In 2008 Jay Chernikoff and David Schuman learned about giving circles at a Jewish Funders Network meeting held in Phoenix. The two young entrepreneurs were intrigued by the concept of like-minded friends pooling their philanthropic dollars to strengthen their local community. But the recession that soon gripped the country put a damper on innovative ideas.
But as the economy improved, the idea of a Jewish giving circle took hold. This year a cohort of 10 young men under 40 created Young Jewish Funders of Arizona and on Aug. 25 donated $50,000 to six nonprofit organizations for projects that will be implemented in 2014. Grants ranged from $2,000 to $15,000. Chernikoff says while all the grants went to established organizations, the funds will support new programs.
YJFAZ member Larry Hirsch says the group reviewed more than 20 grant applications before they chose “great ideas and great people who needed seed money to make their projects come to life.” He says he’s pleased that “in our first year we were able to hit all the ages – seniors, post-college, teens and preschool.”
Hirsch notes that Phoenix is largely a city of transplants. Eight members of the giving circle came from other cities “where Jewish giving has been part of life for generations.” He says group members wanted to continue that tradition in their new homes, but notes, “Our generation is not so keen on just writing a check.”
Giving circles enable donors to control where and how their funds are used and to provide seed money for innovative projects.
“The goal of our giving circle has been to ignite a change and become personally involved with and in our Jewish community. There are so many worthy ways to build and strengthen our community, and many need volunteers just as much as funding,”says Joshua Simon in a press release from the group. “Giving circles make financial donations more personal, because we have the ability to choose specific groups and causes that receive funding. Because it is a transparent donation, giving circle donations truly give donors a sense of accomplishment with the project. With our initial efforts, we hope to inspire others to organize their own giving circles and support their communities.”
Young Jewish Funders of Arizona is part of a pilot program of the international philanthropic organization Jewish Funders Network, which works with organizations such as the YJFAZ to make their contributions impactful.
A press release quotes Ruthie Rotenberg, who is leading JFN’s giving circles initiative: “At the Jewish Funders Network, we have found that when philanthropic activities begin early in a career those acts continue throughout entire lives. We find that financial donations, many times, are a turning point that encourage more people to be involved with the Jewish community. They begin thinking in broader terms, think deeply and act profoundly which invigorates everyone. The Young Jewish Funders of Arizona are championing this effort in Phoenix.”
Addressing why the cohort includes only men, Chernikoff says: “You want to find people who are in similar life places. You’ve got to have people you feel connected with. You need people on the same schedule to get a circle going. It could be a couples’ or women’s group, but obviously I wasn’t going to start a women’s group.”
Chernikoff urges others interested in creating their own giving circle to contact YJFAZ or JFN.
The Funders:
Their professions and where they were raised:
Jay Chernikoff, commercial real estate, Cleveland
Larry Hirsch, matrimonial law attorney, Chicago
Zachary Kepes, residential real estate, Detroit
Samuel Saks, commercial litigation attorney, Detroit
Joshua Simon, commercial real estate, Scottsdale
Greg Saltz, commercial real estate, Cleveland
David Schuman, president of ResQ Water, Ann Arbor, MI
Jeff Toppel, labor and employment attorney, Chicago
Josh Wertlieb, wine distributor, Boston
Mark Zinman, real estate attorney, Scottsdale
The Funded:
The new projects that received grant funding:
The Friendship Circle provides assistance to families of children with special needs and will use the funds to strengthen their volunteer programs, including a Mitzvah Volunteer Program, and they will introduce a Parent’s Night Out.
Jewish Free Loan will be offering interest-free loans to families for Jewish preschool expenses.
BBYO, Inc. instills leadership enrichment and identiy enrichment for Jewish teens and will introduce an alumni engagement program connecting members with local young alumni.
Smiles for Seniors offers Jewish seniors programs fosters a community atmosphere. Grant funds will support more programming and social events that bring Jewish seniors together.
B'Nai Tzdeck Youth Philanthropy Program encourages teens to participate actively in philanthropic activities with grant funds matching their giving circle efforts.
Chabad of Chandler that is adding children’s playground equipment to their facility
