Jewish Community Federation of Greater Rochester NY Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $5,910,475 (2023)
• Number of Grants: 39 grants awarded (2023)
• Decision Time: Not publicly specified
• Grant Range: $1,950 - $28,000 (IGNITE! program)
• Foundation Assets: Approximately $50 million
• Geographic Focus: Greater Rochester, NY area / Israel / Global Jewish communities
• EIN: 16-0868942

Contact Details

Main Office: 255 East Ave Rochester, NY 14607

Phone: 585.241.8000 Website: https://www.jewishrochester.org/

IGNITE! Grant Program Contact: Leah Goldman, Chief Planning & Program Officer Email: lgoldman@jewishrochester.org Phone: 585.241.8635

Overview

The Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester has served as a cornerstone of Jewish life in the region for nearly a century. The organization works to build a strong Jewish future in Rochester, Israel, and worldwide through philanthropy, engagement, education, and advocacy. With approximately $50 million in foundation assets established in 1979, the Federation distributed $5,910,475 in grants across 39 awards in 2023. The Federation's funding supports five core local beneficiary agencies, as well as social and humanitarian programs in Israel and around the world. In 2023, the Federation launched its signature IGNITE! Community Impact Grant program, funded through the Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs, to fuel innovation and experimentation in the Rochester Jewish community.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

IGNITE! Community Impact Grants

• Community Impact Grants: Up to $25,000 per project

  • Duration: One year (renewable up to two years)
  • Focus: "Innovative" projects impacting the Jewish community - programs new to Rochester or refinements/redesigns/expansions of existing programs
  • Application: Online application form available

• Micro Grants: Up to $2,500 per project

  • Duration: One year (can be renewed)
  • Focus: Experimental or small-scale initiatives, pilot programs, speakers, musical acts, technology needs
  • Application: Online application form available

Israel Travel Grants and Scholarships

• Gift of Israel Grant: $540 one-time grant for students ages 14-25
• Freddy Fund 360 Grant: $360 one-time grant for teens ages 15-19 (grades 9-12)

Priority Areas

The Federation prioritizes:

• New initiatives that strengthen Jewish Rochester
• Collaborative programs that build community connections
• Jewish educational programs and experiences
• Youth engagement and development
• Programs serving neurodiverse and underserved populations
• Israel connection and travel experiences
• Mental health services for Jewish youth
• Community security and safety
• Food security initiatives
• Interfaith and cultural programming

What They Don't Fund

• Capital projects are explicitly ineligible for IGNITE! grants

Governance and Leadership

Board Leadership:

• President: Randy Schuster
• Treasurer: Pauline Rutberg
• Secretary: Marvin L. Wolk
• Past President: Dan Kinel

Executive Leadership:

• Interim Chief of Staff: Ted Axelrod
• The organization is currently searching for a new Chief Executive Officer

Executive Committee Members: Lisa Axelrod, Harold Bobry, Daphne Futerman, Rick Goldstein (former Federation president, chairing CEO search), Barb Orenstein Present, Karen Kessler, Ben Rozin

The Board consists of approximately 35 members who oversee a professional staff of 24.

Key Program Leadership:

• Chief Planning & Program Officer: Leah Goldman
• Executive Director, Levine Center to End Hate: Monica Gebell
• Regional Security Director: Mark Henderson
• CHAI Director: Sapir Soble

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

IGNITE! Community Impact Grants: Applications are submitted through an online form available at: https://form.jotform.com/250776020293151

Eligible Applicants:

• Rochester Jewish community organizations (501(c)(3) tax-exempt)
• Rochester Jewish community religious institutions (synagogues)
• Individuals with Federation-approved organizational sponsor

Israel Travel Grants: Separate application process for students meeting age eligibility requirements.

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. Applicants should contact Leah Goldman (lgoldman@jewishrochester.org or 585.241.8635) for current deadline and decision timeline information.

Success Rates

With 39 grants awarded in 2023 totaling nearly $6 million, the Federation demonstrates substantial grant-making capacity. However, specific application-to-award ratios are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

IGNITE! Community Impact Grants can be renewed:

• Micro Grants: Can be renewed for one additional year
• Community Impact Grants: Can be renewed up to two years (pending committee approval)

Application Success Factors

Based on funded projects, successful IGNITE! applications demonstrate:

Innovation and Experimentation: The program explicitly seeks to "fuel new initiatives" and "propel innovative programs." Funded examples include establishing the first Hillel at Alfred University ($10,000) and creating a unique "Brave Conversations" archive with videos and podcasts for educational use ($10,000).

Collaborative Approach: The Federation values programs that "spark collaborations." The College Hillel Collaborative Programming grant ($1,950) brought together students from all Rochester-area college Hillels to foster increased connections.

Community Impact: Successful projects demonstrate clear benefit to the Rochester Jewish community. The Youth Mental Health Counseling program received a $25,000 renewal for its second year, showing the Federation rewards effective programs with continued support.

Inclusion and Accessibility: Projects serving underserved populations are prioritized, as evidenced by the Havdalah B'nei Mitzvah Celebration for neurodivergent individuals ages 13-30 ($6,434).

Strategic Alignment: Funded projects align with Federation priorities such as Jewish education (International Baccalaureate Coordinator Funding for Hillel School, $28,000), community growth (50 New Families Initiative, $18,000), and support for Jewish military personnel (Jewish Soldiers Project, $3,400).

Scalability: The two-tier grant structure (Micro Grants for testing ideas, Community Impact Grants for larger initiatives) suggests the Federation appreciates proposals that can start small and grow, or demonstrate proven models ready for expansion.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Choose the right grant tier: If your project is experimental or small-scale, apply for a Micro Grant (up to $2,500). If you have an innovative program with broader impact, pursue a Community Impact Grant (up to $25,000).

• Emphasize innovation: The IGNITE! program specifically seeks programs that are either new to Rochester or represent significant refinements/expansions of existing work. Clearly articulate what makes your approach innovative.

• Highlight collaboration: Projects that bring together multiple organizations or constituencies appear strongly favored. Show how your initiative builds connections within the Rochester Jewish community.

• Demonstrate community benefit: With nearly $6 million distributed annually, the Federation has substantial resources but focuses on projects serving Rochester's Jewish community, Israel, and global Jewish populations.

• Plan for sustainability: Renewal possibilities (up to two years for Community Impact Grants) mean you should include plans for how the program will develop and potentially become self-sustaining.

• Contact the program officer: Leah Goldman serves as Chief Planning & Program Officer and is available for pre-application consultation. Use this resource to ensure your proposal aligns with current priorities.

• Consider the Annual Campaign connection: IGNITE! grants are funded through the Annual Campaign for Jewish Needs, connecting your project to the broader community's philanthropic engagement.

References

• Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester official website: https://www.jewishrochester.org/ (Accessed January 2026)
• IGNITE! Community Impact Grant program page: https://www.jewishrochester.org/ignite-community-impact-grant (Accessed January 2026)
• Foundation & Legacy Giving information: https://www.jewishrochester.org/foundation--legacy-giving (Accessed January 2026)
• Mission & Leadership page: https://www.jewishrochester.org/mission-leadership (Accessed January 2026)
• Contact information: https://www.jewishrochester.org/contact-us (Accessed January 2026)
• Israel Scholarships & Grants: https://www.jewishrochester.org/grants-scholarships-israel-travel-grants-for-students (Accessed January 2026)
• Cause IQ nonprofit profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/jewish-community-federation-of-greater-rochester-n,160868942/ (Accessed January 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/160868942 (Accessed January 2026)