we are passionate about connecting Jewish organizations and leaders with resources intended to help our Jewish communities flourish.
ABOUT OUR GRANTS PROCESS
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia has long been guided by our mission of mobilizing financial and volunteer resources to address the communities’ most critical priorities locally, in Israel and elsewhere around the world.
To advance this mission, the Jewish Federation operates four grant funds which partner with organizations that share our values and offer programs that sustain members of our communities, strengthen connections to Jewish life, and promote a universal responsibility for Jews both in Israel and across the globe.
At the opening of each fiscal year, grant requests go through an in-depth vetting process led by the Jewish Federation’s professional staff in Philadelphia and in our Israel office and based around the funding priority areas listed below. Each fund has a committee of lay leaders who review and approve final grant awards.
Mission Pillars
The Jewish Federation is founded on three pillars, guided by Jewish values and which are the basis of our funded projects. Within each pillar, you can find their respective priority areas.
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.
Priority areas
- Self-Sufficiency
- Food Security and Basic Needs
- Older Adults and Holocaust Survivors
We firmly believe in the Jewish value of “Kol Yisrael arevim zeh la-zeh” or “All Jews are responsible for one another.” In enacting this vision of being connected with the Jewish homeland and to Jews around the world, we form deep-rooted, global partnerships, fund organizations that enhance Jewish life and pride, provide basic everyday needs, and deploy rescue and relief services in times of crisis.
Priority areas
- Religious Pluralism
- Social Cohesion and Inclusion
- Food Security and Basic Needs
- Security and Resilience
- Engaging with Israel and Globally
- Older Adults and Holocaust Survivors
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 Engagement
- Combating Antisemitism and Ensuring Communal Security
GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
The Jewish Federation operates the four following funds:
The Jewish Community Fund (JCF) is the core of the Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign. These are unrestricted dollars used to support institutions that promote Jewish engagement and support those in need locally, in Israel and around the world.
Long guided by our mission of mobilizing financial and volunteer resources, the JCF aims to address the communities’ most critical priorities locally, in Israel and around the world. We take care of vulnerable populations who need extra support, engage informed compassionate communities in repairing the world, work to combat antisemitism and enhance security measures for Jewish institutions, and energize Jewish life and Jewish learning.
To advance this mission, the Jewish Federation grants JCF funds to organizations who share our values by offering programs and services that sustain members of our communities, strengthen connections to Jewish life, and promote a universal responsibility for Jews both in Israel and across the globe.
To learn more about the Jewish Community Fund grant application guidelines, please click here.
Women of Vision, Philadelphia’s Jewish Women’s Foundation, impacts the lives of self-identifying Jewish women and girls across generations and geographic boundaries through strategic grantmaking, advocacy and educational programs leading to social change and social justice.
Women of Vision alternates between funding locally in Greater Philadelphia and in Israel (rotating annually). Organizations that impact the Greater Philadelphia community with a national footprint or headquarters outside our area are eligible to apply. The committee generally awards grants for a two-year period, with some exceptions.
To learn more about the Women of Vision Fund grant application guidelines, please click here.
The Weinberg Family Fund is currently the largest restricted fund of the Jewish Federation with approximately $23.8 million in assets and $9.8 million granted since 2010. According to Etta’s original intentions, the Fund directed money to programs she funded during her lifetime: Jewish Family and Children’s Service: CLASP (City Line Assisting Seniors Program) and Senior Horizons, as well as Passport to Israel. Funding for these eventually ended as the programs ended, and per Etta’s will, the Fund began to direct money to support programs she cared most about: geriatric counseling and care management (50% of grant), older adults (33% of grant), and Jewish education (16% of grant).
The committee continues to search for programs that are new and innovative and reflect Etta’s core areas of interest. Viable options are limited so the committee has begun to focus on programs that meet more of the basic, unmet needs of older adults while still considering opportunities that are new and innovative. The committee for The Weinberg Fund approves funding for up to three years.
The Jewish Federation Real Estate Fund (JFRE) Fund significantly contributes toward tangible and enduring capital needs aligned with the Jewish Federation’s priorities. This 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 learn more about the JFRE Fund grant application guidelines, please click here.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
If you are a nonprofit organization interested in one of our grant opportunities, please contact grants@jewishphilly.org.