These guidelines were formally approved by the Federation’s Board of Directors on December 12, 2024.

The Federation recognizes that our community is well served by fostering diverse expressions and is committed to sustaining an inclusive climate that both seeks out areas of common ground and celebrates difference. The guidelines are consistent with our commitment to facilitating grants supporting a wide range of interests and perspectives while establishing reasonable boundaries based on its values.

The majority of local grantees of Federation-directed grants organize a myriad of engaging programs for the community, some of which touch upon themes relating to the guidelines. To continue to assist our direct grantees, we have updated this document that connects the modernized guidelines with programs generally in accord with the Federation’s policy and programs not consistent with the Federation’s guidelines.

Federation-directed grantees are encouraged to reach out to their Federation professional contacts for any assistance when they have programming questions related to the guidelines. For general guidance on the potential community relations impact of programming or partnerships being considered, we recommend reaching out to the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) Bay Area. The expectation is that local grantees will adhere to the broad programming guidelines outlined below in pursuit of their mission. The Federation has a high degree of confidence in its grantees and does not interfere in programming decisions. If there is a pattern of disregard and resulting community strife, the Federation will seek to work with the grantee to resolve disputes amicably, with suspension of consideration of further grants based on such disregard as a last resort.

Programs In Accordance with the Federation’s Policy

The following kinds of programs are generally in accordance with the guidelines.
  1. Dialogue groups (i.e., non-public exchanges)
  2. Private meetings
  3. Presentations on subject matter that is not the focus of the guidelines and that is not used to espouse views in conflict with the guidelines
  4. Presentations by organizations or individuals that are critical of Israeli policies and that do not espouse views in conflict with the guidelines
  5. Panel discussions, speaker series intended for the same audience, cultural presentations, or educational programs portraying a range of diverse perspectives that, on balance, are not in conflict with the guidelines
  6. Participation in broad-based community coalitions on non-Israel-related issues provided that the coalitions do not become vehicles for undermining the legitimacy of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state
  7. Artistic presentations (e.g., displays, exhibits, films, performances) that may include critical perspectives of Jewish life or Israel and that, on balance, are not in conflict with the Federation’s core values or guidelines

Programs Not Consistent with the Federation’s Policy

In addition to the specific areas covered by the guidelines, the following kinds of programs are not consistent with the guidelines:
  1. Panel discussions, speakers’ series, cultural, artistic, or educational programs that as an overall experience (i.e., based on the entire body of work) advocate, endorse, or prominently promote positions inconsistent with the guidelines
  2. Individual programs that advocate, endorse, or intentionally promote positions inconsistent with the guidelines
  3. Co-sponsorship or co-presentations of public programs inconsistent with the guidelines.

Notes:

#3 under “Programs not Consistent with the Federation’s Policy” refers to an organization and not an individual’s participation in a panel discussion, speakers’ series or cultural presentation which is covered elsewhere in the guidelines.

Individuals with all viewpoints are welcome to attend public events based on whatever attendance requirements apply (e.g., required reservations, costs, etc.) and adherence to all rules for the event.