The need for connection, compassion, and community has never felt more urgent — or more powerful. The Federation’s growing network of giving circles is bringing inclusive philanthropy spaces to life that are grounded in shared values and strengthened through relationships.

Over the past year, our ten giving circles brought together more than 186 community members, including 72 new participants, and directed over $200,000 to causes that matter most to them. But more than the numbers, it’s the people and their passions that define this movement.

Across generations, identities, and geographies, people came together to give generously and build fortifying personal connections.

A New Entry Point: Parents and Teens Step in Together

For some participants, the journey began with families. In December 2024, in the wake of the trauma from the October 7 Hamas attacks, we hosted an intergenerational pop-up giving circle in Marin. Parents and teens — 26 in all — came together to process grief and take meaningful action, ultimately raising $7,317 to support two Israeli organizations: Mashiv Ha’ruach, which offers mental health support to first responders, and Basecamp, which empowers Israeli youth through nature-based resilience programs.

This wasn’t just a giving experience, it was a moment of pikuach nefesh (saving lives) and klal yisrael (Jewish peoplehood), shared across generations. For these parents and teens, philanthropy offered a tool for connection, healing, and identity formation.

“During the Marin Intergenerational Pop-up Giving Circle, I loved learning about nonprofits in Israel doing amazing work, discussing with like-minded people, and doing it with our teens who all contributed in meaningful and thoughtful ways.”

– Stephanie Sadow, Marin Intergenerational Pop-up Giving Circle

Women’s Power: Responding with Intention

On the Peninsula, a group of women responded to the same crisis through their own lens. Rooted in care and leadership, they raised $15,000 total for Mashiv Ha’ruach (Israel) and the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles Wildfire Relief Fund. These women leaders embraced solidarity across borders, embodying chesed (loving-kindness) in action.

Emerging Leadership: Young Adults Give Locally and Globally

After returning from a Federation-partnered JDC Entwine trip to Croatia and Bosnia in August 2024, a group of ten young adults created a new giving circle., raising $4,876 for grassroots Jewish organizations in the Balkans, bringing l’dor v’dor (generation to generation) to life in a global context.

Inspired by that experience, one participant launched a second circle focused closer to home, raising money to combat increasing antisemitism in the Bay Area. This group raised $5,028 for The Mitzvah Project and the Bay Area Center to Counter Antisemitism. Rob Jacobs Feizzadeh reflects, “Hosting this circle allowed me to foster a collaborative environment where we could identify local initiatives, support organizations combating Jew hatred, and amplify the voices of those affected by prejudice. This experience reinforced my belief that meaningful change happens when communities unite.”

Other young adult initiatives continued to flourish including the Young Jewish Fund. Now in its second year, 17 emerging leaders granted $7,500 in January 2025 to support marginalized members of the local Jewish community including Be’chol Lashon, Contra Costa Midrasha, and Shalom Bayit. Their choices reflected a deep understanding of Jewish values: tzedek (pursing justice), anei ircha kodmin (help your own city first), and v’hechezekta bo (you shall strengthen them). Young Jewish Fund co-chair Jordana Siegel grew up immersed in the Bay Area Jewish community and was excited about building her own community in San Francisco. “When I started the Young Jewish Fund, I was reminded of my time as a part of the Federation’s Jewish Teen Foundation. I wanted to relearn how to flex my philanthropic muscle. I was excited to work with the Federation to navigate this effort which allows me to greatly increase my impact and build a supportive community along the way.”

In another inspiring moment, an alumna of both the Jewish Teen Foundation and JDC Entwine spearheaded a giving circle with her JLeaders  cohort. Together, they raised $10,617 for the Shalom Hartman Institute and Sharaka, two organizations using education and dialogue to combat antisemitism globally.

Teens: Future Leaders Create Impact Today

The inspiring Jewish Teen Foundation, now in its 21st year, engaged 46 high school students across two boards. They researched, fundraised, and awarded over $108,000 in grants to organizations supporting people in recovery from substance abuse addiction and those reentering society after incarceration. This immersive experience modeled not just tzedakah (taking care of people in need), but true leadership, illustrating that teens aren’t just the future of Jewish philanthropy, they’re shaping it now.

Identity in Action: Pride, Belonging, and Community

While some circles are new, others like the Jewish Pride Fund, are enduring. Now in its eighth year, this giving circle focuses on supporting LGBTQIA+ needs in Israel while continuing to grant funds for LGBTQIA+ Jews facing exclusion in progressive spaces here in the Bay Area. From July 2024 to June 2025, the Jewish Pride Fund granted $62,480, the largest grant pool since inception.

The Jewish Pride Fund reminds us that collaborative philanthropy isn’t just reactive, it’s also restorative. Together, participants are helping people belong, deeply connect with the organizational prospects and grantees, and lead within Jewish life.

“Given all the negative news in the world, it feels satisfying to know that I’ve been able to make some positive change, in the spirit of tikkun olam (repairing the world), I’ve also greatly enjoyed meeting more like-minded LGBTQIA+ Jewish folks and celebrating our ethnic and religious heritage together.”

–Dan Goncher, Jewish Pride Fund Social and Events Chair

Coming Together to Strengthen Jewish Life

From parents and teens to young adults and longtime leaders, these circles are diverse, responsive, multigenerational, and deeply rooted in shared purpose. At the Federation, we believe that collaborative philanthropy isn’t just the future — this year proved it’s already here: impactful, inclusive, and deeply rooted in Jewish values.

Interested in joining a giving circle or collaborating with our team to start one of your own? Contact us!