Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego

Still thinking about Sunday...what an inspiring celebration of our community’s teens! There was so much to kvell over with the Jewish Teen Foundation's grant presentations, marking 15 years of the Peter Chortek Leadership Award, and hearing from Congregation Beth Israel’s 8th Grade Social Innovation Class.

From intentional grantmaking to remarkable ideas for improving our community, our bright teens showed what it means to lead with purpose. Their curiosity, compassion, and commitment to community are proof that the future of philanthropy is already here.

Thank you to everyone who showed up to support, celebrate, and invest in the next generation!

We're looking forward to celebrating our community's teens this Sunday! It will culminate this year's Jewish Teen Foundation experience, mark 15 years of the Peter Chortek Leadership Award, and honor Congregation Beth Israel's 8th Grade Social Innovation Class.

This year, the Jewish Teen Foundation's 40 participants established issues to address in our community and assessed proposals from incredible nonprofit organizations. They cap the year with making real grants, and true impact for youth and providing access to healthcare.

Register to celebrate with us here: https://jcfsandiego.my.salesforce-sites.com/summit__SummitEventsRegister?instanceID=a4sUN000005JA8r

This year's Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) Commemoration gathered us to honor our cherished Survivors living in San Diego and hear the extraordinary, courageous stories of individuals who saved tens of thousands of lives during the Holocaust. As we mark Yom HaShoah starting this evening, we commit to remembering and retelling these remarkable stories, and caring for our Survivor community.

This Sunday, April 12, our community will gather for a meaningful Yom HaShoah commemoration featuring two unique family stories: one from the legacy of a rescuer and one from a family rescued.

Hear from the great-grandson of Aristides de Sousa Mendes, who issued more than 30,000 visas to refugees fleeing Nazi-occupied France, and from a descendant of Survivors saved by Chiune Sugihara, who provided life-saving transit visas against his government’s orders.

We are honored to host this gathering in partnership with Jewish Federation of San Diego and the Lawrence Family JCC.

Join us and register now: https://hubs.la/Q049N5xc0

Grant opportunity: The Seacove Fund, a donor advised fund at Jewish Community Foundation San Diego, has an open application for its CHANGE grants program. Apply by March 20!

The Fund will provide grants of $5,000 in unrestricted funds in two priority areas: Health & Wellness and Education & Training. Eligible organizations must: serve in the city of San Diego, CA, have been in operation for at least two years, and receive $500,000 or less in annual funding.

To learn more and apply, visit:

THE SEACOVE FUND We love San Diego. It’s a dynamic place full of natural beauty, diverse people, fascinating history, and vibrant culture. And the weather’s pretty great, too! But we know it can be...

We were so grateful to bring JCF fundholders and staff to a recent site visit at Jewish Family Service of San Diego focused on homelessness. The afternoon highlighted moving stories about JFS's impact: we met the compassionate team behind the Safe Parking Program, toured the food pantry, unpacked services supporting older adults, and explored the new Center for Jewish Wellbeing.

Our day was capped with serving dinner to Safe Parking participants, sitting in conversation, and hearing firsthand stories of resilience and determination. It was an honor to witness the ways JFS uplifts our community every single day!

We’re excited to share two new opportunities to join our Jewish Community Foundation team: Grants Associate and Staff Accountant.

We’re looking for professionals who are systems-savvy, service-oriented, and energized by mission-driven work.

Make a real impact, collaborate with passionate colleagues, and help advance our field. If you or someone in your network are looking for your next meaningful step, view the positions and apply here: https://jcfsandiego.org/about/careers/

What a joy to partner with the Lawrence Family JCC to host a film and reception for the closing day of the San Diego International Jewish Film Festival. JCF's CEO Jeremy Pearl shared reflections on the importance of partnership to amplify Jewish stories and pursue philanthropic passions.

The Film Festival gathers our community together around Jewish-themed stories designed to entertain, inspire, and foster connection. It has been a moving season and meaningful time to connect with everyone!

Yesterday, our Jewish Teen Foundation participants gathered for their mid-year retreat, a pivotal day of listening, reflection, and action.

They heard from an intergenerational panel featuring a former JTF parent and participant duo who shared insights on the importance of learning about giving across generations.

The teens reviewed grant applications from nonprofits, chose which organizations to invite for interviews, and began preparing thoughtful questions. Along the way, they learned what effective fundraising really looks like.

Seeing teens take philanthropy seriously and step confidently into leadership reflects how powerful this experience can be. The future of giving is already unfolding.

Thank you Hillel of San Diego for hosting JTF!

🌟 Scholarships Alert! 🌟

💻 The JL Scholarship supports individuals whose families have been affected by incarceration and are motivated to develop skills to benefit their future employment. Apply here by February 8: https://cap.jcfsandiego.org/submit/5b7b3201-a8ec-46a8-ac3d-fe2c2ffb7d17/jl-scholarship

💻 The Jeffrey D. Sollender Scholarship recognizes outstanding graduating high school seniors in San Diego County who plan to attend a four-year college or university who excel in entrepreneurial ventures, community service, or in the workplace. Apply here by March 1: https://cap.jcfsandiego.org/submit/3e188d18-c3f7-4132-a001-e51901656088/jeffrey-d-sollender-scholarship-2026

💻 Coming soon: Fredericks Family Scholarship - Providing vocational training scholarships to create pathways to employment. The application will open March 2.

Are you curious about the options for Jewish education in San Diego County? Join the Lawrence Family JCC CEO Betzy Lynch and leaders from San Diego's five day schools: Chabad Hebrew Academy San Diego Hebrew Day SCY High San Diego Jewish Academy & Torah High to hear about their vibrant curricula and campuses.

Wednesday, January 14, 6:30pm

Childcare is available upon registration. lfjcc.org/pathways