Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego

Quick Stats

• Total Assets: More than $800 million (2024)
• Lifetime Giving: $2 billion since 1967
• Total Grants Made: 135,000+ grants to over 9,000 organisations
• Geographic Focus: San Diego (70%), Israel (10%), United States and International (20%)
• Grant Access: Primarily through donor-advised funds; limited competitive grants via CAP

Contact Details

Address: Joseph and Lenka Finci Jewish Community Building, 4950 Murphy Canyon Road, San Diego, CA 92123

Phone: 858-279-2740

Email: info@jcfsandiego.org

Website: jcfsandiego.org

CAP Grant Inquiries: cap@jcfsandiego.org (Jessica Ludwig, Grants Officer)

Tax ID: 95-2504044

Overview

Founded in 1967, the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego is the oldest community foundation in the San Diego region. With more than $800 million in assets under management as of 2024, JCF has facilitated over $2 billion in grants since its inception, distributing 135,000+ grants to over 9,000 organisations worldwide. The foundation's mission is to "build flourishing Jewish communities and advance sustainable, just, and vibrant societies in San Diego, Israel, nationally, and around the globe." Operating primarily as a donor-advised fund platform, JCF enables individuals and families to establish charitable funds and recommend grants to qualified nonprofits. The foundation also provides capacity-building programmes for Jewish organisations through its Endowment Leadership Institute (ELI) and Governance Leadership Institute (GLI), which have helped generate over $200 million in legacy commitments. In January 2024, Jeremy Pearl was appointed as President and CEO, beginning his service in March 2024, continuing the foundation's evolution in strategic philanthropy.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

Donor-Advised Funds (Primary Grantmaking Mechanism)

• Minimum establishment: $1,800
• No set grant amounts (donor discretion)
• Grants processed weekly
• Anonymous funding options available
• Application: Not applicable—grants recommended by fund holders

Competitive Application Platform (CAP)

• Limited opportunities based on donor priorities
• Variable grant amounts depending on specific programme
• Current active grants include: San Marcos Community Foundation (for 501(c)3 organisations serving San Marcos residents), Cushman Foundation Grant (for organisations in San Diego County), Chortek Weisman Family Foundation, Jim Farley Jewish Communal Professional Development Grant (at least $12,500 annually distributed, with individual grants up to $2,500)
• Application method: Online portal (cap.jcfsandiego.org/submit)
• Timing: Varies by opportunity; some grants open annually, others as funding becomes available

Priority Areas

JCF supports a wide range of causes based on donor interests, with particular strength in:

• Jewish education and identity-building programmes
• Arts and cultural initiatives
• Israel-related projects and humanitarian needs
• Health and human services for vulnerable populations
• Community development and capacity building
• Emergency response and crisis relief
• Campus antisemitism and Jewish student support
• Synagogues and religious institutions across all denominations

What They Don't Fund

The foundation maintains specific restrictions and will not fund organisations that:

• Engage in antisemitism, bigotry, or terrorist activities
• Actively proselytise Jews away from Judaism
• Expressly seek Israel's destruction

Note: Operating expenses are often excluded from CAP grant eligibility (programme-specific funding typically required)

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

Jeremy Pearl, J.D., LL.M. - Chief Executive Officer, Miriam and Jerome Katzin Executive Chair

• Appointed January 2024, began serving March 2024

Charlene Seidle - President and Chief Philanthropy Officer

Sharleen Wollach - Executive Vice President and Chief Impact Officer

Eli Landau - Chief Financial Officer

Senior Staff

Sharyn Goodson - Senior Vice President, Philanthropy

Jessica Kort - Vice President, Strategic Communications

Jenny Camhi - Vice President, Philanthropic and Community Engagement

Ollie Benn - Vice President of Philanthropy

Jessica Ludwig - Grants Officer (CAP contact)

Estela Mitrani - Legacy Programme Manager

Board of Directors

Board Officers:

• Tina Beranbaum - Board Chair (Centauric)
• Michael S. Levinson - Chair-Elect, Vice Chair
• Ronald A. Friedman - Vice Chair (PKF, LLP)
• Andy Ratner - Treasurer (RKG Wealth Management)
• Theresa Dupuis - Secretary

Board Members: Ben Arnold (Arnold Family Corporation), Paul Datnow (Qualcomm), Leo Eisenberg, Emily Einhorn (Summit Properties), Jane Fantel (JWF Chair), Judi Gottschalk (Education Mentor), Elena High (KPMG), Larry Katz (CPA), Taylor Lucas (Passport), Craig Misrach (Ampla Holdings & Poppy Capital), Jeff Platt (Platt Wealth Management), Jeff Schindler (Jewish Federation of San Diego, Federation Board Chair), Lawrence Sherman (Solomon Ward Seidenwurm & Smith, General Counsel), Leo Spiegel (Spiegel Capital Management), David Wax

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

For Donor-Advised Fund Grants: JCF does not have a traditional public application process for most of its grantmaking. The majority of grants are made through donor-advised funds, where individual donors who have established charitable accounts recommend grants to qualified 501(c)3 organisations. Nonprofits cannot apply directly for these funds—they must be selected by the donor.

For Competitive Application Platform (CAP) Grants: Limited competitive grant opportunities are available through the CAP portal. Organisations must:

1. Monitor the CAP website (jcfsandiego.org/organizations/competitive-application-platform) for active opportunities
2. Ensure 501(c)3 status and eligibility for the specific grant programme
3. Submit applications through cap.jcfsandiego.org/submit
4. Contact Jessica Ludwig (cap@jcfsandiego.org or 858-279-2740) with questions

Eligibility Requirements for CAP:

• Current 501(c)3 nonprofit status
• Located in or serving San Diego County (or specific jurisdictions per grant programme)
• Programme-specific funding requests (operating costs often excluded)

Getting on Their Radar

Since most grantmaking flows through donor-advised funds, organisations seeking support should focus on:

Building Relationships with Donors:

• Engage with JCF's donor education programmes and events where potential funders gather
• Attend Fundraising Fridays, networking events organised by JCF for nonprofits and donors
• Develop relationships with existing donors who may have advised funds at JCF

Strengthening Organisational Capacity:

• Participate in the Endowment Leadership Institute (ELI) if you're a Jewish organisation seeking to build sustainability—this programme has engaged 1,300+ individuals who have made $200M in legacy commitments
• Join the Governance Leadership Institute (GLI) to strengthen leadership and governance practices
• These capacity-building programmes connect organisations with JCF's network and demonstrate commitment to long-term sustainability

Staying Visible:

• Maintain updated information on GuideStar, Charity Navigator, and other platforms where donors research organisations
• Be prepared to respond quickly when donors request information or conduct site visits
• Ensure your organisation aligns with JCF's funding criteria (no antisemitism, proselytising away from Judaism, or seeking Israel's destruction)

Decision Timeline

Donor-Advised Fund Grants:

• Grants are processed weekly once recommended by donors
• Timeline depends entirely on individual donor decision-making

CAP Grants:

• Timelines vary by specific grant opportunity
• Review periods and decision dates are specified in each grant announcement

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly reported. CAP opportunities are competitive, with limited funding available through specific donor funds. The foundation has facilitated 135,000+ grants since 1967, but most are donor-directed rather than competitively awarded.

Reapplication Policy

For CAP grants, reapplication policies vary by specific opportunity. Organisations that are unsuccessful in one cycle may typically apply to future opportunities when available. Contact Jessica Ludwig at cap@jcfsandiego.org for guidance on specific programmes.

Application Success Factors

For Organisations Seeking Donor-Advised Fund Support:

Alignment with Donor Values: Most grants flow from individual donor-advised funds, so success depends on demonstrating alignment with specific donor interests. JCF's donor base prioritises Jewish community building, education, arts and culture, and Israel-related causes.

Transparency and Legitimacy: JCF emphasises accountability and will conduct due diligence on grant recipients. Organisations should maintain:

• Strong financial health and transparency
• Clear programmatic outcomes
• Compliance with 501(c)3 requirements
• Alignment with JCF's funding restrictions (no antisemitism, proselytising, or anti-Israel activities)

Relationship Building: As the foundation notes, "Philanthropy has a unique role to play when unanticipated challenges suddenly hit." Donors appreciate organisations that:

• Demonstrate crisis responsiveness and adaptability
• Provide clear impact metrics
• Offer opportunities for donor engagement (site visits, reporting, recognition)

For CAP Grant Applications:

Programme-Specific Focus: CAP eligibility typically requires programme-specific funding requests rather than general operating support. Successful applications clearly articulate:

• Defined programme goals and measurable outcomes
• How the programme serves the specific geographic or demographic criteria
• Budget details showing grant funds will support direct programme activities

Geographic Relevance: Most CAP opportunities target San Diego County organisations or those serving San Diego residents. Demonstrate deep community ties and local impact.

Capacity and Sustainability: JCF values organisational strength. Through ELI and GLI, they've shown commitment to building nonprofit capacity. Applications should demonstrate:

• Strong governance and leadership
• Financial sustainability plans
• Track record of programme delivery

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Understand the Model: JCF is primarily a donor-advised fund platform, not a traditional foundation with open grant cycles. Most funding comes from individual donors who control grant recommendations.

• CAP is Limited: The Competitive Application Platform offers only occasional opportunities based on specific donor funds. Monitor regularly but don't rely on it as a primary funding source.

• Build Donor Relationships: Success requires cultivating relationships with JCF's donor community. Attend networking events like Fundraising Fridays and engage with donor education programmes.

• Strengthen Your Organisation First: Participating in ELI or GLI can simultaneously build capacity and increase visibility with potential funders in JCF's network.

• Align with Core Values: JCF operates on Jewish values (Tzedakah, Dor l'dor, Kavod, Torah, Derech Eretz). Organisations should understand and reflect these principles, particularly those seeking support from Jewish community donors.

• Stay Crisis-Ready: JCF emphasises responsive philanthropy during emergencies. Organisations addressing urgent community needs (disasters, antisemitism, humanitarian crises) may find receptive donors through JCF's "Know.Act.Give." initiative.

• Be Patient and Persistent: With grants processed weekly and 135,000+ grants made over nearly six decades, JCF facilitates significant funding—but access requires relationship building over time rather than quick application turnarounds.

References

• Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego official website: https://jcfsandiego.org
• Times of San Diego, "Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego Reaches Milestone of $2 Billion in Grants" (September 2024): https://timesofsandiego.com/life/2024/09/20/jewish-community-foundation-of-san-diego-reaches-milestone-of-2-billion-in-grants/
• San Diego Jewish World, "Jewish Community Foundation's Grant Total Now Exceeds $2 Billion" (September 2024): https://www.sdjewishworld.com/2024/09/20/jewish-community-foundations-grant-total-now-exceeds-2-billion/
• Times of San Diego, "Jeremy Pearl Named President, CEO of Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego" (March 2024): https://timesofsandiego.com/life/2024/03/19/jeremy-pearl-named-president-ceo-of-jewish-community-foundation-of-san-diego/
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/952504044