The cutting-edge, hands-on philanthropists of the Jewish Women’s Foundation of South Palm Beach County (JWF) have proudly launched the application process for their 2012 Grant Funding Cycle. In a new application step this year, letters of intent for up to $20,000 from 501c (3) organizations for programs and projects that effect social change on behalf of women and girls will be accepted until September 26, 2011.

Rooted in Jewish values, JWF awards grants to address the areas of abuse prevention, education, health and research in South Palm Beach County, in Israel or elsewhere overseas. Founded by Roxane Frechie Lipton in 2003, this initiative of the Jewish Community Foundation of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County has granted nearly $400,000 over the past six years.

“We are interested in reviewing programs or projects that address a specific need for Jewish girls or women,” said JWF Co-chair Mara Reuben. “We fund with a ‘gender lens’ and a ‘Jewish lens.’ Our grant awardees must seek to create systemic change by developing women leaders, or changing laws, practices and cultural traditions to provide greater equality for Jewish women and girls.” 

JWF's Trustees serve as equal partners in selecting grant recipients, deciding together how to direct their combined resources.  Diverse in their ages and Jewish backgrounds, Trustees build JWF through their $10,000, $50,000 and $100,000 tax-deductible contributions, payable over five years.

“JWF offers local Jewish women of all ages the unique opportunity to be hands-on, woman-to-woman, independent philanthropists,” said Ann Kelman, JWF Chair. “Together, we assist and empower those in need, bringing compassion and change to the lives of women and girls. Our Trustees are learning the remarkable impact and satisfaction of directing their collective resources toward the causes that matter to them most.” 

Letters of Intent are due by September 26, 2011.JWF will then extend invitations to submit full proposals to selected agencies on October 18, 2011 and due on December 9, 2011. Grant awards will be announced on February 9, 2012.

The Jewish Women's Foundation is generously sponsored by Oppenheimer.

To request a grant application or more information on the granting cycle, or to learn more about becoming a JWF Trustee, email maureenm@bocafed.org or call 561-852-3188. Grant applications may be made online at www.jewishboca.org/jwf/grants.

The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County serves the Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Highland Beach areas, raising and allocating millions of dollars each year to meet vital needs locally, in Israel and more than 70 countries worldwide. The Jewish Women’s Foundation is an initiative of the Federation’s Jewish Community Foundation.

Photo caption L-R:  Ann Kelman, Mara Reuben