Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh Announces Over $7.6 Million in Community Allocations and $400,000 in Community Priority Grants

July 21, 2025/Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh

The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh announces allocations totaling more than $7.6 million for the 2025-2026 program year to organizations and initiatives in Pittsburgh, Israel and around the world. In addition, the Federation approved almost $400,000 in Community Priority Grants. These funds consist of annual unrestricted funds from the Community Campaign, as well as grants from the Jewish Federation Foundation. These investments reflect the Federation’s mission to cultivate resources, connect people and collaborate across the community to live and fulfill Jewish values.

“This year’s allocations are especially critical as many federal grants have been paused, reduced or eliminated. The Jewish Federation’s support helps ensure continuity of vital services and programs for the community at a time of heightened uncertainty.”

~Jeffrey Finkelstein, President & CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh

“These allocations represent our deep commitment to strengthening Jewish life in all its dimensions, from meeting urgent human needs and securing our community to engaging the next generation and fighting antisemitism,” said Jeffrey Finkelstein, President & CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh. “Through strategic investment and partnership, we are building a more vibrant, secure and inclusive Jewish future. None of this would be possible without the generous support of our donors, to whom we are deeply grateful.”

Annual Community Allocations

The Federation allocated over $7.6 million for the 2025–2026 program year to sustain core partners, deliver vital services, strengthen Jewish education and fund programs in Israel and overseas. These include:

Nearly $1.5 million, including support from the Jewish Healthcare Foundation, to fund aging and human needs through Jewish Family and Community Services (JFCS), Jewish Assoication On Aging (JAA), The Branch and others.

$2.8 million to programs supporting Jewish life in Israel and worldwide, including $1.1 million to the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) and $477,000 to the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC).

$1.3 million to support Jewish communal life locally, including the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh (JCC), Jewish campus organizations and community-wide initiatives.

$1.2 million to fund Jewish day schools, early childhood education and teen learning programs.

Community Priority Grants

At the Federation’s Board meeting on July 16, 2025, $391,000 in Community Priority Grants was awarded to 22 programs under two themes: Addressing Antisemitism and Engaging Young Adults. Highlights include:

$65,000 to the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh to engage Christian clergy in confronting antisemitism through interfaith dialogue.

$35,000 to the 10.27 Healing Partnership to expand the REACH Speakers Bureau, amplifying survivor voices and promoting healing.

$30,000 to StandWithUs to support student leadership and programming on Pittsburgh-area campuses.

$35,000 to OneTable and $20,000 to the JCC of Greater Pittsburgh to grow peer-led Shabbat experiences that bring young adults together.

“Every dollar allocated reflects both rigorous planning and our community’s collective priorities that were set with community input. We are proud to support essential services and new ideas that move our mission forward.”

~Judi Kanal, chair of the Planning and Impact Leadership Committee.