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 FY28: SECURITY
The JFRE Fund provides grants to Jewish-focused non-profits specifically for real estate and capital improvement needs. For Fiscal Year 2028, 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
- Oct. 19, 2026: Request for proposals window for FY28 opens
- Nov. 19, 2026: Deadline for FY28 submissions
- Late January/February 2027: JFRE’s Allocations Committee reviews proposals
- April 2027: JFRE’s Executive Committee makes final recommendations
- June/July 2027: Notification and compliance submission
- September 2027: 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.
- December 2028: Final grant report due. Any projects that are not completed will forfeit the second half of the grant.
FUNDING CONSIDERATIONS
- Impact on community: Preference for projects that benefit the largest number of people, especially those serving at-risk or vulnerable populations.
- Leveraged funding: Projects that use a JFRE grant to secure additional internal or external support, such as other grants, private donations, or institutional investments.
- Catalyst for improvement: Initiatives that not only strengthen the applicant organization but also encourage further development or investment in the surrounding community.
- Gap funding: Priority is given to projects with funding gaps not fully covered by federal, state, or other available streams (such as FEMA or PCCD), or to organizations that have demonstrated good-faith efforts to secure these resources. Please note that JFRE funds cannot be utilized as a bridge loan.
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 will be considered on a limited basis for specific 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
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.
How To Apply
Grant applications are now closed. Please check back for more information. For questions, contact jfre@jewishphilly.org.
For more information
If you are a nonprofit organization interested in a JFRE Fund grant, please contact jfre@jewishphilly.org.