Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $35,171,964 (grants distributed, 2024)
Total Community Investment: $80.7 million (including Jewish Community Foundation)
Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
Decision Time: ~7 months (November application to June notification for JCF)
Grant Range: $500 - $1,103,000+ (varies by programme)
Geographic Focus: Greater Philadelphia (Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Montgomery, Delaware counties), Israel, and global Jewish communities

Contact Details

Grant Inquiries: grants@jewishphilly.org

Application Portal: jewishphilly.softr.app/applications-open

Address: Philadelphia, PA

Overview

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia (EIN: 23-1500085) is a major Jewish communal organisation with over a century of history, holding assets of $476,351,804 as of 2024. The Federation mobilises financial and volunteer resources to address critical priorities locally, in Israel, and worldwide, guided by three pillars: caring for vulnerable populations (safety net), supporting Jewish life and learning (Jewish continuity), and supporting Israel and global Jewry. The organisation distributes hundreds of grants totaling over $35 million annually through various programmes, with total community investment reaching $80.7 million. The Federation operates with high efficiency—just 12 cents per dollar spent on operations—and maintains a four-star rating from Charity Navigator. The organisation has expanded its focus on combating antisemitism and enhancing security for Jewish institutions whilst maintaining its traditional emphasis on education, human services, and supporting vulnerable populations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

Jewish Community Fund (JCF) The Federation's core annual campaign providing general operating support and capacity-building grants to Jewish institutions. Grant amounts vary widely based on organisational needs and alignment with priorities. Applications typically open in November with decisions in June for fiscal years running September-August. One-year grants with possibility of one-year renewal.

Bernard and Etta Weinberg Family Fund One of the Federation's largest restricted endowment funds with over $23 million in assets, having distributed $9.8 million since 2010. Recent funding cycle awarded $1,103,000+ to 16 programmes, with individual grants ranging from $12,019 to $114,779. Approves funding for up to three years. Example grants: Abramson Senior Care HealthCare Management Programme ($114,779), LGBTQ+ Elder Initiative ($112,000).

Jewish Federation Real Estate Fund (JFRE) Supports capital projects for acquisitions, new construction, substantial expansions, or rehabilitations. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $50,000, with larger grants possible under unique circumstances. Recent allocation: $645,443 to 18 capital projects. Applications reviewed on rolling basis. Exclusively for real estate and capital improvements—does not fund security personnel or operational deficits.

Women of Vision Philadelphia's Jewish Women's Foundation alternating annual funding between Greater Philadelphia and Israel (rotating annually since 2018). Grants typically range from $20,000 to $35,000, with some larger awards up to $70,000 over two years. Has distributed over $1.9 million since inception. Recent cycle: nearly $230,000 to four local organisations. Two-year grant periods typical.

Centre to Combat Antisemitism Microgrants One-time grants for programmes and events raising awareness about antisemitism. Range: $500 to $2,500, with larger grants possible under unique circumstances. Applications reviewed first Thursday of each month. Deadline: last day of previous month.

Kehillah Neighbourhood Microgrants Community-wide programming grants for building vibrant, diverse Jewish connections. Specific amounts not publicly disclosed.

Priority Areas

The Federation funds across three core pillars:

Caring for Vulnerable Populations (Safety Net):

Services meeting basic needs of vulnerable community members of all ages
Geriatric counselling and care management (50% of Weinberg Fund)
Older adult services (33% of Weinberg Fund)
Food distribution and housing support
PTSD intervention and mental health services

Supporting Jewish Life and Learning (Jewish Continuity):

Jewish education (16% of Weinberg Fund)
Youth programming and camps (distributed $560,000 in need-based aid to 45 Jewish camps)
Leadership development and family programmes
Hillel chapters and college engagement
Educational resources and cultural programming

Supporting Israel and Global Jewry:

Israel emergency response
Programmes in Israel serving evacuees and vulnerable populations
Global Jewish advocacy and community development
Refugee and immigration services (HIAS Pennsylvania)

Cross-Cutting Priorities:

Combating antisemitism and enhancing security (secured $1.38 million in state/federal funds for 15 Jewish institutions)
Interfaith programming and community building
Regional coordination and service expansion to underserved populations

What They Don't Fund

Security personnel or security training (JFRE Fund)
Operational deficits (JFRE Fund)
Organisations without 501(c)(3) status (U.S. organisations) or proper Amuta registration (Israeli organisations)
Organisations that do not service at least one of the five Greater Philadelphia counties (for local funding)

Governance and Leadership

CEO: Michael Balaban (since June 1, 2021)

Board Co-Chairs: Mark Fishman and Michele Levin (as of September 2025)

Immediate Past Board Chair: Michael P. Markman (served September 2023 - August 2025)

Notable Board Members:

Karen Kramer: Board of Directors, Board of Trustees (2002-2024), Women's Philanthropy president (2008-2010), Jewish Federation Executive Committee. Co-chair of Jewish Community Foundation.
Susanna Lachs Adler: Past chair of Board of Directors and Board of Trustees, current member of Board of Directors and Executive Committee. Co-chair of Jewish Community Foundation.
Jason A. Morgan: Co-president of Morgan Properties, at-large member

Leadership Philosophy: Former CEO Naomi Adler (departed in 2021) emphasised strategic vision and multi-year funding: "You have to take risks with vision in mind," and noted that multi-year funding "allows the organisation and the many agencies it supports can spend money more strategically and towards more ambitious goals." She highlighted the importance of endowment support: "Through his generous endowment, Sidney Kimmel is ensuring that many generations of Jews to come will be supported when they are in need and that we are growing leaders of the future."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the Federation's online portal at jewishphilly.softr.app/applications-open. Grant requests undergo an in-depth vetting process led by professional staff in Philadelphia and the Israel office. Committees of lay leaders review and approve final grant awards.

First-Time Applicants: If you have never applied before and believe you align strongly with Federation priorities, send an inquiry to grants@jewishphilly.org before submitting a full application.

Jewish Community Fund (JCF) Timeline:

October: Request for Proposals (RFP) posted with funding specifics
Early November: Applications open
Early December: Application deadline
June: Award notifications
September 1: Grant term begins (fiscal year runs Sept 1 - Aug 31)

Women of Vision Timeline:

Mid-November: RFP opens
Mid-December: Proposal deadline
Late February: Finalists notified

Capacity Building Grants: Separate cycle opening in December (focused on mental health outcomes).

JFRE Fund: Rolling basis applications.

Antisemitism Microgrants: Monthly reviews (first Thursday); applications due last day of previous month.

Decision Timeline

Jewish Community Fund: 7 months from application opening (November) to notification (June).

Women of Vision: Approximately 3 months from deadline to finalist notification.

Weinberg Fund: Multi-year review process with up to three-year funding periods approved.

Microgrants: Monthly review cycle with faster turnaround.

Success Rates

Success rate data is not publicly disclosed. The Federation made 275 awards in 2024, 256 in 2023, and 298 in 2022. The number of applications received is not published.

Reapplication Policy

The Jewish Community Fund offers one-year grants with the possibility of renewal for an additional year. Multi-year support is available through specific funds like the Weinberg Fund (up to three years). Reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants are not explicitly stated in public materials.

Application Success Factors

The Federation has articulated specific criteria that strengthen applications:

Demonstrated Excellence: The Federation values "exceptionality in providing services across one or more of Jewish Federation's priority areas, as evidenced by accreditations, awards, etc." Organisations should highlight any recognition, certifications, or measurable outcomes demonstrating exceptional service delivery.

Fiscal Health and Strategic Planning: Applications must demonstrate fiscal health and include an organisational theory of change. This signals the Federation's interest in sustainable, strategically-minded organisations with clear pathways to impact.

Mission Alignment: Organisations must demonstrate how they "Care for Those in Need Locally, Support Israel and Global Jewry, and Secure a Vibrant Jewish Future." Use this language when describing alignment with Federation priorities.

Geographic Service: For local funding, clearly articulate how you service at least one of the five Greater Philadelphia counties (Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Montgomery, Delaware).

Multi-Year Vision: Given leadership emphasis on strategic multi-year funding, applications should demonstrate how funding will enable longer-term strategic goals, not just immediate needs.

Recent Funding Patterns: The Federation has recently emphasised:

Antisemitism awareness and security infrastructure (reflected in microgrant programme and capital project focus)
Mental health infrastructure and services (capacity-building cycle)
Israel emergency response (significant funding for evacuees and PTSD programmes)
Youth engagement and camps (consistent priority with substantial investment)
Services for older adults and vulnerable populations (Weinberg Fund focus)

Examples of Funded Projects:

Abramson Senior Care - HealthCare Management Programme ($114,779, Weinberg Fund)
LGBTQ+ Elder Initiative ($112,000, Weinberg Fund)
Jewish Women International - Financial Fitness for Young Women (Women of Vision)
Moving Traditions - CultureShift programme (Women of Vision, previously $70,000 over two years)
jGirls+ Magazine - Jewish Feminist Leadership Strategy & Vocal Point (Women of Vision)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Know your fund: The Federation operates multiple distinct grant programmes with different priorities, timelines, and award amounts. Target the specific fund that best matches your work rather than submitting a generic application.
Emphasise excellence and outcomes: The Federation explicitly seeks "exceptionality" evidenced by awards, accreditations, and measurable results. Lead with your strongest credentials and data demonstrating impact.
Speak their language: Frame your work using the Federation's three pillars—caring for vulnerable populations, supporting Jewish life and learning, and supporting Israel and global Jewry. Use their terminology to demonstrate alignment.
First-time applicants should reach out first: The Federation recommends sending an inquiry to grants@jewishphilly.org before applying if you've never received funding. This can save time and increase your chances by ensuring fit before full application.
Think strategically and long-term: Leadership values multi-year funding that enables strategic investment toward ambitious goals. Frame requests in terms of sustainable impact and organisational development, not just immediate needs.
Timing matters: With only a one-month application window for the Jewish Community Fund (early November - early December), prepare materials well in advance of the November opening.
Leverage current priorities: The Federation has recently emphasised antisemitism awareness, security, mental health, and Israel emergency response. Applications addressing these areas align with demonstrated funding patterns.

References

Accessed: May 7, 2026

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