The Robert Sinton Award for Distinguished Leadership is one of the Federation’s highest accolades. It is awarded annually to “extraordinary lifetime leaders” who have consistently given their time, leadership, and mentorship to our community while exemplifying the importance of tzedakah (caring for people in need) and philanthropy in their lives. Nancy Grand’s story is woven with decades of service, a relentless pursuit of justice, and a deep-rooted love for the Jewish community and beyond.
Nancy’s journey began in Detroit, Michigan, where her commitment to community service was evident early on. She chaired her local Federation’s Annual Campaign for three consecutive years, breaking records and setting a standard for leadership. When she relocated to San Francisco in 2003, her dedication did not waver. Instead, her influence expanded, as she became an integral part of our Federation, serving as Campaign Vice-Chair, Co-Chair of the Annual Campaign, and eventually Board Chair from 2011 to 2013. Her leadership was marked by warmth, authenticity, and a deeply held belief in the power of community.
Jan C. Reicher, former Executive Director of Byer Square, San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living, captures Nancy’s essence: “Nancy is an authentic and accessible leader who has been a mentor and inspiration. She makes leadership look easy. I remember once asking her how she does it, and she told me it takes lots of preparation and practice. That taught me about the value of humility and hard work.” Such humility, combined with her strategic acumen, has made Nancy a role model for countless community members.
Beyond her local commitments, Nancy’s influence extends nationally through her work with the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC). As Senior Vice President and Chair of the Second Century Campaign, she has helped mobilize resources to address global crises and support Jewish communities worldwide. Her leadership has been further demonstrated through her roles as the Chairperson of the Board Nominating Committee and the Resource Development Committee.
Her philanthropic endeavors are broad and impactful. As a co-founder of the Multiple Myeloma Translation Institute at UCSF, she demonstrates her belief that service and innovation go hand in hand. Nancy and her husband, Stephen z”l, committed themselves to causes ranging from cutting-edge science to social justice. Their support of the Weizmann Institute of Science’s National Center of Personalized Medicine has fueled breakthroughs in medical research. Their involvement with the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology led to innovations in alternative energy and medicine. Their dedication to Family House, which provides temporary housing for families of pediatric cancer patients, exemplifies their compassion for those facing unimaginable challenges. Most recently, Nancy made a generous gift toward the renovation of the San Francisco Hillel.
Sue Diamond, a former Chapman Selection Committee Chair, describes her as someone who “radiates joy in all her community work. She is warm and down to earth with a strong vision for creating and nurturing both compassionate communities and meaningful Jewish life.” Nancy’s ability to transform challenges into opportunities, and her willingness to “roll up her sleeves,” has inspired many to follow her example.
Nancy Grand’s story is one of unwavering devotion, humility, and transformative leadership. Her life’s work reminds us that true leadership is not about recognition or accolades but about making a tangible difference in the lives of others. Her legacy is etched into the fabric of her community — a testament to what can be achieved when compassion, purpose, and perseverance come together. Nancy’s work is rooted in a simple yet profound belief: “At the end of every day, you can say that what you did made a difference and gives you purpose.”
The Robert Sinton Award for Distinguished Leadership is in honor of Robert Sinton, a community leader whose dedication to the Federation and other Bay Area organizations spanned more than five decades. This leadership award embodies his passion for Jewish communal and civic volunteerism. The Sinton Award is given to an extraordinary life-time leader who has consistently dedicated their time to the Jewish and general communities. For questions, please email awards@jewishfed.org.
