The Leo and Libby Nevas Family Foundation, a JFN member organization, has launched a new grant program to address urgently the rapid rise of bigotry and hate speech aimed at a broad spectrum of minorities during the recent campaign and following the election. These minorities include populations defined by religion, ethnicity, race, national origin, immigration status, gender, sexual orientation and others.

Cross-posted at the Times of Israel

The aspen tree, from which that beautiful Colorado town takes its name, is a remarkable plant. An aspen forest is, in fact, one single organism. All nearby trees are linked by their roots, making them, de facto, a single plant. It’s said that an aspen forest in Utah is the world’s biggest living organism. The interconnected nature of the aspen trees makes them incredibly resilient. Nutrients and water circulate freely among the trees, and the stronger help the weaker to the entire forest’s benefit.

JFN members know full well the myriad benefits when funders collaborate. The power of the collective engenders a form of giving that has both deeper meaning and a lasting impact. Which is not to say that collaborations are an easy thing to pull off. Far from it. 

We often talk about planting seeds to foster meaningful philanthropic collaborations.

The most-effective philanthropists know not to go it alone.

This blog post is from Emily Wexler of Grantmakers for Effective Organizations, who will present a webinar on Thursday, Jan. 9, in partnership with JFN, on the promises and pitfalls of local and national funder collaborations. Emily will discuss the potential advantages of local-national partnerships and offer lessons that enhance their effectiveness.

Award Named after JFN Co-Founder Sidney Shapiro

NEW YORK – December 5, 2013 -- The Jewish Funders Network said today a prestigious award named after one of its founders would be redefined to recognize accomplishments by philanthropists who work together to further a common mission or goal.