The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s Board of Directors approved $536,000 in grants to 15 organizations dedicated to addressing antisemitism and fostering engagement among Jewish young adults. These grants, awarded through the Federation’s new grantmaking process to address key community priorities support programs that promote education, resilience and community-building across the region. 

“We heard, through our strategic planning process, that the Federation should align funding with community priorities and address timely needs. I’m proud to say that we are doing that by supporting these important initiatives that not only address antisemitism but also strengthen Jewish identity and community,”

~Ilene Rinn, Associate Vice President of Planning & Impact at the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh

Federation board member and Chair of the Federation’s Planning and Impact Committee, Judi Kanal, said, “Through these grants, we are investing in programs that provide education, create meaningful connections and work towards ensuring a vibrant future for Jewish life in Pittsburgh.” 

Among the funded initiatives in the Addressing Antisemitism category totaling $245,000: 

•  The Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh – Educational efforts and community outreach in Butler County  

• Tree of Life, Inc. – Local exhibition on the University of Pittsburgh campus and programming about the October 27 attack  

• JCC/YMCA Partnership – Promoting dialogue on antisemitism and racism among youth and adults  

• Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh – Implementing a national model for a peer education program for high school students 

• BBYO – Teen-led programs strengthening Jewish identity and resilience 

• Prime Stage Theatre – Holocaust remembrance through support for “I Never Saw Another Butterfly and The Terezin Promise” theater and education  

Among the funded initiatives in the Engaging Young Adults category totaling $291,000: 

• ElevatEd – Implementing national model for improving the quality and resilience of Jewish early childhood education centers 

• The Friendship Circle – Inclusive social opportunities for Jewish young adults  

• The Edward and Rose Berman Hillel Jewish University Center of Pittsburgh & Penn State University Hillel – College-based Jewish engagement programs  

• Chabad Young Professionals – Community-building for Jewish young adults  

• Community Day School – Hands-on Jewish learning experiences for families 

• Jewish Fertility Foundation – Financial assistance, emotional support and infertility education for Jewish young adults struggling to build their families 

• The Branch – Support for young adults with disabilities in a Jewish setting 

These grants reflect the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s mission to build a thriving and inclusive Jewish community by investing in impactful programs. 

Another round of grant funding will be awarded over the summer. For more information on the Federation’s grantmaking and impact, visit jewishpgh.org/info/grants.