Tag: impact

Despite the vital role women and girls play in building strong, resilient communities, philanthropic funding continues to fall dramatically short. Organizations serving women and girls received only 2.2%^  of total charitable dollars in 2020.

The Fund for Women and Girls exists to help close that critical gap.

Powered by The Jewish Community Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, the Fund channels collective giving into multi-year, trust-based partnerships to transform conditions for women and girls here in Greater Washington and in Israel.

The Fund for Women and Girls is more than a force for change—it’s showing how Jewish philanthropy can come together to make a lasting impact.

Over the last 18 months, the Fund has supported Israeli women and girls through three rounds of grants and multiple learning sessions. Now, we’re entering a new phase of growth—with a goal of raising $1 million this summer, and ultimately $3 million, to ensure we can continue driving change where it’s needed most.

We’re proud to share that momentum is already building.  To date, we’ve secured more than $500,000 in multi-year commitments, with $140,000 already transferred to the Fund. We invite you to join us—at any level—as continue to expand the Fund’s reach.

“Now is the moment to invest in women and girls—because when they thrive, whole communities rise,” explains Dr. Jannah Yutkovitz, Senior Director of Philanthropic Impact at the Jewish Community Foundation. “Supporting a fund of this nature helps fuel solutions that are bold and urgently needed. Through developing long-term partnerships with organizations on the ground, we’re not just supporting solutions—we’re investing in resilience and have the opportunity to make a generational impact.”

To help propel this growth, Carol and Gary Berman have made an exceptional three-year, $300,000 commitment to the Fund to honor the extraordinary leadership of their daughter-in-law Emily Berman, a founding member of the Fund’s steering committee.

“Women and girls are in the forefront of being there to provide what’s necessary and critical for those in need. In the case of Israel, they are also holding the families together through war and the tragic losses as a result of war. As a family, we recognize the importance of women’s voices and actions, as well as the remarkable contributions they make to our world. We feel very grateful to be able to support this fund,” Carol and Gary shared.

Carol and Gary are inviting nine additional individuals to match their commitment and join them in a small minyan of major donors who will seed the Fund with $3 million over the next three years. To learn more, please reach out to sara.brenner@www.shalomdc.org..

The Fund for Women and Girls reflects what’s possible when community comes together with shared purpose and deep commitment. It was created in response to a clear and urgent gap—and it continues to grow as more people recognize the power of long-term, collective investment in women and girls.

As the Fund looks ahead, our focus remains the same: to shift conditions, elevate voices, and invest in meaningful change—locally and in Israel.

^Jewish Funders Network “The Complete Guide to Promote Gender Equity through Strategic Philanthropy” (2025)

Earlier this month, we had the extraordinary opportunity to host participants from Kitov—a bold and visionary program from Israel’s Shaharit Institute, supported in part by a Federation Impact Grant.

Kitov brings together a uniquely diverse group of Israeli changemakers – religious and secular, Jewish and Arab, Ashkenazi and Mizrahi, progressive and traditional. Their mission? To tackle some of Israel’s most pressing and complex societal challenges through collaboration, empathy, and innovation through deep dialogue and creative problem-solving.

During their visit to Washington, DC, Kitov participants immersed themselves in the fabric of American Jewish life. From warm and lively Shabbat dinners with local families, to thought-provoking conversations about antisemitism on college campuses, to engaging visits like their stop at Mem Global (Formerly Moishe House). Every encounter sparked connection, learning, and mutual respect. These moments offered a glimpse into the vibrant diversity of Israel, and reminded us just how much we share across oceans and borders.

During the visit, I had the opportunity and privilege to meet with the group and its leader, Dr. Eilon Schwartz, together with Karen Katzman, Director of Federation’s Israel Office. In our conversations, we explored the shared challenges facing Israeli society and the American Jewish community, the opportunities ahead, and most importantly, meaningful pathways for continued collaboration between our communities.

In a time of uncertainty – across Israel, the U.S., and the world – Federation is proud to stand with initiatives like Kitov, which works to build bridges, elevate unheard voices, and strengthen the ties between people of all backgrounds. This is how we shape a more inclusive, resilient, and hopeful future for all of us.

Together, let’s keep building – toward a better tomorrow.

On Monday, March 3rd, I had the privilege of joining many of you in celebrating seven exceptional leaders in our community: Alma Gildenhorn, Carol & Gary Berman, Sophie & Bradley Buslik, and Rachel & Peter Federowicz.

I’m always impressed by the way our community shows up to honor our leaders — and Cornerstone was no exception.

I’m also excited to share that the event raised over $1M for the Cornerstone Fund. This significant contribution will enable us to expand our commitment to developing the next generation of leaders, equipping them with the confidence, skills, and Jewish values necessary to strengthen our community for years to come.

In my remarks, I spoke at length about leadership — how it’s not just contagious, but also collective.

Now, more than ever, I urge you to stand with us and double down on our efforts. We must unite to overcome the critical challenges facing our local Jewish community and Jewish communities worldwide.

If you were unable to attend, watch my full remarks.