JFN CEO Andrés Spokoiny speaks with Simon Greer, a longtime leader in Jewish philanthropy, former CEO of the Nathan Cummings Foundation, now the driving force behind the Viewpoint Diversity Initiative at the University of North Carolina, and the founder of Cambridge Health Ventures.

Simon takes us through his three‑part awakening, realizing that America’s crisis is as much spiritual as it is political, recognizing his own part in the problem of tribalism, and discovering that real change happens when we lean into the humanity of “the other.” He teaches us why “viewpoint diversity” isn’t just an academic buzzword, but an urgent practice for our fractured times, from campus debates about Israel and Palestine to retreats that bring correction officers and formerly incarcerated people together to reform our justice system.

Take a listen.

In a powerful reflection for the Jewish Journal tied to the annual LA Homeless Count, Rachel Sumekh, Project Executive, TEN: Together Ending Need, exposes the economic vulnerability too often hidden in plain sight within Jewish Los Angeles.

Drawing on personal experience, new data, and sacred Jewish values, she challenges us to rethink who we see, and don’t see, in our communal story.

Read more.

Tuesday, June 24, 2025 | Zoom
12:00pm ET | 9:00am PT | 7:00pm IT

Six months into a new U.S. administration, major changes in federal climate policy are raising alarms. Real risks and new challenges are on the horizon for funders committed to climate action.

Join JFN’s Green Funders Forum North America (GFFNA) for an important breakdown on what’s happening in Washington and what it means for climate philanthropy. We’ll hear from Lisa Friedman, New York Times climate policy and politics reporter, in conversation with Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi, leading climate funder, JFN member, and advisor to the State of Maryland on sustainability.

If you're funding in climate, or thinking about it, this is essential insight you won’t want to miss.

Connect, Learn, and Grow with Fellow Grantmaking Professionals

JFN’s Grantmaking Professionals Exchange, offers a unique opportunity for Jewish philanthropic professionals to build relationships, sharpen skills, and deepen both strategic and Jewish learning.

Multiple cohorts within the group are available, including for those in small-staffed foundations, location-based funders, professionals new to philanthropy, as well as a mentor/mentee program. And all members of the Grantmaking Professionals Exchange come together for a monthly convening; there's a place for everyone in this growing community.

Sign up for our next meeting here, or contact Sarah Horowitz at sarah@jfunders.org to learn more.