The Jewish Federation Real Estate (JFRE) Fund significantly contributes toward tangible and enduring capital needs aligned with the Jewish Federation’s priorities.
The JFRE Fund supports capital projects that allow for a new acquisition, new construction, a substantial expansion, or rehabilitation of an existing service/construction or the replacement or renovation of a deteriorated capital asset. Projects that enhance the quality of Jewish community life, link the Jewish community with its heritage, contribute to usable community infrastructure, or serve as a resource for children, youth, and adults are strongly encouraged.
The JFRE Fund is seeking qualified funding opportunities to support the Jewish communities in the Greater Philadelphia region. Israeli agencies seeking JFRE funding will be considered on an invite-only basis. To see JFRE’s capital projects, click here.
FOCUS AREA FOR FY27: SECURITY
The JFRE Fund provides grants to Jewish-focused non-profits specifically for real estate and capital improvement needs. For FY27, JFRE is prioritizing grants for security-related projects aimed at enhancing the safety for those utilizing the funded properties. Examples include the installation of security cameras and related technology, reinforced windows, doors, and points of access, and the construction of guard stations, fencing, or other security-related capital improvements.
Non-security related proposals may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to jfre@jewishphilly.org before submitting a proposal.
GRANT AMOUNT
Grants will be in the range of $10,000 to $50,000 with larger grants possible under unique circumstances.
IMPORTANT DATES
- Sept. 11, 2025: JFRE Grants Process Information Session
- Oct. 20, 2025: Request for proposals window for FY27 opens
- Nov. 20, 2025: Deadline for FY27 submissions
- Late January/February 2026: JFRE’s Allocations Committee reviews proposals
- March 2026: JFRE’s Executive Committee makes final recommendations
- June 2026: Grant award recipients will be notified
- September 2026: JFRE award recipients will receive the first half of their awarded amount at the beginning of the fiscal year, pending approval of all required compliance documentation. Grantees must submit a project report to receive the second and final disbursement. The report will include, but is not limited to, pictures, invoices and receipts associated with the project.
FUNDING CONSIDERATIONS
- Grants will be provided exclusively for real estate and capital improvement projects; funding will not be provided to support security personnel, security training, or operational deficits.
- Projects where the JFRE grant positively impacts the largest number and serves the most at-risk populations will be prioritized.
- JFRE seeks to support projects where the nonprofit is leveraging a JFRE grant to secure additional internal and/or external funding and to facilitate or encourage further investment/improvement in the immediate area by others. Priority will be given to organizations that have demonstrated efforts to secure funding from FEMA, PA PCCD, or other funding sources, and to projects that are ineligible or not covered by said funding.
ELIGIBILITY
- Local projects must be based in one of the five counties of Greater Philadelphia (Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Montgomery, or Delaware). Jewish overnight camps in the Poconos region are also welcome to apply.
- Israel projects must be located within our partnership region of Netivot and Sdot Negev and are on an invite only basis. Israel projects outside of our partnership region will be considered on a limited basis and only under extenuating circumstances.
- Pennsylvania organizations must have their own IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt designation.
- Israeli organizations must be a registered Amuta with Rasham Ha’amotot and maintain its Malkar status.
The JFRE Fund invests in real estate, capital improvements, and infrastructure projects. JFRE does not provide funds for operating expenses or administrative overhead.
The JFRE Fund invests in one-time, non-recurring, projects. However, if the project takes several years to complete, JFRE may issue multi-year grants.
Funds from JFRE can be used as seed capital to attract further grants, but projects must be ready to commence within six months of the JFRE grant being awarded.
If the project is security related, Philadelphia-based organizations must have completed a security review with one of the Jewish Federation’s SCN Security Directors Scott Kerns or Cortney Voorhees prior to the grant being issued. JFRE will rely on the security review to determine eligibility.
APPLICATIONS
Applications must include the following elements:
- Project summary
- Project budget (including sources of cost estimates and an itemized list)
- Description of efforts to secure funding from alternative sources (including government grants)
- Any existing security assessment that was prepared within the last three years
Applications and supporting information are due by Sunday, Nov. 20.
ADDITIONAL JFRE FUND INFORMATION
JFRE may support and separately fundraise for large projects that exceed our criteria but are extremely compelling, resonate with our membership, and provide an opportunity for donors to rally around a unique effort. The support must be for a real estate or capital improvement project, but the project does not have to be security related. An example is JFRE’s fundraising support of the Horwitz-Wasserman Holocaust Memorial Plaza in Philadelphia.
For more information
If you are a nonprofit organization interested in a JFRE Fund grant, please contact jfre@jewishphilly.org.