What a year it has been. Over this past fiscal cycle, our community pooled resources, shared values, and made a real difference in the lives of people near and far. The Federation sponsored two ongoing giving circles — the Young Jewish Fund and the long-running Jewish Pride Fund — and four pop-up giving circles, which brought people together for a single, focused session of collective generosity.
We were thrilled to grant almost $100k through these efforts and moved by the heartfelt responses from the grantees, who reminded us just how vital this kind of community-powered giving truly is.
Here is a snapshot of our FY2026 Federation giving circles and some of the remarkable organizations they supported:
Young Jewish Fund
The Young Jewish Fund focuses on engaging emerging philanthropists in meaningful Jewish giving. This year, members chose to support Bay Area Jewish summer camp scholarships, recognizing the transformative role that Jewish camp experiences play in helping young people build friendships, strengthen Jewish identity, and develop a lasting sense of belonging
Their grantees were Camp Tawonga ($5.47k), Camp Newman ($3.66k), and Camp Ramah ($2.28k).
Grantee Spotlight: Camp Tawonga
Grant Amount: $5,470
“Thank you so much for your generous grant and partnership! Your investment makes a very real and meaningful difference for the families who receive financial assistance, and we are deeply grateful for your belief in Tawonga and the power of camp.
Because of your support, families are able to say ‘yes’ to experiences that might otherwise feel out of reach. One parent recently shared that they sent their child to Tawonga with the help of a One Happy Camper grant, but did not enroll for a second summer because of the high cost of camp fees. I was able to share that we have financial assistance specifically for families like theirs, so their daughter can build friendships, gain confidence, and come home full of stories, Hebrew songs, and a growing sense of belonging in the Jewish community.”— Mollie Berger, Director of Development
Jewish Pride Fund
Since 2017, the Jewish Pride Fund has been bringing together donors committed to advancing LGBTQIA+ inclusion, safety, and equality within Jewish communities and beyond. This year, members supported organizations working to strengthen protections, services, and opportunities for LGBTQIA+ individuals in the Bay Area and Israel.
Grantee Spotlight: The Aguda
Grant Amount: $10,862
“We are absolutely thrilled and deeply moved to receive the news of the Jewish Pride Fund’s recommendation for a grant of $10,862 toward our ‘Sagi Unit’ campaign. Thank you so much for your belief in our mission and for your generous support.
This funding comes at a pivotal moment. As we approach the 2026 elections, the ability to mobilize our volunteers and engage directly with political candidates is more critical than ever. Your support will be the driving force behind our efforts to secure systemic legal protections and ensure that LGBTQIA+ equality remains at the forefront of the national conversation in Israel.
We were particularly touched by your mention of kehilla (building community) and tikkun olam (repairing the world). These values are the heartbeat of our organization, and it is an honor to partner with a giving circle that shares this vision of building a more inclusive and just world.
— Yael Biblash Sinai, CEO
Grantee Spotlight: Otot for The Pink Roof Shelter
Grant Amount: $10,862
The team at Otot may have said it best, with joy and gratitude in equal measure:
“We’ll keep it short because Dikla is still dancing around the office and we can barely concentrate! Thank you SO much for this grant. $10,862 means more psychiatric sessions, more assessments, and more young LGBTQIA+ people at The Pink Roof getting the care they deserve — many for the very first time in their lives. The difference this will make is hard to quantify. We’re so proud to be part of the Jewish Pride Fund family. With gratitude and great dance moves.
— Daniel Kutscher, Partnerships & Community Relations Manager
Tzedek Fund
This year, the Tzedek Fund Pop-Up Giving Circle brought together community members interested in advancing justice, belonging, and well-being throughout the Jewish community. Participants directed funding toward organizations creating more inclusive and representative Jewish spaces for Jews of Color.
Grantee Spotlight: Olamim: Latin Jewish Belonging for Families
Grant Amount: $18,294.45
“We are overjoyed to be recipients of the Tzedek Fund grant this year and are excited to be part of a community increasing Jewish belonging, justice and wellbeing in the Bay and beyond.
— Ariela Ronay-Jinich, MA.Ed., Founder and Executive Director
Grantee Spotlight: The LUNAR Collective
Grant Amount: $22,363.55
LUNAR’s Bay Area Fellow Program ($12,198.30), and LUNAR for What Do I Do With All This Heritage to the Bay Area alongside The Braid ($10,165.25), on behalf of the Tzedek Fund Pop-Up Giving Circle.
“Thank you so much for this great news, we so appreciate the ongoing support of the Tzedek Fund and the Jewish Federation Bay Area.
— the LUNAR Fund
Safe Passage Pop-Up Giving Circle
Co-hosted by two JDC Entwine trip alumni, the Safe Passage Pop-Up Giving Circle focused on organizations supporting immigrants and refugees in the United States, Ukraine, and Israel. Seventeen community members participated, engaging in values-based philanthropy exercises and thoughtful discussion before selecting a grant recipient. Participants ultimately directed all available funding to Project Kesher for its work supporting vulnerable communities in Ukraine and Israel.
Grantee Spotlight: Project Kesher
Grant Amount: $13,290.00
“Thank you so much for this wonderful news! It could not be more appreciated. At such a critical time for both Ukraine and Israel, your support is especially meaningful.
— Samantha Tieger, Development Director
Marin Women’s Pop-Up Giving Circle
The Marin Women’s Pop-Up Giving Circle brought together women interested in supporting Jewish teens navigating resilience, identity, and belonging in the face of rising antisemitism and ongoing trauma.
Grantee Spotlight: HaGal Sheli
Grant Amount: $2,750
HaGal Sheli uses surfing and its “Head-Body-Head” model to help teens from last-chance schools and youth programs build resilience and healthy coping skills. Since 2022, it has expanded its work to include a specialized PTSD program for those experiencing complex war-related trauma. The grant is for General Operating funds.
“Through this partnership, HaGal Sheli has been able to support thousands of individuals.
The impact goes far beyond funding. The Federation community has given people across Israel a sense that they are not alone, that there are communities around the world invested in their healing, resilience, and future. At a time of deep pain and division, that solidarity carries enormous meaning and continues to strengthen our ability to create long-term impact throughout Israeli society.— Ephy Shapiro, International Partnerships Manager
JDC Entwine Cuba Trip Alumni Pop-Up
Inspired by shared experiences through JDC Entwine’s Cuba trip, alumni participants came together to support organizations strengthening vulnerable Jewish families and communities.
Grantee Spotlight: Shalom Bayit
Grant Amount: $2,956.07
$1,956.07 (Cuba) + $1,000 (Young Jewish Fund)
“Thank you so much for this! We are super grateful for this support and honored that the giving circle chose Shalom Bayit! It will be very helpful to our programs. On behalf of our team and all the women and families we serve, please pass along our gratitude to the group.
— Naomi Tucker, Founding Executive Director
The Power of Giving Together
Whether supporting Jewish summer camps, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, immigrant and refugee communities, teen resilience, or Jewish belonging, the Federation’s giving circles continue to prove what is possible when individuals pool their passion and resources.
Learn more about opening a donor-advised fund, agency funds, and impact investing with the Federation.
