The convergence of three complementary funding streams at Jewish Federation will see critical financial support flowing into the community in the next two months: community recovery funds; the Jewish Community Foundation’s Unrestricted Grant program; and allocations from the Federation Annual Campaign.

As the central planning, convening and fundraising organization for the Jewish community, Jewish Federation is uniquely positioned to raise and strategically distribute funds in the community, quickly and effectively, and to lead the recovery effort. The community relies on us; we work closely with stakeholders to continually assess and respond to growing and emerging needs, so that we can maximize every dollar that donors generously give.

With the demand for programs and services greater than ever before, these three funding streams enable Jewish Federation to direct crucial support that addresses community needs in different but equally important ways:

$416,000 in Community Recovery Funds Distributed Today!
The first round of critical funding from the Community Recovery Fund, totalling $416,000, was in the hands of 21 community organizations the morning after the Community Recovery Task Force’s recommendations were approved by the Jewish Federation board. This swift delivery highlighted the urgency to get financial support working in the community as quickly as possible. The second part of this initial round of funding will be distributed in late February.

This is the first of three funding distributions that the task force plans to recommend in the coming year. The next distributions have intentionally been scheduled over the spring and summer to allow for new and emerging needs as the pandemic unfolds.

Jewish Community Foundation – Unrestricted Grant Program
Each year, the Jewish Community Foundation supports a variety of new and innovative community projects through its Unrestricted Grant Program. These grants, which are supported by distributions from Unrestricted Funds established at the Foundation, enable charitable organizations to launch new initiatives that address emerging community needs, or undertake novel start-up and capital projects.

The Foundation’s Grant Distribution Committee is presently reviewing proposals from across the community for the Foundation’s 2021 grant allocations. These grants will be awarded in mid-February.

Allocations from the Federation Annual Campaign
This past May, as partner agencies reeled from the abrupt changes and uncertainty brought about by COVID-19, the local Allocations Committee recommended that all 2020-2021 distributions remain consistent from the previous year, and that agencies have the latitude to apply the funds where they were most needed. This assured organizations of an ongoing, predictable stream of funding in a time of growing unpredictability.

This vital source of steady funding continues to be distributed on a monthly basis, enabling agencies to rely on a stable source of revenue during this allocations cycle.

Federation Takes a Broad and Strategic View
The long road to recovery has just started. Jewish Federation continues to lead a coordinated response, facilitating collaborations and convening community partners to generate innovative and effective solutions, so that we can get funds working strategically and meaningfully in every corner, and for every member of our community now, tomorrow, and for the long term.