OVERVIEW: The Young Jewish Funders of Arizona supports basic needs, education, community building and other Jewish causes in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
IP TAKE: This is a good local funder to know for unique programs that can make use of smaller grants and that have a well-defined beginning and end date.
PROFILE: Established in 2013, the Young Jewish Funders of Arizona (YJFA) is a giving circle based in Scottsdale, Arizona. Jay Chernikoff is one of the founding members of and a spokesperson for the giving circle, which is made up of around 12 Jewish men under the age of 40. Other members have included Daniel Efune, David Goldenberg, Laurence Hirsch, Zachary Kepes, Greg Saltz, Sam Saks, Josh Wertlieb and Joshua Winston. The foundation aims to “identify and support initiatives that strengthen the metro Phoenix Jewish community.” YJFA funds local efforts for basic needs, education, community building and Jewish causes. It also makes grants in areas of interest based on members’ interests that change from year to year.
YJFA typically funds local Jewish community engagement projects. It is open to supporting organizations both with and without 501(c)(3) status. It funds changing communal needs through projects rather than general operating support. YJFA is also willing to seed entrepreneurial efforts and new innovative programs.
Grants range between about $1,000 and $25,000. Contact this foundation directly to learn more about its local giving. Grantmaking focuses on the Phoenix area of Arizona. Past local grantees include Entwine Phoenix, the Council for Jews with Special Needs and ASU Hillel.
This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications but does not run a formal application program. Grantseekers should complete the contact form on the YJFA website or email the organization at YJFAZ@jfunders.org for information about grantmaking opportunities.
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