Global Jewish Citizens Fund
You’re invited to learn & give together
Global forced migration is one of the most profound challenges of our time. Conflicts and violence that lead to displacement create long-term ripples of need for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in the United States and internationally.
- How can philanthropy impact this international humanitarian crisis?
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Can global problems and solutions be addressed through a Jewish lens?
What will we be doing?
We will be taking a deeper dive into the issues and the organizations working to address these crises. This educational component will be accompanied by stewardship of a giving circle. Together, we will research and invest in organizations serving immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers arriving in the United States, focusing on the Bay Area, and the needs of international migrants in the Jewish community. The Global Jewish Citizens Fund will grant to organizations that provide vital services for their clients in the following areas:
- Navigating Basic Needs: legal aid; healthcare; support for victims of harassment and violence; educational needs
- Building Financial Sustainability: housing; employment; entrepreneurship; skills training; support for single parents
- Creating Connection and Belonging: professional and community networks; support with culture shock and gaps; connections with people of similar backgrounds
What do we hope to accomplish together?
We envision new immigrants thriving in communities in the United States because they can access legal aid, healthcare, education, financial mobility, and a sense of belonging. In parallel, we will provide support for Jewish migrants internationally. Our group will fund a minimum of two organizations and a maximum of four organizations. Our approach will be guided by Jewish values and at least one of the final grantees will be focused specifically on supporting Jewish migrants.
What is collaborative giving?
Collaborative philanthropy creates a structure which democratizes philanthropy and empowers individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and giving capacities to participate in giving. Groups of donors with a shared mission come together to learn, build community, aggregate their funds for greater impact, and make strategic grants to further a cause they believe in. Final granting decisions will be made through a discussion and voting process.
When is this happening?
This giving circle will meet for four evening meetings in Spring 2023.
March 23, 6:00-7:30 pm – Expert Panel (Remote meeting on Zoom)
Learn from speakers about issues and framing related to the immigrant, refugee, and asylum seeker experience
April 20, 6:00-7:45 pm – Pitch Night (Remote meeting on Zoom)
Hear from organization representatives who have been invited to apply for grants
May 16, 6:00-8:00 pm – Allocations & Celebration (Live at the San Francisco Federation)
Convene live to discuss options and make grant allocation decisions; celebrate with food and drink
June 6, 6:00-7:30 pm – Evaluation & Further Impact (Remote meeting on Zoom)
Learn best practices for evaluating impact and discuss how we can stay engaged beyond our grant dollars
Is there a minimum contribution?
The fund goal is to raise $100,000. This collaborative giving opportunity is structured such that a contribution of $1,000 or more equals one vote toward the final granting decisions.
What is a sub-circle?
One primary goal of the fund is to open membership to a wide group of engaged individuals with varying levels of capacity. To this end, members can form sub-circles with smaller individual donations that total $1,000 and represent one vote. In this way, a group of ten people in a sub-circle could participate by contributing $100 each or five people could share a vote by contributing $200 each.
For more information contact Danielle Meshorer, Director of Collaborative Philanthropy.
