The two foundations have similar practices and goals but are independently structured and funded. The CJYF is open to 9th through 11th graders and the teen’s contributions were matched by three $5,000 challenge grants. The PJCTF is open to 8th through 10th graders and is funded with a 2:1 matching contribution. In both programs, the teens learn how to evaluate the non-profit organizations that apply for grants so that they can allocate the funds they have to distribute. As part of the commitment to serve on the board for either organization, each teen must contribute a minimum of $100 – either money from their own pocket or funds they raise through family and friends.
In the grant-making process, the teens choose the size and number of grants awarded based on research and presentations by non-profits in their fields of service; decisions are made by consensus The criteria used to select the recipients are based on a study of Jewish values, the feasibility of the program, its potential impact and the budget needed to implement the program. In addition, the services provided by these organizations must correspond with the Jewish philosophy of treating others with dignity and respect.
Sue Schwartzman, director of the PJCTF and overall regional coordinator of teen philanthropy for the Bay Area, is proud of the teens in the program. “The Jewish community has invested in a quality program. The Peninsula Jewish Community Teen Youth Foundation is one of those ‘above and beyond’ opportunities that allow teens to get directly involved in the business of fixing the world. These teens learn how to run their own foundation and invest themselves in the process. They examine Jewish values and then act on them.”
Rachel Levenson of Mountain View, a second-term PJCTF board member, says of her experience, “I am much more aware that a small group of teens can really make a difference. It really makes you think what could happen if everyone that has a little to spare could stand together.” And Scott Levin of Los Altos, also a second-term PJCTF board member, explains, “When I am with the other PJCTF members, I feel empowered because I can add my voice to the voices of all the other teens to form a pool of 21 voices. And when those 21 voices merge into one, we are a group that has the power to do amazing things. I have witnessed it.”
The CJYF is funded by the Fanny Bess Fund of the Jewish Community Endowment Fund and launched in partnership with the Jewish Community Federation and Foundation of the Greater East Bay. The PJCTF is funded through a grant from the John and Marcia Goldman Foundation. The regional coordinator position is funded by the Teen Philanthropy Professional Fund through a grant from the Laura and Gary Lauder Philanthropic Fund of the Jewish Community Endowment Fund.
The CJYF and PJCTF were made possible by the Jewish Community Endowment Fund of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, The Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties. In fiscal year 2003-2004, the Federation’s Endowment Fund, with assets exceeding $770 million, provided more than $207 million for a variety of grants, seed projects and emergency needs in the Jewish and general communities. For more information, call 415.777.0411 or visit www.sfjcef.org.
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Beth Rifkin
Written for the Jewish Community Federation
BAY AREA TEENS DISTRIBUTE REAL DOLLARS
Teen Foundation Distributes Funds to Address Anti-Semitism, Environmental Causes, Disabilities and Health Care
Forty-three Bay Area teens are making a great impact in the world by distributing more than $36,000 through two innovative philanthropic programs focused on regional youth. The Community Jewish Youth Foundation of the East Bay (CJYF) and the Peninsula Jewish Community Teen Foundation (PJCTF) provide teens with the education and opportunity to evaluate proposals and make grants to worthy causes. The 2005 East Bay board raised $25,000 while the 2005 South Peninsula board raised $11,250 allowing a total of 10 agencies to receive much needed financial support.
