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Jewish Community Foundation Of Greater Kansas City

Annual Giving
$19.3M
Grant Range
$1K - $0.0M
Decision Time
3mo

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $19,298,967 (2023)
  • Total Assets: $255.3 million
  • Decision Time: Varies by program (reviews 2-3 times annually for most programs)
  • Grant Range: Up to $5,000 (J-LEAD) to $13,000+ (other programs)
  • Geographic Focus: Greater Kansas City area (Kansas City and neighboring Jewish communities including Manhattan, KS to west, St. Joseph, MO to north, Columbia, MO to east, and Joplin, MO to south)

Contact Details

Address: 5801 West 115th Street, Suite 104, Overland Park, KS 66211

Phone: (913) 327-8245

Fax: (913) 327-8273

Website: https://www.jcfkc.org/

General Email: info@jcfkc.org

Grant Inquiries: JCFgrants@jcfkc.org

Pre-Application Contact: Beatrice Fine, Director of Grantmaking & Impact at bfine@jcfkc.org (strongly encouraged to contact before applying)

Overview

Founded in 1959, the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City is one of the oldest independent Jewish community foundations in North America. With assets totaling $255.3 million and annual grant distributions of over $19 million, the Foundation serves as the central resource for charitable giving in the Kansas City Jewish community. The Foundation's mission is to promote the practice of tzedakah (charity) and the pursuit of tikkun olam (repairing the world) by serving as the advocate for planned giving and providing personalized charitable funds for individuals, families, and organizations.

The Foundation operates as a donor-advised fund administrator and manages multiple specialized grant programs addressing diverse community needs from Jewish education and cultural arts to safety-net services and special needs programming. Under the leadership of President & CEO Joshua Stein, who assumed the role in January 2024 after serving as director of philanthropy for ten years, the Foundation continues to build on its 65-year legacy of strengthening the Jewish community. Charity Navigator awards the Foundation a Three-Star rating with a score of 87%.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Community Legacy Fund - Awards grants to programs and agencies which enhance and maintain the quality of Jewish life in the Greater Kansas City area

  • Core Support: For established programs and operational support (deadline: June 15)
  • Innovative/Emergency Programs: For new initiatives and urgent needs (deadline: April 1)
  • Objectives include safety net services, Jewish education, community relations, cultural arts, equipment purchases, and seed funding for programs meeting identified community needs

J-LEAD Grants - Awards up to $5,000 per recipient

  • A giving circle for Jewish donors in their 20s, 30s, and 40s
  • Since 2005, J-LEAD members have collectively granted more than $500,000
  • Applications due: March 1
  • Finalists present to J-LEAD membership

Jewish Art Fund - Maximum $2,500 per application

  • Supports programs promoting Jewish art and art education for any age group
  • Limited to Kansas City area
  • Applications due: February 28

Earl J. and Leona K. Tranin Special Fund - Established in 1975

  • Priority areas: cultural arts, community relations, and education (predominantly but not exclusively within Jewish community)
  • Rolling applications accepted
  • Advisors meet 2-3 times per year to review applications

Menorah Women's Foundation - For emotional and physical wellbeing of Jewish community

  • Current priority: health and wellness programs for adolescents and seniors
  • General community grant applications not accepted
  • Applications limited to Greater Kansas City area

Katianne's Sunshine Fund - For special needs programming

  • Memorial fund supporting nonprofit organizations serving local Jewish special needs community
  • Applications due: August 1

Frank Friedberg Fund - $13,000 available annually

  • Supports organizations providing aid to those disabled in Israeli military conflicts
  • Applications due: August 1
  • By invitation only
  • Only program not restricted to Greater Kansas City area

Flo Harris Foundation - For children and safety-net programs

  • Currently not accepting applications from new applicants
  • Recently awarded $160,700 to 36 organizations
  • Past recipients include domestic violence shelters, homeless services, mental health services, youth programming, and food programs

Priority Areas

  • Jewish education and identity programs
  • Cultural arts and community relations
  • Safety-net services and emergency assistance
  • Special needs programming
  • Holocaust education and remembrance
  • Health and wellness initiatives
  • Equipment and infrastructure for Jewish agencies
  • Seed funding for innovative programs addressing community needs

What They Don't Fund

  • With the exception of the Frank Friedberg Fund, all programs restrict grants to the Greater Kansas City area
  • Menorah Women's Foundation does not accept general community grant applications

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

Joshua Stein, President & CEO - Assumed role in January 2024, previously served 10 years as director of philanthropy. During his tenure with the Foundation, he oversaw fund development efforts which included establishment of 329 new funds totaling nearly $45 million. Stein stated, "When I returned to Kansas City 10 and a half years ago, I was drawn by the opportunity to give back." His predecessor, Lauren Mattleman Hoopes, described him as having "the qualities of intelligence, patience, grace, creativity and integrity that are so essential to leadership."

Beatrice Fine, Director of Grantmaking & Impact - Primary contact for grant applicants

Elizabeth Peden, Chief Financial Officer

Suzanne Dicken, Director of Philanthropy

Brooke Hardy, Director of Communications

Board of Trustees Leadership

  • Joseph L. Hiersteiner, Chair
  • Martha Gershun, Vice Chair
  • Lara Krigel Pabst, Vice Chair
  • Brian M. Scharf, Vice Chair
  • Catherine D. Singer, Treasurer
  • Gary Weinberg, Secretary
  • Frank W. Lipsman, Immediate Past President

Additional trustees include Ben Abelson, Ace Allen, Fay Balk, Carol Barnett, Brian Block, Lindsay Fineman, Sondra Friedman (ex-officio), Taly Friedman, Michelle Goldsmith, Edward J. Goldstein, David R. Goodman, Paul Greenwood, Susan Himmelstein, Joshua Hoffman, Pamela Kanter, Jay Lewis (ex-officio), Michael Liss, Linda B., and Miles Ross.

Committees

Administrative, Audit, Development, Executive, Gift Acceptance, Grants, Investment, Marketing, and Nominating

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Jewish Community Foundation uses Foundant software to accept and process grant applications. Grant applications go live one month prior to the deadline.

Pre-Application Contact: Organizations interested in applying are strongly encouraged to contact Beatrice Fine BEFORE applying at bfine@jcfkc.org or via JCFgrants@jcfkc.org.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Located within the service area and qualified as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
  • Missions compatible with the Jewish Community Foundation
  • For Community Legacy Fund: Self-identify as a Jewish communal organization and maintain the quality of Jewish life and/or promote the pursuit of tikkun olam (repairing the world)

Application Portals: Each grant program has specific application procedures through the Foundant system. Contact the Foundation for access to the appropriate application portal.

Decision Timeline

Community Legacy Fund:

  • Innovative/Emergency grants: April 1 deadline
  • Core grants: June 15 deadline

J-LEAD Grants:

  • March 1 deadline
  • Committee reviews and selects finalists
  • Finalists invited to present to J-LEAD membership
  • Decision follows membership presentations

Jewish Art Fund: February 28 deadline

Tranin Special Fund: Rolling applications; advisors meet 2-3 times per year

Katianne's Sunshine Fund: August 1 deadline

Frank Friedberg Fund: August 1 deadline (invitation only)

Review Process: A meeting with the grants committee and/or a site visit may be necessary to receive funding. Grant applicants may be contacted via phone or letter requesting further information.

Note: If deadlines fall on a weekend, applications are due the next business day.

Success Rates

The Foundation made 356 grants in 2023, distributing $19,298,967. J-LEAD has awarded more than $500,000 since 2005. The Flo Harris Foundation recently awarded $160,700 to 36 organizations. Specific acceptance rates are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Information on reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly specified. Contact Beatrice Fine for guidance on reapplying.

Application Success Factors

Pre-Application Consultation is Key: The Foundation strongly encourages all organizations to contact Beatrice Fine before applying. This consultation helps ensure alignment with funding priorities and can provide valuable guidance on crafting a competitive application.

Mission Alignment: For most programs (especially Community Legacy Fund), demonstrating how your organization enhances Jewish life or pursues tikkun olam is essential. Self-identification as a Jewish communal organization is important for core Jewish community programs.

Geographic Eligibility: Carefully verify your location falls within the Greater Kansas City service area, which extends to Manhattan, KS (west), St. Joseph, MO (north), Columbia, MO (east), and Joplin, MO (south).

Program Specificity: Applications should clearly articulate how the program fits specific fund priorities. For example, Tranin Special Fund prioritizes cultural arts, community relations, and education, while Menorah Women's Foundation focuses on health and wellness for adolescents and seniors.

Evidence of Community Need: The Community Legacy Fund particularly values seed programs that meet identified community needs. Demonstrating awareness of community studies or documented gaps strengthens applications.

Presentation Skills for J-LEAD: Finalists for J-LEAD grants must present to membership and answer questions. Strong communication skills and ability to articulate impact are crucial for this program.

Professionalism and Relationships: With a grants committee that may request site visits and follow-up meetings, building genuine relationships with Foundation staff and demonstrating professional operations enhances credibility.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Contact Beatrice Fine before applying - This pre-application consultation is strongly encouraged across all programs and can significantly improve your application's competitiveness
  • Align with Jewish values - Frame your work in terms of tzedakah (charity/righteousness) and tikkun olam (repairing the world), the Foundation's core mission principles
  • Understand program-specific priorities - Each fund has distinct focus areas; carefully match your application to the appropriate fund rather than applying broadly
  • Geographic restrictions matter - Verify eligibility carefully; most programs require location in Greater Kansas City area with specifically defined boundaries
  • Use Foundant system - Familiarize yourself with the Foundant grant management platform used for applications
  • Plan for multiple review opportunities - With rolling applications (Tranin) and 2-3 annual review cycles for some funds, timing is flexible but requires planning
  • Leverage the J-LEAD model - For smaller grants ($5,000 or less), J-LEAD offers an engaged donor audience; be prepared to present if selected as finalist
  • Build long-term relationships - As one of the oldest independent Jewish community foundations in North America, the Foundation values sustained community partnerships over one-time transactions

References

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