Jewish Community Foundation Of Southern Arizona

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $17.8 million (primarily through donor-advised funds)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not specified
• Grant Range: Up to $40,000 (Community Impact Grants)
• Geographic Focus: Southern Arizona

Contact Details

Website: https://jparizona.org
Grant Inquiries: Robyn Schwager, Director of Impact and Engagement
Email: Contact through jparizona.org
Phone: (520) 647-8429

Overview

The Jewish Community Foundation of Southern Arizona, now operating as part of Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona (JPSA), was established to achieve the full potential of Jewish philanthropy in Southern Arizona. With over $154 million in total assets as of 2022, the foundation distributed $17.8 million in grants and distributions in recent years through donor-advised funds, individual endowment funds, and organization funds. The foundation supports more than 500 nonprofits annually, though the vast majority of this support flows through donor-directed giving rather than competitive grants. The foundation earned a Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator with a 99% score.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Community Impact Grants: Up to $40,000 (invitation-only to Jewish nonprofits and synagogues)
  • Application method: By invitation only during summer grant cycles
  • Grant period: One year (June - May)

Priority Areas

The foundation focuses on four key populations:

• Children
• Young families
• Older adults (60+)
• Individuals with special needs

Core funding supports:

• Jewish education
• Human services
• Jewish engagement initiatives
• Community security programs
• Israel connections

What They Don't Fund

• Non-Jewish organizations (for competitive grants)
• Organizations outside Southern Arizona
• Organizations not in good standing as 501(c)(3)

Governance and Leadership

President & CEO: Graham Hoffman leads Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona

Board Co-Chairs: Anne Hameroff and Bruce Ash

Key Officers: Steve Rodgveller (Treasurer), Aaron Rottenstein (Secretary), Jane Ash (Vice Chair), Rob Glaser (Vice Chair), Neil Markowitz (Vice Chair)

The foundation operates with nine staff members supporting grant recipients, partner organizations, and professional advisors throughout the community.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process for their Community Impact Grants. Nonprofit Jewish agencies and synagogues in Southern Arizona are invited to apply during specific grant cycles. Organizations must be invited by the foundation to submit proposals.

Getting on Their Radar

• Direct Contact: Organizations should contact Robyn Schwager, Director of Impact and Engagement, well in advance to discuss ideas and position proposals
• Established Relationships: The foundation primarily works with known Jewish organizations and synagogues in Southern Arizona
• Five Beneficiary Agencies: The foundation has established ongoing relationships with Tucson Hebrew Academy, Jewish Family & Children's Services, Tucson Jewish Community Center, Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center, and University of Arizona Hillel Foundation

Decision Timeline

Not publicly specified. Organizations are encouraged to contact the Director of Impact and Engagement for timeline information.

Success Rates

In 2019, 28 out of 44 proposals were funded (64% success rate), distributing $355,197. Current success rates not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Not specified in available documentation.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's funding patterns and stated priorities:

• Organizations serving children, young families, older adults, or individuals with special needs have stronger alignment
• Programs that serve individuals directly (particularly for older adults and special needs populations) are specifically sought
• Ongoing projects should incorporate new elements that improve impact
• The foundation distributed $167,438 to seven grants for "core human services and increased Jewish engagement" in their 2019 cycle
• Partnership and collaboration with other organizations on proposals is encouraged
• Organizations must be current in all reporting to JPSA

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is an invitation-only funder - cold applications are not accepted
• Limited to Jewish nonprofits and synagogues in Southern Arizona only
• Relatively small competitive grant program (up to $40,000) compared to total giving
• Most of the $17.8 million in annual distributions flows through donor-advised funds
• Strong relationships and prior engagement with JPSA are essential
• Contact Robyn Schwager early in your planning process if you believe your organization qualifies
• Focus proposals on direct service to the four priority populations

References

• Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona website (https://jparizona.org) - Accessed March 2024
• JPSA Impact Grants page (https://jparizona.org/forms/grants) - Accessed March 2024
• Grant and Scholarship Opportunities page (https://jparizona.org/community-resources/grant-and-scholarship-opportunities) - Accessed March 2024
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Jewish Community Foundation of Southern Arizona (https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/860718936) - Accessed March 2024
• Charity Navigator Rating (https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/860718936) - Accessed March 2024
• "Lovingkindness-driven initiatives established by JCF/JFSA joint grants" - AZ Jewish Post, 2019
• JPSA Annual & Financial Reports (https://jparizona.org/who-we-are/annual-financial-report) - Accessed March 2024