We firmly believe in the Jewish value of “Ve’ahavta le’reyakha kamokha” or “Love Your Neighbor As Thyself.”
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 and services that help people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.
Fiscal Year 2025 Allocation Summary
Out of the Jewish Federation’s $71 million total investment, the organization awarded nearly $2.3 million through the Jewish Community Fund to programs and initiatives that fall under the purview of Caring for Those in Need Locally. These funds make a significant impact within the Greater Philadelphia community to ensure food security, safe housing, financial independence and appropriate support for aging with dignity.
Impact in the priority area of Caring for Those in Need Locally is also made through other Jewish Federation grant processes (including the Bernard and Etta Weinberg Family Fund, Chair’s Venture Fund, Jewish Federation Real Estate Fund, Justin P. Allman President’s Fund, Women of Vision Fund) and special funds.
Priority areas
Caring for Those in Need Locally is one of the Jewish Federation’s three pillars that are guided by Jewish values and which are the basis of our funded projects. You can discover the priority areas for Caring for Those in Need Locally below.
Programs that support independence.
Programs that provide free or low cost meals or food packages to adults and families unable to access enough food on their own.
Programs focused on providing assistance and support to those over the age of 60 related to health and wellbeing.
Fiscal Year 2025 jcf grantee recipients
You can find the JCF grant recipients under the Caring for Those in Need Locally pillar, their awarded amounts and descriptions below.
Abramson Senior Care
JCF FY25: $50,000
Abramson Senior Care provides personalized care for seniors, so they are able to stay safe and be healthy in their homes for as long as possible. Abramson is a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach benefiting individuals who suffer from a complex illness, chronic symptoms or difficulty completing everyday tasks. They also offer healthcare management services that offer individualized care plans, family care discussions, and emotional and psychosocial support, such as the GUIDE model for dementia care. To learn more about Abramson Senior Care, click here.
Dignified Burial Association
JCF FY25: $20,000
The Dignified Burial Association ensures proper burials for members of our Jewish community for whom this would not otherwise be possible — a mitzvah of the highest order. These funds were allocated to the Female Hebrew Benevolent Society which oversees this work.
Dinah
JCF FY25: $50,000
FY25 funds from other Jewish Federation Grants: $36,000 from the Women of Vision Endowment Fund
Dinah provides legal resources to survivors of domestic abuse in the Jewish community of Greater Philadelphia. Dinah provides community education workshops around domestic abuse in the Jewish community, participates in local, state and federal advocacy efforts, provides quality legal consultation to anyone who needs it, connect clients who are seeking Protection from Abuse Orders in the 5-county area (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia) with volunteer legal representation, and more.To learn more about Dinah, click here.
Federation Housing
JCF FY25: $25,000
FY25 funds from other Jewish Federation Grants: $35,896 from the JFRE Fund
Federation Housing provides much-needed affordable housing communities and services that empower low-and-moderate-income seniors to live independently and with an enhanced quality of life. They develop and manage quality, independent living communities for residents of all faiths and provide services that substantially enhance their residents’ physical and emotional well being. To learn more about Federation Housing, click here.
Hebrew Free Loan Society of Greater Philadelphia
JCF FY25: $75,000
Hebrew Free Loan Society helps those living in Greater Philadelphia with temporary financial need by offering no interest, no fee loans. They lend loans for post-secondary education, fertility treatments, day care and pre-school, medical and dental expenses, starting a new business and more. To learn more about Hebrew Free Loan Society, click here.
JEVS Human Services
JCF FY25: $240,000
FY25 funds from other Jewish Federation Grants: $30,000 from the Weinberg Family Fund
JEVS Human Services works with individuals to create sustainable paths to independence and economic security. Their programs include specialized job training and individualized assistance to older adults and people with disabilities. To learn more about JEVS, click here
Jewish Family and Children’s Service
JCF FY25: $1,025,000
FY25 Funds from other Jewish Federation grants: $312,000 from the Weinberg Family Fund
Jewish Family and Children’s Service (JFCS) of Greater Philadelphia strengthens families and individuals across generations and cultures to achieve stability, independence, and community. JFCS works within the community to meet basic needs, improve mental health, build positive life and skills, create and sustain healthy families and foster a supportive community. To learn more about JFCS, click here.
Jewish Relief Agency
JCF FY25: $100,000
Jewish Relief Agency (JRA) provides a free, kosher monthly box of nutritional food items to diverse, low-income individuals across Greater Philadelphia. JRA is one of the few organizations working in food security to deliver directly to the homes in need thereby working to alleviate barriers such as the need to leave the house, lack of transportation, or access to healthy foods in nearby markets. JRA also offers additional basic needs, such as household items, diapers and incontinence supplies, kids clothing, school supplies, and more. To learn more about JRA, click here.
Judith Creed Horizon’s for Achieving Independence
JCF FY25: $150,000
Judith Creed Horizon’s for Achieving Independence (JCHAI) helps adults with developmental differences and disabilities live life on their own terms by providing educational, vocational, social and supported living services. They also provide coaching, curriculum-based classes, intentional group gatherings and social trips and outings. To learn more about JCHAI, click here.
KleinLife
JCF FY25: $300,000
FY25 funds from other Jewish Federation grants: $270,000 from the Weinberg Family Fund and JFRE Fund
KleinLife is a community resource that provides social, educational, and cultural programs, and vital health, wellness, and social services to the Philadelphia community and beyond. KleinLife offers a wide range of programming and services that support the overall health, wellbeing and quality of life of its constituents. To learn more about KleinLife, click here.
Mitzvah Food Program
FY25: $235,000
Since 1996, the Mitzvah Food Program (MFP) has worked to reduce food insecurity and provide social services for at-risk families in the Greater Philadelphia region. The Mitzvah Food Program’s hunger relief efforts provide kosher and nutritious food for individuals through four pantry sites located in Northeast Philadelphia, Bala Cynwyd, Bensalem and Elkins Park. To learn more about MFP, click here.
Tikvah AJMI
JCF FY25: $10,000
Tikvah AJMI empowers adults living with a mental illness to feel accomplished, independent and fulfilled through social and educational programming. The program aims to reduce isolation, increase independence, provide educational opportunities, enhance Jewish identity and promote recovery for individuals. To learn more about Tikvah AJMI, click here.
