Foundation For The Charlotte Jewish Community

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $8.5 million
• Success Rate: N/A (no public application process)
• Decision Time: Varies by donor recommendation
• Grant Range: Varies by donor fund
• Geographic Focus: Greater Charlotte area (primarily)

Contact Details

• Website: charlottejewishfoundation.org
• Phone: 704-973-4544
• Email: pwarshauer@charlottejewishfoundation.org
• Executive Director: Phil Warshauer

Overview

The Foundation for the Charlotte Jewish Community (FCJC), established in 1997, is a supporting organization of Foundation For The Carolinas with $228 million in assets. Rather than operating as a traditional grant-making foundation, FCJC serves as a philanthropic infrastructure organization that manages donor-advised funds and endowments. The Foundation distributed $8.5 million in grants to 77 organizations in 2023, facilitating charitable giving throughout the Jewish community and beyond. Their mission is to advance philanthropy through education and raise permanent charitable resources to strengthen and sustain Jewish life in the greater Charlotte area. FCJC has experienced remarkable growth, with assets increasing 244% over the past 13 years.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

FCJC does not operate traditional grant programs with open applications. Instead, grants are distributed through:

• Donor-Advised Funds: Individual donors recommend grants from their established funds
• Endowment Distributions: Annual distributions from managed endowments (4.25% spendable income rate for 2025)
• Legacy Giving Programs: Through their Create Your Jewish Legacy initiative

Priority Areas

Based on recent grant distribution patterns:

• Jewish programs and services (351 grants to 39 organizations)
• Education (preschool through higher education - 231 grants to 112 organizations)
• Healthcare and human services (189 grants to various organizations)
• Mental health and housing/shelter services
• Strengthening Jewish community organizations in Charlotte

What They Don't Fund

• Direct applications from organizations (all grants are donor-directed)
• Programs outside donor specifications
• Organizations without donor relationships

Governance and Leadership

Executive Director: Phil Warshauer "Continue to transform giving and philanthropy from being transactional to being personal. It's our job to help clients identify problems they're trying to solve and help them find charitable solutions, typically matching their passions to the needs of a community."

Board Chair: Ira Slomka (Fitch Irick Partners, LLC)

17-Member Board of Trustees including leaders from U.S. Bancorp, McGuireWoods LLP, Foundation For The Carolinas, and various civic and business leaders.

Executive Committee: Chair (Ira Slomka), Vice Chair (Jon Massachi), Secretary (Holly Levinson), Treasurer (David Cantor), Immediate Past Chair (Stephen Philipson)

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded through donor recommendations from established donor-advised funds or through distributions from endowments managed by FCJC. Organizations cannot submit unsolicited grant applications.

Getting on Their Radar

• Build relationships with FCJC donors: Connect with individuals who have established donor-advised funds at FCJC
• Contact Phil Warshauer directly: The Executive Director (704-973-4544, pwarshauer@charlottejewishfoundation.org) provides guidance on philanthropic planning and how organizations might benefit from Foundation services
• Partner organization opportunities: FCJC works closely with 11 partner organizations through their Create Your Jewish Legacy program
• Establish an endowment: Organizations can work with FCJC to create and manage their own endowments
• Participate in community initiatives: Engage with the Charlotte Jewish community through established organizations like Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte, Levine JCC, and Charlotte Jewish Day School

Decision Timeline

Varies based on donor recommendation cycles and endowment distribution schedules. Endowment distributions typically occur annually based on the spendable income rate calculation.

Success Rates

Not applicable due to donor-directed model

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - relationships with donors are ongoing

Application Success Factors

Since FCJC operates through donor-advised funds rather than traditional grants, success factors focus on donor engagement:

• Alignment with Jewish community priorities: FCJC's mission explicitly focuses on strengthening Jewish life in Charlotte
• Strong organizational track record: FCJC distributed 351 grants to just 39 Jewish organizations, suggesting they support established partners
• Educational focus resonates: 231 grants went to education initiatives, from preschool to higher education
• Human services alignment: Healthcare, mental health, and housing services received 189 grants
• Charlotte-area presence: While donors can recommend grants anywhere, the Foundation's mission emphasizes the greater Charlotte area
• Phil Warshauer's philosophy: "We begin with a conversation. At heart, we are problem solvers" - organizations should approach with specific problems and solutions

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No traditional grant applications: FCJC only distributes funds through donor recommendations and endowment distributions
• Donor cultivation essential: Success requires building relationships with individuals who have or might establish donor-advised funds
• Partner organization advantages: The 11 Create Your Jewish Legacy partners have deeper connections to FCJC resources
• Endowment opportunity: Organizations can work with FCJC to establish and manage their own endowments for sustainable funding
• Direct executive access: Phil Warshauer welcomes conversations about philanthropic planning and problem-solving
• Significant resources available: With $228 million in assets and $8.5 million in annual distributions, FCJC is a major philanthropic force
• Growth trajectory positive: 244% asset growth over 13 years indicates expanding donor base and giving capacity

References

• Foundation for the Charlotte Jewish Community Official Website (charlottejewishfoundation.org) - Accessed February 2025
• IRS Form 990 Filing for Foundation For The Charlotte Jewish Community (2024) - ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer
• Foundation For The Carolinas Supporting Organization Documentation
• Create Your Jewish Legacy Partner Organizations List - FCJC Website
• Phil Warshauer Executive Profile and Quotes - FCJC Leadership Page
• FCJC Investment and Spending Policies (2025 Spendable Income Rate)
• Historical Asset Growth Analysis (2011-2024) - IRS Form 990 Filings