Jewish Values, Universal Impact
The Federation has built the leading impact investing program in the Jewish community, funding projects that have helped create a more inclusive and equitable economy. We lend to mission-driven organizations that step in where traditional financial services fall short.
Our loans help underserved individuals and businesses gain access to fair and affordable credit in the Bay Area, across the U.S., and in Israel. This philanthropic model leverages our resources as one of California’s largest community foundations and an innovator in North America’s Federation network.
How it Works
- Donors choose to use money held in DAFs and supporting foundations for low-interest loans
- Loans are made to mission-driven financial services partner organizations
- Once the loans are repaid, the money is returned to the DAFs and supporting foundations, ready to be re-loaned or used for grants
- Rather than sitting in traditional investment accounts, these dollars are out working toward their intended charitable purpose
- Impact loans are typically made with funds pooled from numerous DAFs, maximizing each philanthropist’s positive impact
The Federation’s impact investing practice gives donors the option to use money held in donor-advised funds (DAFs) and supporting foundations for low-interest loans to support philanthropic goals.
This lending model multiplies the impact of every dollar
Once the loans are repaid, the money is returned to the DAFs and supporting foundations, ready to be re-loaned or used for grants.
Rather than sitting in traditional investment accounts, these dollars are out working toward their intended charitable purpose, aligned with the Jewish values that guide our work.
These impact loans are typically made with funds pooled from numerous DAFs, maximizing individual fund owners’ impact even more.
Jewish Values, Universal Impact
The Federation has built the leading impact investing program in the Jewish community, funding projects that have helped create a more inclusive and equitable economy. We lend to mission-driven organizations that step in where traditional financial services fall short.
Our loans help underserved individuals and businesses gain access to fair and affordable credit in the Bay Area, across the U.S., and in Israel. This philanthropic model leverages our resources as one of California’s largest community foundations and an innovator in North America’s Federation network.
Donor Dollars at Work
Our Impact Investing supports:
Financial Inclusion
- Access to fair and affordable financial services for underserved populations
- Training for good jobs and economic development
- Small business support in Israel
Fostering a Thriving Jewish Community
- Zero-interest loans across Northern California from Hebrew Free Loan
- Building and renovating Jewish communal residences for students and families in the Bay Area
Affordable Quality Housing
- Addressing the housing crisis in the Bay Area
- Residential stability with access to supportive services
- Bridging the racial wealth gap for Black homeowners
Climate Change Mitigation
- Renewable energy initiatives
- Investing in businesses owned by people of color so they can contribute to and benefit from the transition to a green economy
Sustainable Agriculture
- Loans to California farmers to purchase land
- Improving financial stability of farmers in the Bay Area foodshed
- Increasing access to agricultural training and information
Capacity Building
- Expanding the scope and reach of Bay Area nonprofits serving low-income residents
Access to Quality Education
- Equitable access to education for “Dreamers”
- Support of a Bay Area Jewish Day School
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene
- Improving water infrastructure and management
- Access to clean drinking water in rural California communities
Quality Jobs
- Job training leading to employment in a changing U.S. economy
- Helping immigrants to Israel enter the high-tech sector
Impact Investing Spotlights
Social Finance Israel & Developers Institute
Alla, a Russian graphic designer, made Aliyah in 2022 and wanted to become a programmer in order to maximize opportunity for employment in Israel. “I have always dreamed about working on projects that, with the help of hi-tech technologies, can better people’s lives.” Now she has that opportunity. Through Social Finance Israel’s unique Career Impact Bond, Olim Hadashim (new immigrants) and members of the Ethiopian community can train as programmers through a 9-month, full-stack boot camp at no cost. This Career Impact Bond is the first of its type in Israel and is an important program that builds economic independence and societal integration for new immigrants. Participants start paying back their tuition only after they start earning and only as long as they are earning enough to afford the repayment.
Social Finance Israel’s innovative loan program is designed to increase employment opportunities and promote upward social mobility for new and underrepresented Israeli populations.
Blackstar Stability
When most people hear “predatory lending” they think of interest rates, but these discriminatory practices also include contract-for-deed (“CFD”), and lease-to-own (“LTO”) agreements that leave low- and moderate-income families making home payments without holding the title to the property. Borrowers in Dayton, OH bought a home in 2013 and consistently made payments and substantial improvements to the home. With $69K of equity in the property, the couple considered selling the house to move for a job opportunity. They were stunned when the previous owner said they could not sell. They did not realize that their option to pay in full did not include the right to sell, lease, or transfer the property. Blackstar Stability worked with the couple to successfully refinance their home with a lower monthly payment and the freedom to sell if they wished.
Homeownership is key for building wealth and reducing the racial wealth gap. Blackstar Stability puts homeowners in underserved communities on a path to stable homeownership.
Events
Community Event
International Conference on Graphene and 2D Materials
Conplus Meeting delightedly invites all the participants from all over the world to attend The International Conference on Graphene and 2D Materials, which will be held on December 04-06, 2025
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,