieve stability and well-being by providing food, financial assistance and social support services. Kosher Food Pantry Since its creation, the Kosher Food Pantry (KFP) has contributed to the response to hunger in the greater Charleston community. The KFP reflects our commitment to the Jewish values of tzedakah (charity) and tikkun olam (repair of the world) and to serving community members in need with kavod (respect). Jewish Education Loan Fund JELF funded 396 Jewish students at over 100 different college and universities with a total of $1,933,235 in interest-free loans. In 2025, students from the Charleston area and received $2,000. JELF is proud that it's 100% interest-free loans for higher education (college, graduate school and vocational programs) helped more Jewish students with more loans and larger average loans than ever before. To qualify for a JELF loan, a student applicant must be: A permanent resident of FL, GA, SC, NC, and VA (excluding the greater DC area) - but can go to any U.S. accredited school Enrolled full time in a program leading to a degree or certificate and in good academic standing A U.S. citizen or have lawful immigration status Able to provide a designated co-signer Able to demonstrate financial need (FAFSA application required) The need for student loans is more important now than ever before. New statistics report that since 1980, the cost of college tuition has gone up 260% for both public and private four-year colleges. By contrast, inflation rates have only risen by 2.7%. This is why approximately 43 million Americans collectively owe $1.5 trillion in federal student loan debt, plus an estimated $119 billion in private student loans. JELF's loans go beyond paying for rising tuition cost. They also help cover the educational and living expenses that other financial aid doesn't offer, such as travel, rent, food and books. As a result, JELF's no-interest loans help borrowers save thousands of dollars in high-interest bearing debt. As one recent "JELFie" put it, "JELF's gift is truly in the savings." While there are many organizations that provide interest-free loans, JELF is distinct in that it is the only Jewish organization in the U.S. focused exclusively on higher education. Students and their families can apply online at JELF.org starting March 1. The application will then be open until April 30th with supporting documents being due a week later. "My college journey was made possible by JELF," says Joshua Klafter, a recent JELF loan recipient. "I can't express how appreciative I am for its existence." In addition to being funded by support from individual donors and family foundations, JELF is proud to boast a 99% repayment rate. It's a sign that the community strongly believes that money should not stand between a student and the education that he or she needs to excel in life. Since 1961, JELF has provided more than $12.5 million in the form of over 4,500 loans. Jewish Free Loans To provide members of our Jewish community financial loans to help them meet unexpected financial challenges, or assistance with the cost to engage in Jewish life. Jewish or "Hebrew" Free Loan Associations have been providing interest-free loans to individuals across North America for over a century. There is a recognition that sometimes life throws a wrench in one's plans, and that the support of the community can make the difference in how one is able to meet that challenge. Jewish Family Services (JFS) is excited to embark on a new initiative for helping individuals and families in the Charleston community-Jewish Free Loans of Charleston. Supporting one another through "life's ups and downs," we ensure the strength and vitality of our community now and into the future. Eligibility Applicants must: Identify as being Jewish Be 18 years of age or older Demonstrate financial need Have a Co-signer (Two co-signers if the loan is over $2000) Have lived in the Charleston or Greater Charleston area for at least one Year
  Expenses $147,748 · grants $109,215

What it must file and when

IRS records say it files Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N. Its accounting year ends in December, so each return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after that.

IRS record

EIN

85-3901332

Tax-exempt status

501(c)(3): Charitable, religious, educational or scientific organization

Foundation status

Publicly supported organization (170(b)(1)(A)(vi))

Donations deductible (Pub 78)

Public charity, 50% deduction limit

Exempt since

2021

Accounting year ends

December

Files

Form 990 or 990-EZ

Category (NTEE)

Human services (P50)

Assets (IRS master file)

$686,899

Income (IRS master file)

$551,864

Filing history

990-N: the IRS bulk file holds only the latest e-Postcard per organization; earlier years come from archived copies of that file since 2020 and can have gaps (the IRS e-Postcard search lists every one). 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-T: every e-filed return in the IRS e-file index since 2019; XML for the latest three processing years, amounts from the IRS Statistics of Income extracts before that. PDF copies and determination letters at the IRS (search EIN 85-3901332).

Questions about JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES OF GREATER CHARLESTON

What is the EIN of JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES OF GREATER CHARLESTON?

The employer identification number (EIN) of JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES OF GREATER CHARLESTON is 85-3901332.

Is JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES OF GREATER CHARLESTON tax-exempt?

Yes. The IRS lists it as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) since 2021.

Are donations to JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES OF GREATER CHARLESTON tax-deductible?

Yes. It is listed in IRS Publication 78 (Public charity, 50% deduction limit).

Which annual return does JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES OF GREATER CHARLESTON file?

Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N.

When is the next return of JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES OF GREATER CHARLESTON due?

The return for tax year 2026 (the year ending December 31, 2026) is due May 17, 2027. Form 8868 extends it by six months; the 990-N cannot be extended.

When did JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES OF GREATER CHARLESTON last file with the IRS?

The latest return in the IRS public files is the 990 for the year ended December 2025.

Who is the principal officer of JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES OF GREATER CHARLESTON?

The 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025 names Elliott Lessen.

Who are the officers and directors of JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES OF GREATER CHARLESTON?

The 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025 lists 8 people; 1 received compensation from the organization, the highest $85,000 (Miriam Jones, CEO).

How much revenue does JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES OF GREATER CHARLESTON have?

On its 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025 it reported revenue of $551,864, expenses of $434,279 and total assets of $686,899 at year end.

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