The following is a reprint of the JCF's recent Money Matters column, published in the November 30, 2022 issue of the Jewish Community Voice:
The Grants Committee of the Jewish Community Foundation, Inc. recently met to review applications to our Fall 2022 JCF Grants Cycle, and sparks flew.
Not sparks of argument, fortunately, but rather sparks of excitement. Our committee, co-chaired by Rhona Cohen and Andi Levin, left the meeting enthusiastic about the new and innovative programs and services that will be benefiting thousands of South Jersey residents in the coming year. Ultimately, the committee awarded JCF Grants to 20 initiatives, amounting to over $34,000, with additional contributions from individual donors pushing the total to over $36,000.
A full list of this cycle’s awards can be viewed at jcfsnj.org/grants, and we invite Jewish organizations that serve SNJ to consider applying in the future. Details will be announced soon, but for planning purposes, our Spring 2023 JCF Grants Cycle will open by January 1 and end in late March.
Of essential note is that these award dollars would not be possible without the generosity and foresight by an array of JCF donors who established endowment funds for this noble purpose. These donors left legacy gifts and/or gave donations during their lifetimes to ensure that our community can continue to provide creative programs that support local residents of all ages and backgrounds.
Let’s recognize and thank the following endowment funds (E.F.) that were established by individuals and organizations for JCF Grants: Fannie & Meyer Adleman Family; Fred & Florence Bryen; Bush Refrigeration Camden Development; Glenn Cohen Memorial Music Fund; Larry Lerner Memorial Fund; William & Bertha Remer; Stella Schaevitz; Louis Silverman; and Leonard & Norma Zelnick.
In all, since kicking off more than 20 years ago, over $2-million in JCF Grants have been provided to dozens of organizations, funding hundreds of programs benefiting the community.
To build on this, we proudly announce our newest fund to the roster: The Keren Ami (My People’s) Endowment Fund, which is designated to provide biannual JCF Grants to local Jewish organizations.
What can JCF Grants fund? One shining example is the JCC Camps at Medford’s Care Team. According to Camp Director Sara Sideman, “JCC Camps at Medford’s Care Team is a vital initiative that started the process of addressing our youth’s mental health crisis, driven by the pandemic, among approximately 1,600 campers and teen counselors this past summer. The Care Team played a major role in training leadership staff and bunk counselors, and provided informal counseling, group support, behavioral guidance, and parent resources when needed. The Jewish Community Foundation’s generous grant supported crucial Care Team supplies for camper workshops and activities, and external summer staff trainings for mental, social, and emotional health; gender and sexuality; and diversity.”
Another heart-warming story comes from Lions Gate’s Director of Philanthropy Lisa Goldwasser, saying that their new Music and Memory program, “was designed around the individual interests of the resident. The MP3 players (that were purchased via a JCF Grant) have distinctive genres of music downloaded. Residents are asked what type of music they enjoy, and we do the rest. Hits from the 1940s through 1970s have been requested. Music can reduce anxiety, blood pressure, and pain; it assists with emotional and behavioral problems when used as a diversion. We have witnessed the music, first-hand, with a very anxious resident on hospice. We have experienced residents with advanced dementia remember words from a favorite song. The program has been very successful.”
If supporting new and innovative programs and services in our SNJ community sparks your interest, I’d love to talk to you about how you can establish your own endowment fund to benefit our community.
Please contact me today at (856) 673-2571 or dsnyder@jfedsnj.org