The Jewish Federations of North America Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $234.6 million (FY 2023)
• Number of Grants: 242 grants (FY 2023)
• Founded: 1935
• EIN: 13-1624240
• Geographic Focus: North America, Israel, and 70+ countries worldwide
• Application Method: Mixed - varies by programme (federal grant programmes, invitation-only for major beneficiaries, local federation grants)

Contact Details

Main Office:

• Location: New York, NY
• Phone: 212-284-6500
• Email: info@jewishfederations.org
• Website: https://www.jewishfederations.org

Overview

The Jewish Federations of North America Inc (JFNA) was established in 1935 as the umbrella organisation for the Jewish Federations system, representing over 350 independent Jewish communities across North America that collectively raise and distribute over $2 billion annually. With total grant distributions of $234.6 million in fiscal year 2023 alone, JFNA serves as both a direct grant-maker and a coordinating body for the broader federation system. The organisation's mission is to improve the quality of Jewish life worldwide, nurture Jewish learning, care for those in need, rescue Jews in danger, and ensure the continuity of the Jewish people through the values of tikkun olam (repairing the world), tzedakah (charity), and Torah. Under the leadership of President and CEO Eric Fingerhut since 2019, JFNA has significantly expanded its emergency response capacity, raising $908 million following the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, and securing $100 million in federal grants through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program while launching the LiveSecure initiative with $62 million raised to protect Jewish communities across North America.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

Major International Beneficiaries (Primary Grant Recipients):

• United Israel Appeal: $155,290,107 (FY 2023) - Supporting immigration and absorption services, Jewish identity programmes in Israel
• American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC): $47,873,503 (FY 2023) - Relief and welfare programmes, social development initiatives in 70+ countries worldwide
• World ORT: Educational and vocational training programmes globally

Federal Grant Programmes (JFNA as Administrator):

• Holocaust Survivor Care Programme: $4.935 million annually through Administration for Community Living (ACL) cooperative agreement - Funds person-centred, trauma-informed (PCTI) services for Holocaust survivors, older adults with trauma history, and family caregivers. Only accepting applications from organisations that have never previously received direct JFNA federal grant funding.
• Nonprofit Security Grant Programme (NSGP): Up to $150,000 per award - JFNA advocates for and provides technical assistance to organisations applying for FEMA security grants for physical security improvements, training, and security personnel

Emergency Relief Funds:

• Israel Emergency Fund: $908 million raised post-October 7, 2023
• Ukraine Emergency Response: Substantial funds raised and deployed in partnership with Jewish Agency and other organisations
• LiveSecure Initiative: $62 million raised for community security

Priority Areas

JFNA structures its work around seven strategic initiatives:

1. Safe Communities: Community security, combating antisemitism, Nonprofit Security Grant Programme coordination
2. Caring Communities: Holocaust survivor support, crisis relief, social services for vulnerable populations
3. Educated & Engaged Communities: Young families, early childhood education, Israel experiences
4. Healthy Communities: Mental health support for Jewish youth, health programmes for mind, body, and spirit
5. Welcoming & Inclusive Communities: Support for religious diversity, people with disabilities, mixed heritage families
6. Active Communities: Government relations, public policy advocacy, securing federal funding
7. Connected Communities: International humanitarian work across Israel and 70+ countries

Current Strategic Focus: The organisation prioritises rebuilding Israel, ensuring community security against antisemitism, and driving Jewish engagement. At the 2025 General Assembly, ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt identified Jewish education, Zionist identity, and Torah learning as essential elements for community unity.

What They Don't Fund

JFNA primarily operates as an umbrella organisation with a focused grant-making approach. The organisation does not have a general open application process for unrestricted grants. Most direct grants go to major international beneficiary organisations through trustee discretion and strategic planning processes.

Governance and Leadership

Lay Leadership

Board Officers:

• Gary Torgow - Chair, Board of Trustees (since 1 July 2024); Chairman of Huntington Bank, serves on boards of DTE Energy and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
• Jeffrey A. Schoenfeld - Vice Chair, Board of Trustees; Retired General Partner from Brown Brothers Harriman; past president of UJA-Federation of New York
• David B. Golder - Secretary; Former founder and president of Lightfall Interactive Media; recently chaired Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago (2022-2024)
• Dena B. Rashes - Treasurer; serves on Wellesley College Board of Trustees and Hillel at Stanford
• Julie B. Platt - Immediate Past Chair; Former chair of Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles and Foundation for Jewish Camp

Committee Chairs:

• J. David Heller - National Campaign Chair; President and CEO of The NRP Group, a major multifamily development company
• Sara Gottlieb - Chair, Israel & Overseas; Former investment banker; chairs Women's Philanthropy for UJA Federation of Greater Toronto
• Sherri Ketai - Chair, National Women's Philanthropy; Longstanding leader in Detroit Jewish community
• Jason Wuliger - Chair, Public Affairs; President of Nachshon Ventures LLC; attorney and former prosecutor

Professional Leadership

• Eric Fingerhut - President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2019); Previously served as President and CEO of Hillel International (2013-2019), former Ohio state senator and U.S. Congressman
• Shira Hutt - Executive Vice President
• Rebecca Caspi - Director General, Israel Office; Senior Vice President, Global Operations
• Mimi Kravetz - Chief Impact & Growth Officer
• Larry Brooks - Chief Financial Officer
• Liz Fisher - Chief Talent Officer & Head of Mandel Centre for Leadership Excellence

Governance Structure: The federations select approximately two-thirds of the 120 members on the board of trustees. The board includes various specialised committees including Israel & Overseas Committee, Domestic Policy and Government Affairs Council, and the Lay Leadership Development Committee.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

JFNA does not have a standard public application process for most of its grant-making. The organisation operates through three primary funding mechanisms:

1. Major International Beneficiaries (Invitation Only): The primary beneficiary organisations receive funding through strategic allocation decisions made by JFNA leadership and board of trustees. These allocations are based on an overseas needs assessment system developed to meet ongoing needs and support diverse programmes and populations.

2. Federal Grant Programmes (Limited Public Application):

   • Holocaust Survivor Care Programme: JFNA administers federal funds from the Administration for Community Living. Applications are only accepted from organisations that have never previously received direct JFNA federal grant funding. Interested federations complete a participation form indicating willingness to meet requirements and proposed beneficiary agencies/programmes.
   • NSGP Technical Assistance: JFNA provides support services and training to Jewish organisations applying for FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Programme funds (applications typically due February-April annually through FEMA, not JFNA).

3. Local Federation Grants: Most organisations seeking Jewish Federations funding should apply through their local Jewish Federation rather than directly to JFNA. Each of the 350+ local federations operates independent grant programmes with their own application processes, deadlines, and priorities. Use the Federation Finder at https://www.jewishfederations.org/federation-finder to locate your local federation.

For inquiries about specific programmes:

• Phone: 212-284-6500
• Email: info@jewishfederations.org
• Online portal (for specific programmes): https://jewishfederationsna.smapply.us/

Getting on Their Radar

For Organisations Seeking JFNA Support:

Given JFNA's role as an umbrella organisation rather than a typical grant-making foundation, relationship building occurs through specific channels:

• Work through Local Federations: The most effective path to JFNA recognition is establishing strong relationships with your local Jewish Federation. JFNA's board includes representatives from local federations, and successful local partnerships can lead to broader system-wide recognition.

• Federal Grant Programmes: Organisations focused on Holocaust survivor care or serving older adults with trauma can build relationships by participating in JFNA's Centre for Advancing Holocaust Survivor Care trainings and webinars, which have trained over 26,000 professionals in person-centred, trauma-informed approaches.

• Annual General Assembly: JFNA hosts an annual General Assembly conference that brings together Jewish communal leaders from across North America. This represents a networking opportunity for organisations already engaged with the federation system.

• Specialised Initiatives: Organisations working in JFNA's priority areas (community security, Holocaust survivor care, Jewish education) can engage by contacting relevant department heads at JFNA to discuss alignment with strategic initiatives.

Decision Timeline

Major Beneficiary Allocations: JFNA develops annual forecasts of funding available for beneficiary agencies. Board of Trustees meetings occur several times per year (including at the annual General Assembly) where allocation decisions are reviewed and approved.

Holocaust Survivor Care Federal Grants: Timeline varies based on federal funding cycles and ACL requirements. The current five-year cooperative agreement runs through the grant period with annual distributions to participating organisations.

Local Federation Grants: Varies significantly by federation. Example from Naples Jewish Federation: Applications sent November, due February, decisions made May.

Success Rates

Specific success rates for JFNA programmes are not publicly disclosed. However, the Holocaust Survivor Care programme has funded over 400 PCTI programmes, serving over 50,000 Holocaust survivors through the programme's operation.

For Nonprofit Security Grant Programme applications, JFNA provides technical assistance to improve success rates, noting they have helped bring in $100 million in federal grants for Jewish community security.

Reapplication Policy

For the Holocaust Survivor Care programme, current eligibility explicitly states the programme "is only accepting applications from organisations that have never previously received direct funding from JFNA's federal grant programme."

For other programmes, reapplication policies are not publicly specified and would depend on the specific programme and relationship with JFNA.

Application Success Factors

For Organisations Seeking JFNA Federal Grant Programmes:

• Focus on PCTI Approach: The Holocaust Survivor Care programme prioritises person-centred, trauma-informed care methodologies. Organisations should demonstrate understanding of trauma's impact on the body and brain, and show commitment to implementing PCTI principles.

• New Applicants Only: For current federal grant programmes, explicitly note that only organisations without previous direct JFNA federal grant funding are eligible, reflecting a strategic priority to expand reach to new communities.

• Collaborative Approach: JFNA values partnerships between federations and local service agencies. Applications indicating strong local federation support and collaborative implementation plans align with the organisation's network-based model.

For Building Long-Term Relationships:

• Local Federation Excellence: Eric Fingerhut has stated that JFNA's role is "to help federations excel at their mission, but also to help the federation system act collectively." Organisations that demonstrate impact through local federation partnerships position themselves well for broader system recognition.

• Alignment with Post-October 7 Priorities: Fingerhut noted that "the need for an organised communal response that bridges all factions of our community has become more important than ever." Programmes that demonstrate ability to unite diverse segments of the Jewish community and respond to crisis situations align with current strategic direction.

• Security and Safety Focus: With $62 million raised for LiveSecure and $100 million in NSGP grants secured, JFNA prioritises community security. Organisations addressing safety, security training, or threat preparedness should emphasise this alignment.

• Youth Engagement and Jewish Education: Community leaders emphasise Jewish education, Zionist identity, and Torah learning as essential elements. Programmes serving young families, early childhood education, and youth engagement reflect current strategic focus.

• Emergency Response Capacity: JFNA raised $908 million for emergency needs following October 7, 2023, which Fingerhut described as deployed "quickly — and I think with real efficiency, but also integrity." Organisations that can demonstrate rapid response capabilities and efficient fund deployment align with JFNA's operational values.

Language and Terminology to Use:

• Emphasise "person-centred, trauma-informed" approaches for health and social service programmes
• Reference "tikkun olam" (repairing the world), "tzedakah" (charity), and "Torah" values
• Demonstrate understanding of the federation system's collective impact model
• Highlight capacity to "bridge all factions" of the Jewish community
• Frame security needs within context of combating antisemitism and protecting Jewish institutions

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• JFNA is primarily a coordinating body, not a traditional foundation: Most grant-seeking organisations should approach their local Jewish Federation rather than JFNA directly. The major beneficiaries receive funding through strategic trustee decisions, not open applications.

• Limited public grant opportunities exist: The Holocaust Survivor Care federal grant programme represents the main publicly accessible funding, but explicitly requires organisations without prior JFNA federal grant funding, limiting repeat applicants.

• Federal grant administration is a key role: JFNA serves as an effective advocate and administrator for federal funding streams (NSGP, ACL grants), making it valuable to engage with JFNA for technical assistance even when applying to federal sources directly.

• Current priorities heavily emphasise security and crisis response: With $908 million raised for the Israel Emergency Fund and $62 million for LiveSecure, organisations addressing community safety, antisemitism, or emergency preparedness align strongly with current strategic focus.

• Person-centred, trauma-informed care is a proven methodology: The Holocaust Survivor Care programme's success (400+ programmes funded, 50,000+ survivors served) demonstrates JFNA's commitment to this approach, which has expanded beyond Holocaust survivors to other trauma-affected populations.

• Local federation relationships are essential: Since JFNA's board draws two-thirds of its 120 members from local federations, and the system collectively distributes over $2 billion annually, building strong local federation partnerships provides the most realistic path to engagement with the broader JFNA system.

• Timing matters for federal programmes: NSGP applications typically run February-April annually through FEMA, while ACL cooperative agreement timelines follow federal grant cycles. Organisations should plan ahead and engage early with JFNA technical assistance resources to strengthen applications.

References

• The Jewish Federations of North America Inc - GuideStar Profile. https://www.guidestar.org/profile/13-1624240. Accessed December 16, 2025.

• The Jewish Federations Of North America Inc - Nonprofit Explorer - ProPublica. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/131624240. Accessed December 16, 2025.

• The Jewish Federations of North America - Home Page. https://www.jewishfederations.org/. Accessed December 16, 2025.

• Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) Funding Opportunity: Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed Services for Holocaust Survivors. Administration for Community Living. https://acl.gov/news-and-events/announcements/jewish-federations-north-america-jfna-funding-opportunity-person. Accessed December 16, 2025.

• "JFNA names Eric D. Fingerhut as new president & CEO." The Jewish Federations of North America. https://www.jewishfederations.org/blog/all/jfna-names-eric-d-fingerhut-as-new-president-ceo. Accessed December 16, 2025.

• Jewish Federations of North America - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Federations_of_North_America. Accessed December 16, 2025.

• "Meet Our Leadership." The Jewish Federations of North America. https://www.jewishfederations.org/about-us/our-leadership. Accessed December 16, 2025.

• "Federations Thank FEMA for Opening Security Grant Applications Process." The Jewish Federations of North America. https://www.jewishfederations.org/blog/all/federations-applaud-fema-for-opening-security-grant-applications-process-496954. Accessed December 16, 2025.

• "Active Remembrance: Serving Those Who Survived the Holocaust." Administration for Community Living. https://acl.gov/news-and-events/acl-blog/active-remembrance-serving-those-who-survived-holocaust. Accessed December 16, 2025.

• "JFNA to distribute $6.9 million in grants in 2024 to groups caring for survivors of the Holocaust, other traumas." eJewishPhilanthropy. https://ejewishphilanthropy.com/jfna-to-distribute-6-9-million-in-grants-in-2024-to-groups-caring-for-survivors-of-the-holocaust-other-traumas/. Accessed December 16, 2025.

• "JFNA's Eric Fingerhut shares plans for Jewish communal actions in a post-Oct. 7 world." The Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle. https://jewishchronicle.timesofisrael.com/jfnas-eric-fingerhut-shares-plans-for-jewish-communal-actions-in-a-post-oct-7-world/. Accessed December 16, 2025.

• "JFNA CEO Eric Fingerhut addresses Jewish unity at Jerusalem Post event." The Jerusalem Post. https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-804848. Accessed December 16, 2025.

• Jewish Federations' 2023 Public Policy Priorities. FedWeb. https://cdn.fedweb.org/fed-42/2/Jewish%20Federations%202023%20Policy%20Priorities.pdf. Accessed December 16, 2025.