Connect, Lead, and Create Impact
The Jewish Teen Foundation (JTF) offers a unique year-long opportunity for high school students (grades 9-12) to engage in exploration of philanthropy, fundraising, and leadership.
Rooted in the values of tikkun olam (repairing the world) and social responsibility, this experience empowers teens to create positive change and fosters a deep sense of connection with fellow JTF board members. It’s an opportunity that not only enriches teens’ understanding of community service but also equips them with valuable tools for the future—an experience truly unlike any other, creating lasting impact.
Program Overview
JTF immerses participants in the world of philanthropy and social justice. Throughout the program, teens will:
- Explore Social Issues: Delve into critical topics such as education, health, poverty, and environmental sustainability. Engage in thought-provoking discussions that challenge perspectives and inspire action.
- Collaborate with Peers: Work alongside a diverse group of fellow teens who share a passion for making a difference. Participate in interactive group activities that foster teamwork, creativity, and collective decision-making.
- Hands-On Grant-Making: Gain practical experience in the grant-making process. Research and identify organizations that align with the group’s shared values, evaluate funding proposals based on their potential impact, present findings to peers, and contribute to the decision-making process on fund allocation.
- Leadership Skills: Build leadership skills including project management, effective communication, and strategic thinking.
- Mentoring & Networking: Engage and connect with experienced community leaders, professionals, and like-minded peers.
How to Apply
To apply to the Jewish Teen Foundation, please complete our online application form when applications open again, detailing your passion for philanthropy and what you hope to gain from this experience.
Impact
Since 2004, JTF has pioneered the successful model of engaging a full spectrum of Jewish teens in philanthropic social action drawing on centuries of Jewish wisdom and practice.
JTF acted as a stepping stone for understanding how philanthropy and grantmaking work in the real world. It was incredibly powerful to see what impact we, as a group of teens, had on issues that we deemed important.
Allison
JTF Board Member
FAQs
While applications for 2024 are closed for this year, the earlier you apply, the better! When you complete the application, you will receive an email from us explaining the next steps (additional documentation to submit before receiving an invite to group/individual interviews).
JTF teens decide the issues they will focus on for the year. Past issues have included youth impacted by the foster care system and individuals struggling with their mental health, supporting people affected by domestic violence, and individuals struggling with addiction.
JTF Board members have the opportunity to earn up to 32 community service hours per program year.
- There will be two virtual orientations – one for teens and one for parents – to receive the JTF schedule, connect with JTF staff, gain deeper insight into the program’s impact, and have all of your questions answered.
- All further meetings are just for teens, starting with Meeting 1 and a weekend-long training retreat during which JTF teens will collaborate together to bond, learn philanthropic concepts guiding their work, and finalize their 2024-2025 Mission Statement.
- The immersive retreat, and other events throughout the year, will be hosted in collaboration with teens from Contra Costa Midrasha’s Hamsa Fund (the East Bay’s teen philanthropy Board).
The seven Sunday board meetings will take place in San Francisco/ the Peninsula (3:00 – 7:00 pm).
The cost of the program is $1,000. Need-based financial assistance is available.
- There are no restrictions on the number of years a teen may participate in JTF. Teens are encouraged to partake for multiple years, as each years’ mission changes, and participating in multiple years increases the opportunity to take a deeper dive into various issues and populations.
- Following your first year on the JTF Board, you can apply to join the Leadership Council to deepen your learning and establish your skills as a leader and mentor.
- The JTF Leadership Council (LC) is exclusively for returning JTF members (2nd, 3rd, or 4th year) who are ready to take their leadership and fundraising skills to the next level. The JTF Leadership Council has a unique and important role in helping plan and facilitate JTF Board meetings, making executive decisions, guiding programming, mentoring their peers, and operating as leaders to the rest of the group.
- The additional time commitment for JFT Leadership Council members is 9-11 hours per month, which includes:
- 4-6 hours of individual and/or mentoring work (both in-person and online)
- 4 hours of bimonthly LC meetings
- 1 hour to facilitate correspondence between meetings with mentees
Partners
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Events
Community Event
Henna Party: Celebrate Middle Eastern Jewish Wedding Traditions
Join the Magnes and JIMENA, Jews Indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa for Henna Party: Celebrate Middle Eastern Jewish Wedding Traditions and experience the special garments, tastes, songs,
Community Event
TWIST OF TRADITION: HANDS-ON CHALLAH
Braid your own challah to take home and bake, filling your kitchen with the comforting aroma of tradition and joy. Come together and savor the moment. Take a pause from