Foundation Grants and Their Impact on American Jewish Programs

Foundation Grants and Their Impact on American Jewish Programs

Philanthropic foundations have long played a crucial role in sustaining Jewish religious programs and charities across the United States. These organizations fund a diverse array of initiatives-from synagogue operations and Jewish education to social services and cultural programming-ensuring that Jewish life remains vibrant and accessible for communities nationwide.

The Growing Funding Need

The demand for grant funding among Jewish organizations is rapidly outpacing available resources. For example, the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba recently reported a 14% annual increase in grant requests, while their available funds grew by less than half that rate. In 2024, 60 grant applications from Jewish charities requested $1.9 million against a pool of just $850,000 a decade earlier. This pattern reflects a broader trend: rising costs for maintaining aging infrastructure, increased needs due to global events (such as the war in Israel), and a growing population requiring social services. As government support tightens, Jewish organizations are leaning more heavily on private philanthropy to bridge the gap.

Who Is Impacted by the Funding Gap?

The consequences of insufficient funding ripple throughout the Jewish community. Synagogues struggle to maintain their buildings and offer robust programming. Jewish summer camps and day schools face tough choices about scholarships and staffing. Vulnerable populations-including Holocaust survivors, new immigrants, and those in need of food or trauma support-are at risk of losing essential services. Without adequate grants, many organizations may be forced to cut programs, merge, or even close, threatening the continuity of Jewish communal life.

How Many Foundations Give Grants-and How Much?

Thousands of foundations across the U.S. support Jewish causes. According to a study of Jewish foundations, over 8,000 grants totaling about $1.2 billion were made in a single year by foundations with combined assets of $17 billion. About 24% of these grants went to Jewish organizations, with the remainder supporting secular causes. The median grant size was around $20,000, but the median of the largest grants to Jewish organizations was a substantial $700,000.

At the community level, grant sizes vary widely. For instance, the Jewish Communal Fund distributed $520 million in grants in 2021, with an average grant amount of $7,1945. Local federations, such as in Houston, awarded grants ranging from $3,000 to $20,000 to support collaborative programs. Foundations like the Joyce & Irving Goldman Family Foundation and the Hoffberger Foundation, profiled on FoundationSearch.com, are among many that focus on Jewish life, education, and religious programming nationally and regionally.

Future Trends in Grantmaking

Recent events have shifted donor priorities and increased engagement. After the October 7 attacks in Israel, nearly 40% of Jewish organizations reported receiving donations from new sources, reflecting a surge in support and a potential to expand the donor base. However, experts caution that sustaining this momentum will require continued outreach and innovation.

Looking ahead, the need for foundation support is expected to intensify. Rising antisemitism and security concerns have prompted record federal allocations for religious institution security, with Jewish organizations being major beneficiaries. Meanwhile, the cost of providing services and maintaining infrastructure continues to climb, and generational shifts in philanthropic engagement pose both challenges and opportunities.

Finding Funding Opportunities

For Jewish nonprofits seeking support, resources like FoundationSearch.com offer comprehensive data on foundations, their grant histories, and application guidelines. This platform profiles funders such as the Samuel Aba and Sisel Klurman Foundation, Katz Foundation, and many others, providing valuable insights for organizations looking to identify and approach potential grantmakers.

Conclusion

Philanthropic foundations remain indispensable to the health and future of Jewish religious programs and charities in America. As needs grow and challenges evolve, the partnership between Jewish organizations and their philanthropic supporters-facilitated by tools like FoundationSearch.com-will be more critical than ever to ensure that Jewish life continues to thrive for generations to come.