Foundation For Jewish Philanthropies - Funder Overview

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $9+ million (grants to organizations), plus academic scholarships and loans
Total Assets: $271 million (as of 2024)
Geographic Focus: Primarily Western New York (Buffalo area), but supports organizations worldwide
Grant Range: $100 (minimum donor-advised fund grant) to $55,000+ (Golden Goldman Fund)
Organizations Supported: 1,100+ local, national, and international charitable organizations
Founded: 1911
Charity Navigator Rating: 4/4 Stars

Contact Details

Main Office: Foundation For Jewish Philanthropies 2640 North Forest Road, Suite 200 Getzville, NY 14068-1573

Phone: (716) 204-1133 Toll-Free: (877) 933-6369 Fax: (716) 204-1129 Website: https://jewishphilanthropies.org General Email: info@jewishphilanthropies.org

Key Contacts:

Irving Levy, Executive Director: (716) 204-1139, Irv@jewishphilanthropies.org
Emma Hartman, Grants and Database Administrator: (716) 204-7810, Emma@jewishphilanthropies.org
Scholarship Inquiries: scholarships@jewishphilanthropies.org

Overview

Founded on March 23, 1911, the Foundation For Jewish Philanthropies is one of the largest charitable foundations in Western New York, managing over 1,000 funds with total assets exceeding $271 million. Established by community leaders including Henry Weill and August Keiser, the organization's original purpose was "to provide a permanent, efficient and practical mode of collecting and distributing contributions for charitable or philanthropic purposes."

The Foundation has evolved from its humble beginnings with a first bequest of $20,000 in 1912 to become a multifaceted community foundation managing charitable legacies, bequests, trusts, endowments, and donor-advised funds. With a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, the Foundation distributes donor-directed grants to over 1,100 Jewish and non-Jewish organizations worldwide annually.

Mission: "Empower donors to fulfill their passions and dreams by establishing charitable vehicles designed to create a positive and enduring impact on Jewish Buffalo, Western New York and the World."

Vision: "Inspire every individual to find within themselves a cause for which they feel the passion and motivation to create a better world through philanthropy."

The Foundation operates under core Jewish values including Tzedakah (charity and justice), Tikkun Olam (repair the world), Gemilut Chasadim (loving kindness), and L'dor V'dor (generation to generation).

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Golden Goldman Philanthropic Fund

Grant Range: Most awards $2,000 - $20,000; exceptional projects up to $55,000
Focus Areas: Women's issues (including reproduction and choice), Arts and Culture, Literacy, Reducing Income Inequality, and Judaism
Geographic Focus: Local impact in Buffalo/Western New York
Application: Online application; contact goldengoldman@jewishphilanthropies.org for proposals exceeding $20,000
Review Timeline: 3 months
Frequency: Quarterly funding decisions
Application Method: Online via website

Donor-Advised Funds

Minimum Grant: $100
Fund Minimum: $5,000 to open; $2,500 minimum balance
Grant Processing: Checks sent within 10 business days
Eligible Recipients: Any 501(c)(3) charity
Geographic Scope: Jewish Buffalo, Western New York, and worldwide
Application Method: Donor recommendations through online Donor Portal

Community Endowment Funds

Manages endowment funds for Jewish and non-Jewish social service agencies, community organizations, temples, and synagogues
Provides perpetual support for community organizations
Grant decisions made by donors or designated advisors

Academic Scholarships and Loans

Academic Scholarship and Loan Program

Amount: $135,800 distributed in 2025; over $1,679,606 in grants and $520,000 in interest-free loans since 2006
Application Period: April 1 - June 1
Notification: By August 15
Eligibility: Jewish students from Erie or Niagara County, NY attending undergraduate or graduate programs in US or Israel
Requirement: Documented financial need, confidential interview with Jewish Family Services

Medical Student Aid Society Award

Amount: Up to $5,000 per academic year (interest-free loans)
Eligibility: 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year students at UB Jacobs School of Medicine
Deadline: February 28
Application Method: Online with FAFSA documentation

Israel Scholarships

Amount: $1,000 - $3,000
Eligibility: Jewish students ages 14-28 from Erie or Niagara County
Application: Rolling basis; must apply at least 45 days before program deadline
Programs: One Happy Camper camps, National Jewish Youth Movements, Masa Israel Journey

Geoff Richter Performing Arts Award

Amount: Up to $2,000
Eligibility: Students from 8 Western NY counties pursuing performing arts degrees
Requirement: 3.0 GPA minimum
Deadline: February 1
Application: Online with transcript, personal statement, recommendation letter, and performance sample

Louis Sklarow Award

Recipient: Outstanding UB Medical School graduate of Jewish faith
Established: 1995
Also supports: Research for Down Syndrome, Alzheimer's, and cancer treatment

Joe Lombardo Memorial Scholarship

Established: 2022
Eligibility: St. Marks students attending private high schools in Buffalo area

Other Programs

Hebrew Benevolent Loan Association (HBLA)

Type: Interest-free loans (not grants)
Amount: Up to $5,000
Eligibility: Jewish residents of 8 Western NY counties (Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Wyoming, Orleans)
Cosigner Requirements: Vary by loan amount
Note: Student education expenses do not qualify

Priority Areas

Jewish community strengthening in Western New York
Jewish education and scholarships
Arts and culture
Women's issues and reproductive choice
Literacy programs
Poverty reduction and income inequality
Social service agencies and community organizations
International Jewish organizations and Israeli causes
Medical and healthcare charities
Environmental and social causes

What They Don't Fund

While the Foundation supports a broad range of causes through donor-advised funds, specific programs like the Golden Goldman Fund have defined focus areas. General exclusions are not explicitly stated, but organizations should align with the Foundation's mission and Jewish values.

Governance and Leadership

Officers

Craig Small, President
Susan Freed, Vice President
Brian Snyder, Vice President
Rick Steinberg, Vice President
Penny Howard, Treasurer
M. Kim Babat-Yonaty, Secretary

Board of Trustees

Mort Abramson, Lisa J. Allen, Sarah Gelman Carney, Bruce Corris, Tracey Drury, Dr. Scott Goldman, Jordan Joseph-Fogel, Alon Kupferman, Lawrence Levin, Bruce Levine, Richard Pinkowski, Esther Quartarone, Eric Recoon, Ruth Wiseman Spivack, Jake Warner

Honorary Trustees (Past Presidents)

Raymond L. Fink, Arnold N. Kahn, Judith H. Katz, Daniel Kester (Immediate Past President), Donald M. Kohnstamm, Sanford M. Nobel, Jonathan D. Schechter, Richard Zakalik

Honorary Trustees (Service)

David Feuerstein, Gary B. Greenfield, Lenore J. Levy z"l

Staff Leadership

Irving Levy, Executive Director
Rachael Sandor, Chief Financial Officer
Jacob Fox, Senior Manager Client Relations
Emma Hartman, Grants and Database Administrator
Linda Barat, Client Relations Manager | LIFE & LEGACY® at Buffalo Coordinator

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

For Golden Goldman Philanthropic Fund Grants:

Complete online application at https://jewishphilanthropies.org/golden-goldman-application/
Submit detailed organizational information including history, mission, goals, and current programming
Describe specific project seeking funding
Upload detailed budget (Excel preferred)
Upload 501(c)(3) tax-exempt documentation
Upload most recent audited financial statement
For proposals exceeding $20,000, email goldengoldman@jewishphilanthropies.org to discuss first

For Donor-Advised Fund Grants:

This is not a direct application process
Organizations receive grants when donors recommend them
Donors make recommendations through the online Donor Portal
Foundation verifies 501(c)(3) status per IRS rules

For Academic Scholarships:

Apply online between April 1 - June 1
Submit Financial Aid Award Letter
Provide income verification (tax returns/W-2 forms)
Submit academic transcripts
Complete confidential interview with Jewish Family Services

For Other Specific Scholarship Programs:

Each program has its own application timeline and requirements
Check website for specific program details and deadlines

Decision Timeline

Golden Goldman Philanthropic Fund:

Review period: 3 months from submission
Funding decisions: Quarterly
Grant checks issued after board approval

Donor-Advised Fund Grants:

Processing time: 10 business days for grant checks after donor recommendation

Academic Scholarships:

Application period: April 1 - June 1
Decision notification: By August 15
Funds distributed: For academic year beginning in September

Medical Student Aid Society:

Application deadline: February 28
Decision timeline: Not publicly specified

Geoff Richter Performing Arts Award:

Application deadline: February 1
Decision timeline: Not publicly specified

Israel Scholarships:

Rolling basis
Must apply at least 45 days before program deadline

Success Rates

Specific success rate data is not publicly disclosed. However, the Foundation distributed:

Over $9 million in organizational grants annually
$135,800 in academic scholarships in 2025
Supports 1,100+ organizations
Serves 29 local Jewish agencies

The Foundation's primary model is donor-directed giving, meaning grant decisions for most funds are made by individual donors rather than through competitive application processes.

Reapplication Policy

Golden Goldman Philanthropic Fund:

Reporting requirements for funded organizations:
- Interim report at 6 months after initial funding
- Final report at 1 year after project completion
Reapplication policy not explicitly stated; contact the Foundation for guidance

Academic Scholarships:

Students may reapply annually during the April 1 - June 1 window
Must continue to meet eligibility requirements and demonstrate financial need

Application Success Factors

For Golden Goldman Philanthropic Fund

Evaluation Criteria (Explicitly Stated):

Potential Project Impact: Demonstrable community benefit and alignment with fund priorities
Fiscal Viability: Sound financial planning and organizational stability
Serving Underserved Populations: Ability to reach individuals who lack access to services

Alignment Factors:

Strong connection to Buffalo/Western New York community
Clear alignment with one or more focus areas: Women's issues, Arts and Culture, Literacy, Reducing Income Inequality, or Judaism
Projects that combine multiple focus areas (e.g., art and education) appear favorable based on recent grantees
Local cultural institutions, educational programs, and community organizations have been successful

Application Quality:

Detailed, realistic budgets (Excel format preferred)
Clear description of project goals and implementation plan
Recent audited financial statements demonstrating organizational stability
Specific metrics for measuring impact and serving beneficiaries

For Scholarship Programs

Academic Scholarship Success Factors:

Documented financial need is primary criterion
Completion of all required documentation (transcripts, tax returns, financial aid letters)
Successful confidential interview with Jewish Family Services
Connection to Erie or Niagara County, NY

Israel Scholarship Success Factors:

Personal statement clearly articulating interest in Israel and connection to Jewish culture
Recommendation from Rabbi or Jewish community professional after in-person meeting
Commitment to participate in Jewish communal activities upon return
Enrollment in approved programs (One Happy Camper, National Jewish Youth Movements, Masa Israel Journey)

Geoff Richter Performing Arts Award Success Factors:

Maintaining 3.0 GPA minimum
Strong performance sample demonstrating talent
Faculty recommendation letter
Clear career path in performing arts

General Success Factors

For Getting on Donor Radars (Donor-Advised Funds):

The majority of the Foundation's grant-making is donor-directed
Organizations benefit from building relationships with community members who have donor-advised funds
Visibility in the Jewish Buffalo community and Western New York nonprofit sector
Strong track record of impact and fiscal responsibility
Participation in community events and Jewish communal activities

Foundation Values: Organizations and individuals that demonstrate commitment to Jewish values will be viewed favorably:

Tzedakah (charity and justice)
Tikkun Olam (repair the world)
Gemilut Chasadim (loving kindness)
L'dor V'dor (generation to generation)

Strategic Approach:

The Foundation states it is "committed to the highest ethical and professional standards of fundraising, grantmaking and nonprofit management"
Organizations should demonstrate similar standards in their operations
For endowment funds, demonstrate long-term sustainability and community impact

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Understand the Dual Nature: The Foundation primarily operates through donor-advised funds (where individual donors direct grants) alongside specific competitive grant programs like Golden Goldman. Most organizational grants are donor-directed, not competitively awarded.
Golden Goldman Fund Is Your Direct Opportunity: For organizations seeking direct Foundation grants, the Golden Goldman Philanthropic Fund is the primary competitive opportunity. Ensure strong alignment with at least one of the five focus areas and emphasize local Buffalo/Western NY impact.
Budget and Impact Matter: Applications evaluated on fiscal viability, potential impact, and ability to serve underserved populations. Provide detailed budgets (Excel preferred) and specific metrics for measuring success.
Build Community Relationships: Since most grants are donor-directed, organizations benefit from visibility and strong relationships within the Buffalo Jewish community and broader Western NY nonprofit sector. Attend community events and build relationships with potential donors who may have funds at the Foundation.
Timeline Planning: For Golden Goldman grants, allow 3 months for review. For scholarships, strict deadlines apply (Academic: June 1, Medical: February 28, Performing Arts: February 1). Plan accordingly and submit complete applications.
Jewish Values Alignment: While the Foundation supports both Jewish and non-Jewish organizations, demonstrating alignment with Jewish values (Tzedakah, Tikkun Olam, Gemilut Chasadim, L'dor V'dor) strengthens applications, particularly for organizations serving the Jewish community.
Think Long-Term: Consider establishing an endowment fund with the Foundation for sustainable, perpetual support. This is particularly valuable for temples, synagogues, and Jewish community organizations.
Financial Need Is Key for Scholarships: Individual scholarship programs prioritize documented financial need, Jewish identity, and connection to Erie or Niagara County. Complete all required documentation and prepare for interviews.
Contact Before Large Requests: For Golden Goldman proposals exceeding $20,000, email goldengoldman@jewishphilanthropies.org before submitting to discuss the project.
Reporting Requirements: If funded by Golden Goldman, be prepared to submit interim (6 months) and final (1 year) reports detailing how funds were spent, persons served, benefits achieved, challenges faced, and lessons learned.

References

Foundation For Jewish Philanthropies Official Website - https://jewishphilanthropies.org/ (Accessed January 2026)
Foundation For Jewish Philanthropies Mission Page - https://jewishphilanthropies.org/mission/ (Accessed January 2026)
Foundation For Jewish Philanthropies Team Page - https://jewishphilanthropies.org/leadership/ (Accessed January 2026)
Foundation For Jewish Philanthropies Impact Page - https://jewishphilanthropies.org/impact/ (Accessed January 2026)
Foundation For Jewish Philanthropies FAQs - https://jewishphilanthropies.org/faqs/ (Accessed January 2026)
Golden Goldman Philanthropic Fund Information - https://jewishphilanthropies.org/golden-goldman-fund/ (Accessed January 2026)
Golden Goldman Application Page - https://jewishphilanthropies.org/golden-goldman-application/ (Accessed January 2026)
Academic Scholarships Page - https://jewishphilanthropies.org/academic-scholarships/ (Accessed January 2026)
Israel Scholarships Page - https://jewishphilanthropies.org/israel-scholarships/ (Accessed January 2026)
Geoff Richter Performing Arts Award - https://jewishphilanthropies.org/geoff-richter-performing-arts-award/ (Accessed January 2026)
Medical Student Aid Society Award - https://jewishphilanthropies.org/medical-student-aid-society-award/ (Accessed January 2026)
Hebrew Benevolent Loan Association - https://jewishphilanthropies.org/hbla/ (Accessed January 2026)
Foundation History Page - https://jewishphilanthropies.org/history/ (Accessed January 2026)
Donor Advised Funds Information - https://jewishphilanthropies.org/donor-advised-funds/ (Accessed January 2026)
ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Foundation For Jewish Philanthropies - https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/166023261 (Accessed January 2026)
Cause IQ Profile - Foundation For Jewish Philanthropies - https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/foundation-for-jewish-philanthropies,166023261/ (Accessed January 2026)
Charity Navigator Rating - https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/166023261 (Accessed January 2026)
Jewish Buffalo History Center - Foundation For Jewish Philanthropies - https://jewishbuffalohistory.org/agencies/foundation-for-jewish-philanthropies/ (Accessed January 2026)