The Jewish Community Foundation’s (JCF) J-LEAD program, a giving circle for adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s, recently completed its 2024 grant cycle, in which members collectively granted $22,630 to five community programs.
The group met last month to view presentations from organizations seeking funding and learn how their support could make an impact. After dialogue and consideration, the giving circle voted to fund the following programs this year:
- Jewish Community Relations Bureau | American Jewish Committee: Campus initiative — $5,000
- Jewish Vocational Service (JVS): New arrival cell phones and service — $5,130
- KU Hillel: Jayhawks for Israel — $5,000
- National Council of Jewish Women: Back to School Store — $3,500
- Sasone, a program of the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City: Teen leadership training — $4,000
On June 4, J-LEAD members, JCF staff and representatives from the organizations receiving funding gathered for the program’s annual Grants Celebration. The event took place at Chicken N Pickle in Overland Park, Kansas, and leadership from each grantee organization had the opportunity to speak about their program and thank J-LEAD for its funding.
“J-LEAD is supporting Jayhawks for Israel, which is our brand new, student-led initiative to engage students on campus in Israel advocacy and education and provide the support Jewish students need given the current environment,” said Ethan Helfand, incoming executive director of KU Hillel, in his presentation to the group. “The support that J-LEAD gives allows our work on campus to thrive. I am so grateful that the first official thing that I get to do in this job is to be here tonight to thank you for helping us do this work.”
J-LEAD (Jewish Leadership Education Action and Development) is dedicated to encouraging young Jewish adults in Kansas City to join together to make a substantive impact on the community. J-LEAD makes grants from funds collected by its members ($500 charitable contribution for membership) as well as matching funds from the JCF’s Community Legacy Fund and other donors. By pooling resources together and collectively making grant decisions, J-LEAD members are able to make a bigger impact than any one member could do alone.
“J-LEAD is a great opportunity for young Jewish leaders to give tzedakah and make a positive impact on local organizations that serve great causes in our community,” said Kris Zeid, who co-chairs the program with Bradley Friedman. “Participation in J-LEAD provides its members with an outlet to gain more experience with the grant application assessment and selection process, to have a vote on how one’s charitable funds are making an impact, all while developing great friendships with others in the Jewish community.”
In addition to grant making, J-LEAD meets several times a year for educational programs, volunteer opportunities and social events. More information about J-LEAD is available by contacting Suzanne Galblum Dicken at (913) 327-8286 or .
