The Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh has approved $1,043,500 in 2026–27 Community Priority Grants, supporting 34 grants to 20 distinct organizations focused on strengthening teen mental health, engaging young adults and addressing antisemitism.

The grants reflect the Federation’s commitment to strategic investments that build a strong, connected Jewish community and respond to priority needs across all ages.

“These grants represent the values and priorities of our community,” said Judi Kanal, chair of the Federation’s Planning and Impact Leadership Committee. “Through a thoughtful and collaborative process, community members evaluated where our investments could have the greatest impact—supporting teens, young adults and educators while strengthening partnerships that help our community thrive.”

Addressing antisemitism through education and community partnership

Funding supports programs that advance education, dialogue, bridge-building and collaboration to address antisemitism. Some initiatives received funding last year and the board voted to continue funding their work. One example is a collaborative pilot between the Holocaust Center, LIGHT Initiative, and Rauh Jewish Archives to Build Allies in Butler County, and educator training efforts that help schools, community partners, and students understand, prevent and respond to antisemitism effectively.

Other initiatives receiving support include youth leadership programs such as the Student to Student program brought to Pittsburgh by the Federation, BBYO’s Rise & Respond initiative and the StandWithUs high school internship program expansion, which equip teens with leadership skills and advocacy tools.

Community collaboration efforts include continuing a partnership between the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh and the YMCA as well as campus engagement programs through Chabad House on Campus initiatives.

Engaging young adults in Jewish life and community

Grants support programs that connect young adults to Jewish life through social, cultural and leadership experiences. These include Hillel-led initiatives such as FreshFest at The Edward and Rose Berman Hillel Jewish University Center of Pittsburgh for new undergraduates, as well as initiatives for grad students via JGrads and the Jewish Graduate Organization.

Other grants support the young adult population off campus, including Mem Global’s Moishe Pod and Moishe House small-scale and peer-led approaches, as well as OneTable’s programs empowering unaffiliated young adults to participate in and lead their own ritual practices

Other grants strengthen engagement for young families through local Chabad programs and the Community Day School. Innovative programming is also supported through the Rauh Jewish Archives at the Heinz History Center, Film Pittsburgh through its JFilm Festival and leadership development at Penn State University Hillel.

Supporting teen mental health and wellbeing

A significant portion of funding supports teen mental health initiatives in both school and community settings. The Jewish Family and Community Services of Pittsburgh received the largest grant to support school-based mental health services.

Additional investments include mentoring and wellness programming through the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh, Tzohar Seminary, BBYO and the Pittsburgh Zal.

About the Community Priority Grants

The Community Priority Grants are part of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Jewish life, supporting community wellbeing and investing in programs that create meaningful impact across the region.

“These Community Priority Grants reflect both urgent needs and long-term vision,” said Jeff Finkelstein, President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh. “By investing in teen mental health supports, antisemitism education and meaningful engagement for young people, we are strengthening the foundation of Jewish life for today and for the future.”