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United Jewish Community Of Broward County Inc (Jewish Federation of Broward County)

Annual Giving
$13.6M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $13,643,268 (2023)
  • Number of Grants: 122 awards (2023)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Proposals due late January; decision timeline not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
  • Geographic Focus: Broward County, Israel, and worldwide Jewish communities
  • Assets Under Management: Over $200 million (Foundation)

Contact Details

Main Office:
5890 South Pine Island Road
Davie, Florida 33328
Phone: (954) 252-6900
Fax: (954) 252-6892
Email: info@JewishBroward.org
Website: jewishbroward.org

Grant Program Contacts:

Overview

The United Jewish Community of Broward County Inc (operating as the Jewish Federation of Broward County) was established in 1947. The organization distributed $13,643,268 in grants across 122 awards in 2023, making it a significant funder in South Florida's Jewish community. Their mission is to "inspire philanthropy to invest in Jewish life in Broward County, Israel and around the world by connecting people and igniting passion." Guided by Jewish values of tikkun olam (repairing the world) and tzedakah (charity and social justice), the Federation mobilizes financial and human resources to strengthen Jewish communities. The organization manages over $200 million in assets through its Foundation. In 2024, the Federation achieved a historic 30% increase in annual campaign fundraising, raising $6.9 million—the largest surge in donations in over two decades—plus an additional $4.5 million through its Emergency Fund for Israel. Charity Navigator awarded the organization a Four-Star rating with a perfect 100% score for accountability and financial performance.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Federation operates with an invitation-only Request for Proposals (RFP) process issued annually in November, with proposals due in late January. The organization does not accept unsolicited proposals. New agencies must submit a one-page Letter of Intent requesting permission to submit a full proposal.

Program Areas:

  • Israel and Overseas Grants: Supporting Israeli organizations and global Jewish communities
  • Jewish Identity, Education and Engagement: Programs strengthening Jewish learning and connection
  • Vulnerable Populations: Support for at-risk individuals and families
  • Jewish Women and Girls Programs: Gender-focused initiatives
  • Health and Disabilities: Services for individuals with special needs

The Federation partners with approximately 30 social and humanitarian agencies providing services to Jews across all ages, interests, incomes, and backgrounds.

Priority Areas

Based on recent campaigns and strategic initiatives, the Federation prioritizes:

  • Children and Youth: At-risk children, safe and high-quality childcare, Jewish education
  • Seniors: Combating social isolation, addressing food insecurity, supporting those with dementia, preventing financial difficulties
  • Special Needs Populations: Individuals with disabilities and health challenges
  • Vulnerable Populations: Domestic abuse victims, individuals facing homelessness
  • Israel Support: Emergency aid, medical care, trauma relief, psychological support
  • Community Connection: Programs fostering deeper engagement, inclusion, and collaboration (Ignite Broward initiative)

What They Don't Fund

Specific funding exclusions are not publicly disclosed. The Federation maintains an invitation-only process, suggesting they fund primarily established partner agencies rather than broad community organizations. First-time applicants cannot submit proposals without written invitation.

Governance and Leadership

Board Leadership

  • Doug Berman - Board Chair
  • Andrew Rosen - Board Vice Chair
  • Drew Tabatchnick - Board Vice Chair
  • Dan Newman - Treasurer
  • Ivy Feinstein - Secretary
  • Keith Goldmann - Assistant Secretary
  • Gary Opper - Foundation Chair
  • Seth Wise - Annual Campaign Chair
  • Alan Cohn - Immediate Past Board Chair

Additional board members include Rachel Antevy, Scott Bakal, Peter Berg, Hank Cairo, and approximately 20+ others.

Executive Staff

  • Audra P. Berg - President & CEO
  • Heather Barraza - Executive VP/CFO
  • Carly Glikman - VP of Annual Campaign
  • Evan Goldman - Executive Director of Public Affairs
  • Keith Goldmann - Chief Philanthropy Officer
  • Lior Ofir - Chief Operating Officer
  • Joy Dawn Prevor - Chief Impact Officer
  • Rabbi Arnie Samlan - Executive Director of Jewish Learning

Leadership Perspective

Audra P. Berg, who joined in 2022 after 25 years of Jewish community leadership, has emphasized partnership and presence. She stated: "More important than speaking is doing. And now, more than ever, we must lead with clarity, not just through programs and funding, but through presence and partnership." On the organization's approach, she noted: "Our work is guided not by politics or partisanship, but by purpose," and emphasized that "when the world feels overwhelming, our greatest source of strength is what we build right here at home."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Jewish Federation of Broward County operates an invitation-only grant process and does NOT accept unsolicited proposals.

Application Process:

  1. New Applicants: Must submit a short, one-page Letter of Intent (LOI) requesting permission to submit a full proposal
  2. Invitation: Only agencies invited by the Federation may submit full proposals
  3. Established Partners: Agencies previously funded receive RFP information directly

Annual RFP Cycle:

  • RFP issued: Early November (e.g., November 3, 2025 for fiscal year 2027)
  • Proposals due: Late January (e.g., January 23, 2026)
  • Submission format: Must use Federation's provided template with all requested documents
  • Incomplete proposals or proposals in other formats will not be accepted

Contact for Questions:

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines and notification methods are not publicly disclosed. The Federation operates one granting cycle per year.

Success Rates

Success rates and statistics on the number of applications received versus funded are not publicly available. The organization made 122 awards in 2023, 108 in 2022, and 106 in 2021, showing relatively consistent grantmaking activity.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly disclosed. Given the invitation-only structure, agencies interested in funding should maintain relationships with Federation staff and demonstrate alignment with strategic priorities.

Application Success Factors

While the Federation does not publish detailed application guidance, the following factors emerge from their strategic priorities and leadership statements:

Alignment with Strategic Vision:

  • The Federation launched Ignite Broward in 2024, a countywide listening initiative engaging 1,400+ participants to shape future priorities around deeper connection, greater inclusion, and stronger collaboration
  • Programs should address "pressing needs" while "planning for the future" and "strengthening the Jewish community"
  • By May 2026, the Ignite Broward task forces will deliver concrete implementation plans that will likely shape future funding priorities

Community Impact Focus:

  • The Federation seeks "the highest quality programming" with demonstrated impact
  • Priority on programs serving vulnerable populations: at-risk children, seniors facing isolation or food insecurity, individuals with special needs, domestic abuse victims, those at risk of homelessness
  • Strong preference for programs addressing multiple generations and promoting community-wide collaboration

Jewish Values and Connection:

  • Programs should strengthen Jewish identity, education, and engagement
  • Commitment to Israel support and global Jewish community
  • Emphasis on tikkun olam (repairing the world) and tzedakah (social justice)

Partnership Approach:

  • The Federation emphasizes "presence and partnership" over transactional relationships
  • Long-term partnerships with approximately 30 beneficiary agencies suggest preference for sustained relationships
  • New applicants should focus on relationship building before formal applications

Responsiveness to Crisis:

  • The organization demonstrated significant responsiveness to the October 7th crisis, raising $4.5 million for emergency Israel support
  • Programs demonstrating agility and crisis response capacity may be valued

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Invitation-only process: Do not submit unsolicited proposals; focus on relationship building and submitting a compelling one-page LOI if you're a new applicant
  • Established partnerships valued: With only 30 primary partner agencies receiving 122 grants annually, the Federation favors long-term relationships over one-time funding
  • Annual cycle only: One opportunity per year with November RFP and January deadline; plan well in advance
  • Strategic alignment critical: Study the Ignite Broward initiative outcomes (expected May 2026) to understand evolving priorities around connection, inclusion, and collaboration
  • Multiple program areas: If your organization serves multiple Federation priorities (e.g., seniors AND Jewish education), coordinate your approach across relevant program contacts
  • Community impact focus: Emphasize measurable outcomes, high-quality programming, and how your work strengthens Jewish life locally or globally
  • Crisis responsiveness: The 30% fundraising increase in 2024 demonstrates community mobilization capacity; programs addressing urgent needs alongside long-term strengthening may resonate

References

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