2024 Giving Circle Wrap-Up: Connections, Contributions, and Common Causes

Joining a giving circle empowers people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to participate in philanthropy. In a giving circle, individuals come together to discuss shared values, learn about inspirational organizations, and donate collectively. Through cooperative philanthropy in a shared Jewish environment, giving circles offer members a supportive network and structure for giving generously — at whatever level they can. 

Since October 7, our giving circles have offered the Bay Area Jewish community safe spaces for connection along with opportunities to provide vital support to organizations both in Israel and here at home. 

Jewish Pride Fund: Longevity and Pivoting to Meet the Moment 

Founded in January 2018, the Jewish Pride Fund (JPF) is the longest-running Federation giving circle. As of May 2024, JPF has granted $267,115 in total to over 18 unique organizations; with several receiving grant funding three to four times since inception. 

Kyle Levine, Pride Fund Chair, explained how JPF responded to this year’s unique challenges, "I’m particularly proud of how our Pride Fund banded together after the October 7 attacks and thought about what we could do differently to make the most impact tied to our mission benefiting the LGBTQ+ community. While we remained dedicated to focusing funds for Israeli organizations, we all saw the challenges facing Jews in the Bay Area, especially in the LGBTQ+ community. We decided that funding organizations strengthening our local community and fostering a sense of belonging was an even higher priority, given growing antisemitism." 

Young Jewish Fund: Vital Connection and Intentional Giving

In the wake of October 7, The Bay Area Tribe, a group of local Jewish young adults approached the Federation looking for ways to come together in community while engaging in philanthropy. In their first meetings, the inaugural “Young Jewish Fund” came to consensus quickly — despite the wide range of issues (climate, women’s health, etc.) that they each are personally passionate about. In this specific container, they wanted to address Jewish issues — specifically, one that we are all feeling acutely — local and online antisemitism. 

The circle met four times between February and May 2024. Ultimately, they chose to split their $13,211 grant pool between two organizations — CyberWell and Resetting the Table. 

Co-chair Moriah Jacobs noted, “I knew this would be a meaningful experience, but I was pleasantly surprised at the level of connection I feel to my giving circle peers!” She described the circle as “a safe and open space for people to be vulnerable and honest, which contributed to a really productive and engaged group.” 

Tzedek Fund: Jews of Color Connect and Plan for the Future 

The Jews of Color (JOC) Tzedek Fund — now in its second year — is a JOC affinity space and Federation giving circle. This year, the fund connected JOC organizational professionals and lay leaders to use their vision and experience to collaboratively allocate funds to support JOC-led and serving organizations with operations in the Bay Area. At an in-person gathering in May, members celebrated the work they did last year and renewed their commitment to continue this work.  Two organizations were selected to receive grant renewals of $18,000 each — Jewtina and The LUNAR Collective. 

Participant Sarah Wong expressed, “Working in these spaces can feel tiring and lonely sometimes, so being able to talk to other people with a lot of experience in the field and hearing about their struggles and successes was very inspiring and validating to me.” 

Marin Intergenerational Pop-Up: Gathering for Israeli Youth 

This single session giving circle brought together teens and their mothers to make grants to Israeli shared society organizations operating post-October 7. Lynn Brinton and her daughter Willa Cohen hosted the March meeting attended by 10 sets of teens and their mothers. It was an uplifting opportunity to learn about young Israeli Jews and Arabs and their families, still coming together to work toward a better future.  
 
The members selected two organizations to receive a grant of $6,125 each: Hand-in-Hand and PeacePlayers Middle East. Both are longtime grantees of the Federation and Federation donor-advised funds. 

If you are interested in joining or starting your own giving circle, we are here to help. The Federation is building collective giving opportunities to bring people together. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, email us to start something!