Strengthening Israel’s North Through 24 Youth-Led Initiatives
Thursday, January 29, 2026
| | | | | | | | | | | The Edmond de Rothschild Foundation, Jewish Federation Los Angeles, and the Jewish Funders Network Award 24 Grants to Strengthen Israel’s North These Young Adult Initiatives are Part of the “Pioneers of the North” Matching Grant Partnership, Deploying $4 million in Philanthropic Support The Edmond de Rothschild Foundation (Israel) and Jewish Federation Los Angeles, in partnership with the Jewish Funders Network, announced the award of $2 million in support to 24 young adult initiatives as part of the “Pioneers of the North” matching grant program. Designed to empower young adult leadership, foster local entrepreneurship, and create high-quality employment opportunities for young people, the program unlocked an additional $2 million in support from JFN members, creating a total investment of $4 million in the field. Read more and see the list of grantees here | | | | |
| | | | | | | In the latest episode of What Gives: The Jewish Philanthropy Podcast, JFN CEO Andrés Spokoiny speaks with Jay Ruderman, President of the Ruderman Family Foundation and author of the book Find Your Fight: Make Your Voice Heard for the Causes that Matter. Jay has spent years pushing institutions, media, and communities to think more seriously about representation, access, and belonging for people with disabilities. Drawing on Jay's decades of advocacy and the ideas at the heart of his book, he reflects on how leaders and institutions can move from good intentions to meaningful action. Together, Jay and Andrés explore why authentic representation matters, how philanthropy can drive systemic change, and what it really takes to build a more inclusive Jewish and civic life. Take a listen | | | | |
| | | | | | | Tuesday, February 10, 2026 | Zoom
12:00pm ET | 9:00am PT | 7:00pm IT Israel’s next national election comes at a moment of growing pressure on democratic institutions. This briefing will examine the state of Israel’s electoral system and civil service, with a focus on the reforms needed to strengthen transparency, professionalism, and public trust. Prof. Gideon Rahat and Rita Golstein-Galperin of the Israel Democracy Institute will share insights on what is working, what needs improvement, and where meaningful change is possible. | | | | |
| | | | | | | | Still interested in coming to the Conference? Sign up to join the waitlist. As space becomes available, we will thoughtfully review each case and notify individuals when they are able to register. Your presence at this conference has the potential to make a meaningful impact, and we will do our best to accommodate as many participants as possible. | | | | |
| | | | | | Conference attendees are invited to celebrate Shabbat together as a community in San Diego starting Friday evening, March 13. Join an intimate group for an experience that provides rich content and creates space for deeper conversations about our shared heritage. Learn more in the Conference Attendee Hub. | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | Pave the way to a successful member experience by ensuring your profile is up to date. Find more professionals, get matched up with like-minded peers, and benefit from their professional skills and experiences. Login to your profile today to browse the directory and other resources we have available for you. - JFN Consulting offers personalized philanthropic services to individuals, families and foundations. Senior Managing Director Yossi Prager is available for one consultation session (up to two hours) to JFN members free of charge. Click here to reserve your complimentary consultation with Yossi
- Israel Advisory Services provide in-depth workshops, mapping, strategic planning, and advice to help you fund more effectively, from top experts in Israeli philanthropy
- JFN’s Concierge service aims to provide each member with a personalized user experience that addresses all of their philanthropic needs
- Members who wish to consult about giving to Iron Swords-related needs can contact Anat Danis
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| | | | | | Zooming in on a success story: From essay contest winners to teen philanthropists, read how the Morris J. & Betty Kaplun Foundation created a national Jewish youth philanthropy program that brings together participants from coast to coast. Read more here. | | | | |
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| | | | | | | | - Nominations are now open for the 2026 Grinspoon Amber Awards, an initiative of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation honoring exceptional professionals strengthening Jewish communal life across North America. Know someone who deserves this recognition? Submit a nomination by February 28, 2026, and help shine a light on leaders shaping a vibrant Jewish future. Learn more.
Share your news, job postings, and non-fundraising events with the more than 6,000 people who receive this newsletter. Submit for consideration two or three sentences, an image, and any relevant links by clicking here. We publish items from current JFN members only.
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