Youth Grantmaking Program
The JCF Youth Grantmaking Program
In 2007, the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix’s B’nai Tzedek Youth Philanthropy Program was selected as one of only 10 programs nationwide to participate in the Pilot Incentive Grants Program of the Jewish Teen Funders Network, a youth philanthropy project of the Jewish Funders Network. Recognizing the potential of Jewish youth philanthropy programs to empower and educate teens about effective philanthropy and Jewish values, JTFN awarded grants to Jewish communities committed to creating high quality Jewish youth philanthropy programs.
The JTFN grant, along with a generous donation from a local philanthropist, resulted in the formation of the Youth Philanthropy Board and Youth Grantmaking Program at the Jewish Community Foundation. The Youth Philanthropy Board and Youth Grantmaking Program provide dedicated teens the opportunity to make yearly grant recommendations that address local community and global needs.
2017 – 2018 Mission Statements and Funding Priorities
Each year, the Youth Philanthropy Board members develop a unique mission statement, funding priorities, and grantmaking recommendations for their group, based on the causes they care about 
and the identified community needs.
The Youth Philanthropy Board of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix is committed to helping people, especially those most at-risk, in greater Phoenix and Israel by supporting organizations that work to break the cycle of poverty, with an emphasis on addressing the root causes of poverty.
The values we used to inform our giving: *Do not let him slip down until he falls completely, for then it will be difficult to raise him; rather strengthen him as he begins to fall. Midrash *According to Maimonides’ 8 Degrees of Tzedakah, the highest level is helping someone help themselves. *Lo elecha…it is not up to you to finish the task and you are not free to abstain from it. (Pirke Avot Ch. 2)
Proposals are no longer being accepted for the 2017- 2018 grant cycle. For more information about applying for future Youth Philanthropy Board Grants, contact JCF Director of Youth Philanthropy, Andrea Cohen.
2017-2018 Youth Philanthropy Grants
Gesher Disablity Resources: Community Education – $2,990
In partnership with Jewish Family & Children’s Service, this funds a new program to educate the community about disabilities and care for individuals. The program also provides continuing education credits for professionals.
Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Phoenix – $1,600
The grant will fund two programs in a series on race & immigration for the community at large.
Jewish Family and Children’s Service: Real World Job Development Program – $3,000
Real World Job Development works to address unmet needs of youth phasing out of foster care as they transition to adulthood and independence. It serves 160 youths between ages 16 and 24 who struggle with learning disabilities, emotional barriers to independence, and a history of living in unstable out-of-home placements.
Leading for Change – $1,000
Leading for Change provides emerging political leaders, regardless of party, the tools to advance their social justice in their communities.
Yad Ezra V’Shulamit: After School Program – $1,500
Funding will serve 300 at-risk children at a daily, after-school enrichment program in Tzfat. Children receive hot meals, eye and dental care, as well as academic and emotional support.
TOTAL GRANT FUNDING of the 2017-2018 JCF Youth Philanthropy Board: $10,090
To Apply for a Youth Philanthropy Grant
Contact JCF Director of Youth Philanthropy, Andrea Cohen.
