For more than a century, the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund has been a central address serving the needs of the Jewish community in the Bay Area, Israel, and around the world. As we always have, the Federation is adapting to meet the challenges and embrace the opportunities that shape and strengthen our shared journey.
Our strategic plan is a blueprint that sets us on a groundbreaking path — establishing the Federation as a center for Jewish philanthropy. Rooted in Jewish values — kehilla (building community), tzedakah, (taking care of the needy), tzedek (pursuing justice), and tikkun olam (repairing our world), the Federation will serve as a community foundation, the kind of 21st-century organization that our community needs, responsive to the issues of our time.
This new direction leverages our largest asset, the Endowment Fund, allowing us to emphasize our impact through personal and collaborative philanthropy. Last year alone, the Federation granted and loaned more than $245 million, making it one of the largest foundations and the single largest funder of Jewish causes in the state of California.
It is important that we meet the moment by capitalizing on our strengths — in grantmaking and lending, advocacy, research, community programs, and as a convener. To do this, the Annual Campaign continues to play an important role in funding critical services through Federation-directed grantmaking and programs in the Jewish community. At the same time, we are expanding our philanthropy advisory services to better serve the community by using a Jewish lens to bring attention to organizations and causes that you care about, like protecting democracy, climate change, and reproductive rights. Over time, you can expect more donor-directed grantmaking to Jewish and secular causes, more impact investing opportunities, more giving circles and ways to engage with other community members, and the chance to work together to build a strong, vibrant, and thriving community.
The strategic plan builds on our past and is a nod to the region’s entrepreneurial spirit that calculates the risks and rewards of reinventing and reimagining our future. Our goal is to ensure the Federation is sustainable and continues to play a critical role in Jewish life throughout the Bay Area, Israel, and beyond for generations to come.
Joy Sisisky
Chief Executive Officer
Eileen Ruby
Board Chair
Through the decades, the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment has inspired our community to support and strengthen Jewish life in the Bay Area and around the world, evolving over time to meet the moment. Today is no different, as we navigate a changing Jewish and philanthropic environment and respond to the most urgent issues of our time.
Inspired by our Jewish values, we harness our region’s entrepreneurial spirit to foster active participation and innovation, providing thoughtful solutions to meet communal needs, locally, in Israel, and around the world.
Inspired by our Jewish values, we harness our region’s entrepreneurial spirit to foster active participation and innovation, providing thoughtful solutions to meet communal needs, locally, in Israel, and around the world.
Sharpening
our Focus
To ensure thriving Bay Area Jewish communities today and into the future, the Federation recently embarked on a year-long strategic planning process led by professionals, guided by the Board, with critical input from thought leaders and key stakeholders, and informed by national research. The process illuminated our path forward: to serve as our community’s center for Jewish philanthropy.
By refining our approach, we will mobilize more assets to catalyze change, nurture new ideas, and positively impact our communities, locally and around the world.
Sharpening
our Focus
To ensure thriving Bay Area Jewish communities today and into the future, the Federation recently embarked on a year-long strategic planning process led by professionals, guided by the Board, with critical input from thought leaders and key stakeholders, and informed by national research. The process illuminated our path forward: to serve as our community’s center for Jewish philanthropy.
By refining our approach, we will mobilize more assets to catalyze change, nurture new ideas, and positively impact our communities, locally and around the world.
adapting for greater impact
As a center for Jewish philanthropy, the Federation operates as an integrated community foundation that inspires personal and collaborative philanthropy, and facilitates grantmaking, impact lending, and advocacy to make the world a better place.
We partner with individuals and families to implement their charitable vision; provide strong stewardship of charitable resources; and connect and strengthen the Jewish nonprofit sector.
As one of the top five community foundations in California*, the Federation is well-positioned to address communal opportunities and challenges. Our efforts are now focused in three key areas: Jewish Impact Portfolio, Philanthropy Advisory, and Collaborative Philanthropy.
*Based on annual dollars granted
adapting for greater impact
As a center for Jewish philanthropy, the Federation operates as an integrated community foundation that inspires personal and collaborative philanthropy, and facilitates grantmaking, impact lending, and advocacy to make the world a better place.
We partner with individuals and families to implement their charitable vision; provide strong stewardship of charitable resources; and connect and strengthen the Jewish nonprofit sector.
As one of the top five community foundations in California*, the Federation is well-positioned to address communal opportunities and challenges. Our efforts are now focused in three key areas: Jewish Impact Portfolio, Philanthropy Advisory, and Collaborative Philanthropy.
*Based on annual dollars granted
Where
we’ve been
Where
we’re heading
A bifurcated organization with distinct agendas
Fundraising success defined by an Annual Campaign
Shifting grants and programmatic priorities from year to year
A direct service provider
Nascent philanthropy advisory practice
Overhead expenses funded by diverse revenue sources
A unified enterprise working toward shared goals
Community solutions driven by diverse giving opportunities
Refined funding priorities, streamlined processes, and goals
A resource catalyst and capacity builder for the community
Robust, holistic philanthropy advisory with a Jewish perspective
Administrative fees as primary revenue source
Where
we’ve been
A bifurcated organization with distinct agendas
Fundraising success defined by an Annual Campaign
Shifting grants and programmatic priorities from year to year
A direct service provider
Nascent philanthropy advisory practice
Overhead expenses funded by diverse revenue sources
Where
we’re heading
A unified enterprise working toward shared goals
Community solutions driven by diverse giving opportunities
Refined funding priorities, streamlined processes, and goals
A resource catalyst and capacity builder for the community
Robust, holistic philanthropy advisory with a Jewish perspective
Administrative fees as primary revenue source
1
Supportive
and Engaging
Cultivates curiosity and empowers community members to pursue their authentic Jewish selves with creativity, joy, and pride while supporting our most vulnerable individuals.
2
Innovative
Welcomes continual change, seeking out ways to reimagine Judaism, engage in creative risk-taking, and build Jewish experiences from the bottom up.
3
Locally Intertwined
Fosters unity, understanding, and support among members to build strong bonds, embrace diverse opinions, address local challenges, and meet communal needs.
OUR WORK IS GROUNDED IN FOSTERING A THRIVING JEWISH COMMUNITY THAT IS...
4
Connected to Israel and Global Jewry
Embraces our shared identity with and connection to Jewish communities everywhere, strengthening Jewish life and standing up for those facing uncertainty and persecution.
5
Allied with Other Communities
Collaborates with other groups to enhance our understanding of Jewish identity, celebrate our differences, and collectively work towards a prophetic vision of a more just world.
6
Accessible and Inclusive
Empowers community members to lead, access resources, and create welcoming spaces that cater to individuals from diverse backgrounds, abilities, identities, and means.
7
Adaptive and Resilient
Prioritizes our community’s physical and psychological safety, seeking to prevent and learn from crises so we can emerge stronger from them.
8
Enriched by Strong Organizations
Builds capacity for diverse, sustainable organizations and skilled leaders across our institutions.
OUR WORK IS GROUNDED IN FOSTERING A THRIVING JEWISH COMMUNITY THAT IS...
1
Supportive and Engaging
Cultivates curiosity and empowers community members to pursue their authentic Jewish selves with creativity, joy, and pride while supporting our most vulnerable individuals.
2
Innovative
Welcomes continual change, seeking out ways to reimagine Judaism, engage in creative risk-taking, and build Jewish experiences from the bottom up.
3
Locally Intertwined
Fosters unity, understanding, and support among members to build strong bonds, embrace diverse opinions, address local challenges, and meet communal needs.
4
Connected to Israel and Global Jewry
Embraces our shared identity with and connection to Jewish communities everywhere, strengthening Jewish life and standing up for those facing uncertainty and persecution.
5
Allied with Other Communities
Collaborates with other groups to enhance our understanding of Jewish identity, celebrate our differences, and collectively work towards a prophetic vision of a more just world.
6
Accessible and Inclusive
Empowers community members to lead, access resources, and create welcoming spaces that cater to individuals from diverse backgrounds, abilities, identities, and means.
7
Adaptive and Resilient
Prioritizes our community’s physical and psychological safety, seeking to prevent and learn from crises so we can emerge stronger from them.
8
Enriched by Strong Organizations
Builds capacity for diverse, sustainable organizations and skilled leaders across our institutions.
new strategic framework
jewish impact portfolio
The Federation supports leaders and organizations in the Bay Area, Israel, and global Jewish communities that continually innovate and cultivate inclusive, safe, and vibrant spaces to explore Judaism and Jewish life, while partnering with our neighbors to pursue a more resilient, just world.
Funded by our Annual Campaign and Endowed Funds, our Jewish Impact Portfolio focuses on:
Strengthening Jewish Life and Identity
Responding to Antisemitism and Crises
Caring for People in Need
Promoting Justice and Inclusion
new strategic framework
jewish impact portfolio
The Federation supports leaders and organizations in the Bay Area, Israel, and global Jewish communities that continually innovate and cultivate inclusive, safe, and vibrant spaces to explore Judaism and Jewish life, while partnering with our neighbors to pursue a more resilient, just world.
Funded by our Annual Campaign and Endowed Funds, our Jewish Impact Portfolio focuses on:
Strengthening Jewish Life and Identity
Responding to Antisemitism and Crises
Caring for People in Need
Promoting Justice and Inclusion
Our Jewish Impact Portfolio leverages five key levers to support and strengthen a thriving ecosystem of Jewish organizations and leaders:
Philanthropic Capital
Grants, loans, and scholarships that provide critical financial support to Jewish organizations and individuals.
Advocacy
Publicly supporting and promoting the interests of Jewish peoplehood and the broader world.
Programs
Federation-run programs* designed to serve and strengthen the community.
Convenings
Bringing together community members and organizational partners on key issue areas.
Research
Targeted exploration and analysis of topics pertinent to the Federation’s mission.
*Programs include Diller Teen Fellows, Community Security, and PJ Library subscriptions
Our Jewish Impact Portfolio leverages five key levers to support and strengthen a thriving ecosystem of Jewish organizations and leaders:
Philanthropic Capital
Grants, loans, and scholarships that provide critical financial support to Jewish organizations and individuals.
Advocacy
Publicly supporting and promoting the interests of Jewish peoplehood and the broader world.
Programs
Federation-run programs* designed to serve and strengthen the community.
Convenings
Bringing together community members and organizational partners on key issue areas.
Research
Targeted exploration and analysis of topics pertinent to the Federation’s mission.
*Programs include Diller Teen Fellows, Community Security, and PJ Library subscriptions
new strategic framework
philanthropy advisory
Leveraging the Federation’s track record, networks, and expertise, we partner with and guide individuals, foundations, and agencies to drive meaningful change through comprehensive, holistic philanthropy advisory and planned giving services.
Donor-Advised Funds
Planned Giving Opportunities
Restricted Endowed and Custodial Funds
Private and Family Foundations
Values-Aligned Investment Pools
new strategic framework
philanthropy advisory
Leveraging the Federation’s track record, networks, and expertise, we partner with and guide individuals, foundations, and agencies to drive meaningful change through comprehensive, holistic philanthropy advisory and planned giving services.
Donor-Advised Funds
Planned Giving Opportunities
Restricted Endowed and Custodial Funds
Private and Family Foundations
Values-Aligned Investment Pools
new strategic framework
collaborative philanthropy
Through targeted giving opportunities and pooled resources from diverse sources, We are engaging more people in philanthropy, engaging groups of like-minded individuals around emerging issues to amplify collective impact.
new strategic framework
collaborative philanthropy
Through targeted giving opportunities and pooled resources from diverse sources, We are engaging more people in philanthropy, engaging groups of like-minded individuals around emerging issues to amplify collective impact.
COLLABORATING FOR CHANGE
We convene groups of people to share ideas, pool resources, and address issues of mutual interest.
IMPACT LENDING
GIVING CIRCLES
All numbers are projected for FY24.
* Donor Advised Funds & Supporting Foundations
COLLABORATING FOR CHANGE
We convene groups of people to share ideas, pool resources, and address issues of mutual interest.
IMPACT LENDING
GIVING CIRCLES
All numbers are projected for FY24.
* Donor Advised Funds & Supporting Foundations
INSPIRING IMPACT
By the numbers
Assets Under Management (AUM) &
FY24 Operating Budget
INSPIRING IMPACT
By the numbers
Grants & Loans
INCLUSIVE
INNOVATIVE
IMPACTFUL
We believe that this moment calls for big changes to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of our communities. This will be a multi-year journey, and this plan is our first step. We look forward to engaging more people in Jewish philanthropy at all levels of giving, leveraging new tools to mobilize more resources, and strengthening our local Jewish organizations. Working in partnership, we will secure a vibrant Jewish future for generations to come.
FEDERATION LEADERSHIP
Joy Sisisky
Chief Executive Officer
Rebecca Randall
Chief Philanthropy Officer
Tanya Shadoan
Chief Operating Officer
Nicolas Elsishans
Chief Financial Officer
Seth Brysk
Chief of External Affairs and Partnerships
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2023–2024
Eileen Ruby
Board Chair
Valli Benesch
Andy Cheng
Barry Cohn
Dan Cohn
Treasurer
Marc Dollinger
David Friedkin
Steven Ganz
Jim Heeger
Secretary
Fred Isaac
Michael Jacobs
Kenny Kahn
Natasha Kehimkar
Moses Libitzky
Guy Miasnik
Jessica Minkoff
Lindsey Newman
Ann Peckenpaugh Becker
Dara Pincas
Laura Rooklin
Susan Saal
Vice Chair
Arthur Slepian
Michelle Tandowsky
Jamie Weinstein
Chair, Endowment Committee
Jerry Yanowitz
FEDERATION LEADERSHIP
Joy Sisisky
Chief Executive Officer
Rebecca Randall
Chief Philanthropy Officer
Tanya Shadoan
Chief Operating Officer
Nicolas Elsishans
Chief Financial Officer
Seth Brysk
Chief of External Affairs and Partnerships
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2023–2024
Eileen Ruby
Board Chair
Valli Benesch
Andy Cheng
Barry Cohn
Dan Cohn
Treasurer
Marc Dollinger
David Friedkin
Steven Ganz
Jim Heeger
Secretary
Fred Isaac
Michael Jacobs
Kenny Kahn
Natasha Kehimkar
Moses Libitzky
Guy Miasnik
Jessica Minkoff
Lindsey Newman
Ann Peckenpaugh Becker
Dara Pincas
Laura Rooklin
Susan Saal
Vice Chair
Arthur Slepian
Michelle Tandowsky
Jamie Weinstein
Chair, Endowment Committee