Federation-Directed Grants

Federation-Directed Grants is sponsored by Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia (JFRE). These grants support capital projects for Jewish life in the Bay Area, Israel, and globally.

About the Jewish Federation Real Estate Fund – Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia You're browser is outdated. We recommend that you update for a better experience. About the Jewish Federation Real Estate Fund The Jewish Federation Real Estate (JFRE) Fund significantly contributes toward tangible and enduring capital needs aligned with the Jewish Federation’s priorities.

The JFRE Fund supports capital projects that allow for a new acquisition, new construction, a substantial expansion, or rehabilitation of an existing service/construction or the replacement or renovation of a deteriorated capital asset.

Projects that enhance the quality of Jewish community life, link the Jewish community with its heritage, contribute to usable community infrastructure, or serve as a resource for children, youth, and adults are strongly encouraged. FOCUS AREA FOR FY27: SECURITY The JFRE Fund provides grants to Jewish-focused non-profits specifically for real estate and capital improvement needs.

For FY27, JFRE is prioritizing grants for security-related projects aimed at enhancing the safety for those utilizing the funded properties. Examples include the installation of security cameras and related technology, reinforced windows, doors, and points of access, and the construction of guard stations, fencing, or other security-related capital improvements. Non-security related proposals may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Please reach out to jfre@jewishphilly. org before submitting a proposal. Grants will be in the range of $10,000 to $50,000 with larger grants possible under unique circumstances.

Sept. 11, 2025: JFRE Grants Process Information Session Oct. 20, 2025: Request for proposals window for FY27 opens Nov.

20, 2025: Deadline for FY27 submissions Late January/February 2026: JFRE’s Allocations Committee reviews proposals March 2026: JFRE’s Executive Committee makes final recommendations June 2026: Grant award recipients will be notified September 2026: JFRE award recipients will receive the first half of their awarded amount at the beginning of the fiscal year, pending approval of all required compliance documentation.

Grantees must submit a project report to receive the second and final disbursement. The report will include, but is not limited to, pictures, invoices and receipts associated with the project. Grants will be provided exclusively for real estate and capital improvement projects; funding will not be provided to support security personnel, security training, or operational deficits.

Projects where the JFRE grant positively impacts the largest number and serves the most at-risk populations will be prioritized. JFRE seeks to support projects where the nonprofit is leveraging a JFRE grant to secure additional internal and/or external funding and to facilitate or encourage further investment/improvement in the immediate area by others.

Priority will be given to organizations that have demonstrated efforts to secure funding from FEMA, PA PCCD, or other funding sources, and to projects that are ineligible or not covered by said funding. Local projects must be based in one of the five counties of Greater Philadelphia (Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Montgomery, or Delaware). Jewish overnight camps in the Poconos region are also welcome to apply.

Israel projects will be considered on a limited basis for specific circumstances. Organizational Requirements Pennsylvania organizations must have their own IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt designation. Israeli organizations must be a registered Amuta with Rasham Ha’amotot and maintain its Malkar status.

The JFRE Fund invests in real estate, capital improvements, and infrastructure projects. JFRE does not provide funds for operating expenses or administrative overhead. The JFRE Fund invests in one-time, non-recurring, projects.

However, if the project takes several years to complete, JFRE may issue multi-year grants. Funds from JFRE can be used as seed capital to attract further grants, but projects must be ready to commence within six months of the JFRE grant being awarded.

If the project is security related, Philadelphia-based organizations must have completed a security review with one of the Jewish Federation’s SCN Security Directors Scott Kerns or Cortney Voorhees prior to the grant being issued. JFRE will rely on the security review to determine eligibility.

Applications must include the following elements: Project budget (including sources of cost estimates and an itemized list) Description of efforts to secure funding from alternative sources (including government grants) Any existing security assessment that was prepared within the last three years Applications and supporting information are due by Sunday, Nov. 20.

JFRE may support and separately fundraise for large projects that exceed our criteria but are extremely compelling, resonate with our membership, and provide an opportunity for donors to rally around a unique effort. The support must be for a real estate or capital improvement project, but the project does not have to be security related.

An example is JFRE’s fundraising support of the Horwitz-Wasserman Holocaust Memorial Plaza in Philadelphia. Grant applications are now closed. Please check back for more information.

For questions, contact jfre@jewishphilly. org . If you are a nonprofit organization interested in a JFRE Fund grant, please conta ct jfre@jewishphilly.

org . Learn About Other Jewish Federation Grants