The Jewish Pride Fund: Deep Connections, Deeper Impact

It’s hard to know who is more profoundly impacted by the work of the Jewish Pride Fund (JPF)—its grantees or its members. “This Fund has tapped into my passion for philanthropy more than any other group effort I’ve participated in,” said Danny Wein, now entering his second year as JPF’s chair.

His passion for supporting some of the most marginalized members of our society is echoed by each of the 27 members of the Federation-supported giving circle, a group of donors that aggregate funds and resources for increased impact. And accordingly, they have directed their philanthropic mission toward the financial support of a diverse group of organizations in the Bay Area and Israel.

The 2022 grantees include:

• The GLBT Historical Society, which will use their JPF grant to create an archive documenting and digitizing the history of LGBTQ+ Jews in San Francisco. This extensive project will be a collaborative effort, relying heavily upon historical materials from Congregation Sha’ar Zahav.
• Sephardic-Mizrahi Q Network, a national organization that provides Shabbat meals, learning programs, and grassroots communal support to LGBTQ+ Mizrahi and Sephardic Jews.
• Tehila, an Israel-based support group for parents, friends, and family of LGBTQ+ people.
• Ma’avarim, which provides personal and communal support as well as advocacy for Israel’s transgender community.
• Jerusalem Open House, an LGBTQ+ community center that provides social acceptance and humanitarian services, often to closeted individuals and members of the Orthodox community.
• Beit Dror, a shelter for LGBTQ+ youth, servicing Jews, Arabs, Christians, and at-risk young people in the throes of crisis.

This year, nearly half the Fund members had the opportunity to witness the work of their grantees in action, joining Danny and the Federation’s director of collaborative philanthropy, Danielle Meshorer, on a JPF-sponsored trip to Israel. Whether they were marching in Pride parades or meeting with ministers of state, members were able to immerse themselves in the many hues of Israeli LGBTQ+ life, from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv. One day they would have an audience with high-tech leaders like Israel’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, and the next, they would meet dedicated grassroots organizers who are saving lives every day. But the most powerful moments inevitably occurred during grantee site visits.

JPF members are not just writing checks. They are connecting to their grantees and to one another. Members come together regularly to consider grant applications to make sure that the grantees they select are aligned with their vision and mission to serve those living at the intersection of the Jewish and LGBTQ+ communities.

The Jewish Pride Fund’s philanthropy is both for and from the LGBTQ+ community.

“We're constantly reminding our members that these are the values that are guiding our grant-making,” Danny added, noting that while there are many worthy philanthropic efforts within the Jewish world, there are very few that address LGBTQ+ needs. JPF’s mission is personal. And, more importantly, their impact is lifesaving.

The Jewish Pride Fund (JPF) is committed to supporting the intersecting needs, values, and interests of the LGBTQ+ and Jewish communities in the Bay Area, nationally, and in Israel. JPF is composed of successful professionals, established mentors, proud Jews, and engaged members who want to amplify their voice for social change by collectively investing in nonprofit organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community. As one of the few Jewish LGBTQ-focused giving circles in the nation, members help voice and shape the direction of the Fund based on the community’s unique goals and values. For more information, contact Danielle Meshorer.