Dear Friends,
Every year brings new challenges and opportunities for our community. This past year asked us to do more than respond to crises and current events. It called on us to help shape the future of Jewish Greater Philadelphia, together.
Last year’s Annual Report highlighted how we came together after Oct. 7, confronted rising antisemitism, supported Israel and strengthened essential services at home.
This year, we built on that foundation through four deliberate practices: convening, listening, imagining and building.
We began by convening agency leaders, rabbis, educators, donors, grassroots organizers and community members. These gatherings created space for honest dialogue, broader participation and deeper collaboration across our community.
We then listened. We heard from parents concerned about safety in schools, older adults and Holocaust Survivors whose needs are evolving, and teens and young adults searching for belonging. We also heard from educators, social workers, clergy and donors. This work required humility and helped us better understand the complexity of our community’s needs and hopes.
Together, we imagined what a vibrant Jewish future could look like. A community where Jewish education is accessible to all families, older adults and Survivors receive the care they deserve, security protects our institutions, Israel engagement is grounded in connection and understanding, and agencies collaborate to strengthen the whole community. Through the Jewish Community Foundation, we are also building long-term sustainability through legacy and planned giving.
Our Mission
Since 1901, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia has mobilized resources to support the Jewish community’s most pressing needs locally, in Israel and around the world. We are committed to creating a bright future for Jewish People everywhere.
Here As One: Highlighting a Year of Community
An event is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the community, learn about the important work that is being done locally and around the world, and connect with Jewish life.
In 2025 the Jewish Federation hosted 181 events that brought out over 7,000 people. These programs were led by the Jewish Federation’s various departments, including the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), Jewish Federation Real Estate (JFRE), NextGen, Women of Vision (WOV), Women’s Philanthropy and the neighborhood Kehillot groups.
Jewish Federation Investment Overview
Investment for Fiscal Year 2025
$0
The Jewish Federation invested $66 million into the community in Greater Philadelphia, Israel and around the world. As the largest Jewish philanthropic entity in the region, the Jewish Federation is uniquely positioned to thoroughly vet its grantees on how they address need and align with the organization’s three pillars:
- Caring for Those in Need Locally,
- Supporting Israel and Global Jewry, and
- Securing a Vibrant Jewish Future.
Operating Costs in Fiscal Year 2025
You can trust that your dollars go further with us. The Jewish Federation has earned a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator, and operates on just 12 cents per dollar. In fact, Charity Navigator recognizes organizations that spend less than 20 cents to raise a dollar as highly efficient – a standard we’re proud to exceed.
Caring for Those in Need Locally
We are committed to the Jewish value of “love your neighbor as thyself” or “Ve’ahavta le’reyakha kamokha.” In enacting this vision of advancing the lives of those who are underrepresented, at-risk, and struggling, we fund and collaborate with partner agencies that lead holistic socioeconomic initiatives that help people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
Priority Areas
Self-Sufficiency
Self-Sufficiency
Programs that promote independence.Food Security and Basic Needs
Food Security and Basic Needs
Programs that provide free or affordable meals, food packages, and essential services to individuals and families in need.Older Adults and Holocaust Survivors
Older Adults and Holocaust Survivors
Programs focused on providing assistance and support to those over the age of 60 that are related to health and wellbeing.0
individuals facing poverty served in Greater Philadelphia
0+
Holocaust Survivors served in Greater Philadelphia
0+
people with disabilities served in Greater Philadelphia
In The Spotlight
The Jewish Federation's Mitzvah Food Program
Since 1996, the Mitzvah Food Program has served food insecure individuals and families in Greater Philadelphia. Operating out of four pantry sites in Old York Road, Main Line, Bucks County and Northeast, recipients can select their own fresh, frozen and nonperishable food with kosher options through a points system that incentivizes healthier eating. By utilizing a choice-based model, the Mitzvah Food Program recognizes that those in need may have cultural, health or personal preferences that make prepackaged food boxes unsuitable.
0 M
pounds of fresh, frozen and nonperishable food provided
0+
clients served
0+
volunteer hours
Jewish Community Fund Grantees
Supporting Israel and Global Jewry
We uphold the Jewish value of “All Jews are responsible for one another” or “Kol Yisrael arevim zeh la-zeh.” In enacting this vision of being connected with the Jewish homeland and to Jews around the world, we form deep-rooted, global partnerships. The Jewish Federation funds organizations in Israel that enhance Jewish life and pride, provide basic needs, integrate marginalized societies, and deploy rescue and relief services in times of crisis.
Priority Areas
Religious Pluralism
Religious Pluralism
Programs that create opportunities for education on and expression of a variety of Jewish identities in Israel.Social Cohesion and Inclusion
Social Cohesion and Inclusion
Programs that equip marginalized Israelis with 21st-century skills while fostering social cohesion through workforce integration. By uniting diverse communities, these initiatives promote cross-cultural understanding, reduce economic inequality through accessible training and education, and strengthen Israel’s social fabric.Food Security and Basic Needs
Food Security and Basic Needs
Programs that provide free meals, food packages, medicine, socialization to reduce loneliness, and other basic necessities to those in need, including families, elderly, and Holocaust Survivors.Engaging with Israel and Global Jewry
Engaging with Israel and Global Jewry
Programs that connect local individuals with Jewish communities around the world, specifically in the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Partnership2Gether regions of Netivot and Sdot Negev. Programs that support Jewish communities globally.Older Adults and Holocaust Survivors
Older Adults and Holocaust Survivors
Programs focused on providing assistance and support to those over the age of 60 that are related to health and wellbeing.0
older adults in Israel and globally received basic needs, coordinated care and socialization
0
Israelis connected to Jewish life across the denominations
0
Ethiopian Israelis acquired services to enhance Jewish life and career advancement
In The Spotlight
The Jewish Federation Israel Team
The Jewish Federation’s full-time team in Israel meets regularly with organizations, leaders and community members in our Partnership2Gether area of Netivot and Sdot Negev, which border Gaza in the south of Israel. They aim to build trust and to effectively understand their unique needs to maximize our local community’s investment for lasting impact.
0+
years of partnership with Sdot Negev and Netivot in the south of Israel
0
in Sdot Negev, home to 11,000 residents, being rebuilt since Oct. 7
Jewish Community Fund Grantees
Securing a Vibrant Jewish Future
We firmly believe that Jewish continuity relies on passing on the ancient traditions and the historic resiliency of the Jewish people onto the next generation – L’dor v’dor. In enacting this vision of creating a vibrant Jewish future, we fund organizations that provide opportunities for the local community to connect with each other and to their Jewish heritage. In addition to supporting these institutions, we also protect them by providing security resources at no cost while enhancing the community’s ability to stand up to Jewish hate through trainings and educational programs.
Priority Areas
Jewish Education
Jewish Education
Support educational institutions that provide opportunities for individuals to increase their knowledge about Judaism, Jewish history and texts.Jewish Engagement
Jewish Engagement
Support initiatives that connect people to their Jewish identity, foster a sense of community, and focus on creating inclusive and welcoming Jewish spaces around shared values or identities.Combating Antisemitism and Ensuring Communal Security
Combating Antisemitism and Ensuring Communal Security
Coordinate programs that address the unprecedented rise in Jewish hate and initiatives that protect the Jewish community and its congregations, schools, agencies and other institutions against increasing threat.0
college students connected to Jewish life through five Hillels
$0
in scholarships for 38 local Jewish day and overnight camps
0
people participated in programs that strengthen Jewish identity
In The Spotlight
Combating Antisemitism & Ensuring Communal Security
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia works to protect the safety, dignity and future of the Jewish community. Through advocacy, education, and strategic partnerships the Jewish Federation leads efforts to confront rising hate through its Center to Combat Antisemitism. In addition, the Jewish Federation partners with the Secure Community Network (SCN) – the official safety and security organization for the Jewish community in North America – to serve as a regional security hub, providing resources, training and guidance to ensure Jewish institutions and individuals can live openly and without fear.
$0M
secured in grant funding for 51 organizations to address security issues
0
campers, students and staff were protected through trainings conducted in the summer of 2025
0+
faith-based and secular organizations formed a coalition to combat antisemitism and all forms of hate
Jewish Community Fund Grantees
Spotlight
Israel Emergency Support
Following Oct. 7, hundreds of thousands of Israelis were suddenly displaced as communities in Southern Israel faced unprecedented devastation. Families fled with little more than the clothes they were wearing, and critical infrastructure – including medical facilities and community centers – was left damaged or destroyed. Entire regions were left without reliable access to healthcare, safe shelter, or basic services.
In response, the Jewish Federation acted swiftly to provide emergency relief, delivering essential supplies and immediate support. As urgent needs evolved, the focus of Israel Emergency Support expanded to include the restoration and rebuilding of medical facilities, rehabilitation of damaged land and community spaces, and long term recovery efforts designed to help affected regions heal and rebuild stronger than before.
Priority Areas
Basic Needs
Basic Needs
Immediate relief for those displaced or affected by the conflict, including food, shelter and essential supplies.Mental Health and Trauma Support
Mental Health and Trauma Support
Comprehensive mental health and trauma support for individuals and families, helping them rebuild a sense of normalcy and security.Security and Medical Needs
Security and Medical Needs
Strengthening community safety through enhanced security measures and ensuring access to medical resources and emergency care.Recovery and Rebuilding
Recovery and Rebuilding
Long-term rebuilding initiatives and essential community services in the hardest hit areas.Recipients of Emergency Funds
Jewish Community Foundation
The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Philadelphia, a branch of the Jewish Federation, serves as a world-class philanthropic partner for individuals and families seeking to create lasting impact through planned giving. Steadfast in its commitment to delivering tailored, high-touch service to both donors and institutions, it works alongside its supporters to build a future where the next generation can cultivate Jewish pride, deepen their connection to community, practice their faith freely, and respond with strength and resilience to the challenges ahead. To ensure that our Jewish community always has a safety net, we have launched an endowment campaign to secure the resources needed to sustain and strengthen our community for generations to come.
Jewish Community Foundation Overview
Funds Under Management Over the Years
Total Funds Under Management
$0
TOTAL
Endowment and Donor Advised Fund Distributions for Fiscal Year 2025
$0
TOTAL
Jewish Federation Donor Advised Fund Grants for Fiscal Year 2025
$0
TOTAL
Agency Accounts: Investment accounts for local synagogues and organizations
Donor Advised Funds: Charitable investment accounts in which donors contribute cash or stock and receive an immediate charitable tax deduction while maintaining advisory privileges over fund distributions
Unrestricted Funds: Funds available for general purposes or broad purposes within Jewish Federation’s priority areas
Restricted Funds: Funds which are restricted in purpose to specific organizations, social service agencies, or synagogues; funds which provide scholarships and interest-free loans to students; or funds which are administered by a committee
Top 10 Jewish Organizations Supported Through Donor Advised Fund Grants
Top 10 Secular Organizations Supported Through Donor Advised Fund Grants
0
endowment funds, supporting various areas of impact such as annual campaign, Israel, and Jewish education
0
Donor Advised Fund accounts for individuals and families, and Agency Funds for community partners
$0Million
raised in endowment contributions and future commitments over two years
Thank You!
Thank you for your commitment to this shared work. Together, we are ensuring Jewish continuity – donate, volunteer or join an upcoming event by visiting jewishphilly.org.
Jewish Federation Leadership
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia Board
- Mark Fishman*, Board Co-Chair
- Michele S. Levin*, Board Co-Chair
- Michael P. Markman*, Immediate Past Board Chair
- Michael Balaban*, President and CEO
- George J. Danneman*, Campaign Co-Chair
- Holly Nelson*, Campaign Co-Chair
- Karen Kramer*, Jewish Community Foundation Co-Chair
- Susanna Lachs Adler*, Jewish Community Foundation Co-Chair
- Michael Heller*, Governance and Nominations Chair
- Julie Savitch*, Community Impact Committee Chair
- Richard J. Green*, Senior Vice Chair and Secretary
- Andrew L. Cherry*, Treasurer
- Caren Barnet, At-Large Member
- Dan Berger, At-Large Member
- Harris L. Devor, At-Large Member
- Mindy Fortin, At-Large Member
- David G. Gold, At-Large Member
- Amir Goldman, At-Large Member
- Jonathan S. Goldman, At-Large Member
- Cristy B. Hollin, At-Large Member
- Marjorie Honickman, At-Large Member
- Adam E. Laver, At-Large Member
- Jason A. Morgan, At-Large Member
- Milton S. Schneider, At-Large Member
- Susan G. Schwartz, At-Large Member
- Danielle Weiss, At-Large Member
- *Executive Committee
Executive Leadership
- Michael Balaban, President and CEO
Jennifer M. Brier, Esq., Chief Planned Giving Officer - Nick DiCaro, Senior Chief, Finance and Operations
Rebecca Etter, Chief Brand Officer - Melissa Gabillon, Chief Human Resources Officer
Jason Holtzman, Chief of Jewish Community Relations Council - Jeffrey Lasday, Senior Chief of External Affairs
Sarah B. Solomon, Chief Development Officer


