The Jewish Community Fund (JCF) is the core of the Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign.
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 elsewhere 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.
The JCF is unrestricted funds that the Jewish Federation grants to Jewish institutions that share our values by offering programs and services which Care for Those in Need Locally, Support Israel and Global Jewry, and Secure a Vibrant Jewish Future.
FOCUS AREA
September 2026 will start a new funding cycle for the Jewish Community Fund and the grant term of FY27 runs from Sept. 1, 2026 through Aug. 31, 2027. The grant is a one-year grant with possibility of renewal for an additional year. All agencies interested in applying for JCF funding must submit a new application, whether they are currently funded or a new organization.
Applications will open on Nov. 2 and will be open to any agency impacting the Philadelphia Jewish community. Israeli agencies may apply on an invite-only basis and must be in touch with our Israel office. Specific funding focus areas for FY27 have not yet been determined, though they will be taken from the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia priority areas. Click here to see a full listing of our funding priorities. FY27 JCF funding will be focused primarily on general operating grants.
If you have never applied for a grant from the Jewish Federation before and believe that you align strongly with our priority areas, please send an inquiry to grants@jewishphilly.org.
Important Dates
- Oct. 2025: Request for Proposals (RFP) will be posted with funding specifics.
- Nov. 2, 2025: Application period opens
- Dec. 4, 2025: Application closes
- June 2026: Applicants will be notified of the award or decline status
In addition, we will open capacity building grants in December 2025.
- Sept. 18, 2025: End of year reports due from FY25 grantees
- Winter 2025-26: Mid-year site visits with JFGP professional staff
- Fall 2026: End of year reports for FY26 funding due
FUNDING CONSIDERATIONS, ELIGIBILITY, AND RESTRICTIONS
The Jewish Community Fund grant process is open to any United States agency impacting the Philadelphia Jewish community. Israeli organizations must be invited to apply for grants in the following category:
Considerations
- Agencies whose mission in its totality aligns with Jewish Federation priority areas
- Exceptionality in providing services across one or more of Jewish Federation’s priority areas, as evidenced by accreditations, awards, etc.
- Organizations that are fiscally healthy over with an organizational theory of change
Restrictions
- Funds may be used for any direct or indirect costs related to the nonprofit’s activities, including but not limited to: payroll, rent, utilities, supplies and equipment, project costs, capital improvements, and planning. Activities for this grant must be completed within one year of award.
The Capacity Building process is a separate, targeted opportunity opening in December 2025 focused on improving mental health outcomes across Greater Philadelphia. It focuses on strengthening organizational infrastructure and regional systems to ensure long-term sustainability and impact. Mental health and wellbeing needs are rising, especially among youth, older adults and caregivers. Strengthening organizational capacity and collaboration is critical to sustain adaptive, community-serving institutions.
Application Period: December 2025
Eligible initiatives may include:
- Developing shared resource networks or regional hubs that improve coordination, crisis response, and access to services.
- Creating multi-generational, cross-institutional programs that address trauma and support well-being across communities.
- Expanding reach to underserved suburban and rural Jewish populations through new culturally competent or Hebrew-speaking mental health services.
- Providing professional training, shared navigation or advocacy services, and technology tools that connect community members to appropriate care.
Applicants may apply for general operating and capacity building grants, if eligible. Separate applications are required.
- United States organizations must service at least one of the five counties of Greater Philadelphia (Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Montgomery, or Delaware).
- Israeli organizations operating throughout the country may be invited to apply. Amutot servicing our partnership region of Netivot and Sdot Negev will be given priority.
- U.S. 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.
How to Apply
Grant applications will open on Nov. 2, 2025 and will remain open through Dec. 4, 2025. To apply, click here.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
If you are a nonprofit organization interested in one of our grant opportunities, please contact grants@jewishphilly.org.