I did contracting work for this organization on 2 different occasions for 2 different departments and both times had to contact them every 2 weeks for 4 months straight to receive my compensation. EVERYTHING was wrong with the process. 1st they didn't know which forms should I fill out as an independent contractor, than they just kept saying to wait 10-15 business days, than they had issues with direct deposit, after there was just no more excuses left and yet check was not being mailed out. With only 1 payment received I am still submitting my complaint to the Department of Labor.
This whole embarrassing mess just speaks volume.
Unfortunately big non profits eventually get disconnected from the mission and the people they set out to serve. The primary motivation becomes to exist for the sake of existence. This unfortunately seems to be what is happening with JDC. They start to function like big corporations, develop revenue generating businesses that later start acting like commercial entities. In case of JDC, they created AJJDC Real Estate Company. In Odessa, Ukraine, AJJDC just evicted the only remaining Jewish school for failure to pay rent during the pandemic shut down ordered in Ukraine. 50 kids every year, who used to receive Jewish education were forced to settle for non-Jewish schooling. Sure, commercial real estate companies are expected to behave this way, but not charity supported organization. If you want to operate a commercial entity, do that, and stop collecting donations from people who think that their donations will serve some good.
I am a current staff member of JDC, working in the HR department. My experience here is that JDC does incredible work, in large part because they invest in their staff. Folks are less likely to get burnt out here than at other nonprofits because many of them have manageable hours, and they are provided excellent benefits and great support.
In terms of the work itself, JDC has been doing this work for over 100 years and knows it inside out. They are a surprisingly adaptable organization for being such a large and long-lasting institution, adapting to the needs and resources of the time. I appreciate their careful evaluation process. When considering what projects to focus on each year, JDC considers where it falls in our expertise, who else is doing the work, how much we specifically can make an impact, and who is the most in need. Overall I have been very impressed with JDC during my time here, and the impact they have on Jews in need all around the world is remarkable.
Serious & brilliant. JDC has a smart approach to supporting underserved Jews and supporting Jewish learning and heritage. They work to enhance the lives of Jews in areas that have had little support. They do not impose litmus tests but, instead, meet Jews (worldwide) where they are and respond to their needs