Women’s Philanthropy: Inspiring Innovation and Impact
Women are making a difference like never before. Women’s Philanthropy brings women and ideas together in shared purpose. You use your philanthropy to articulate your values and how you want to strengthen Jewish life.
We are using our collective strength to address issues central to our families and communities. As philanthropists, we are the visionaries and innovators shaping the word around us. We are role models to our children and other women, inspiring them to see the impact that philanthropy has in our community.
We welcome you to Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy. There’s a place for you here, no matter where life and career have taken you. Add your voice to this amazing community of women. Our collective philanthropy is purposeful and effective.
Engage, Travel, and Learn With Us
We offer you meaningful ways to make an impact on our Jewish community, and on your own life.
Women’s Giving: Making Your Impact
We are a community that cares for each other and supports you in your Jewish journey. How do you want to make an impact?
Upcoming Events
MLK Day of Service
SAVE THE DATE: Monday, January 15th, 2024
Join Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy for MLK Day of Service as we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy with acts of service that aid people experiencing homelessness and those at-risk in our community.
Pomegranate and Lion Welcome Gathering
SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, February 25th, 2024
Women’s Philanthropy has been hosting quarterly gatherings to welcome newcomers, celebrate the generosity which makes the work of The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington possible, and deepen connections to our community. Now, more than ever, it is crucial to come together, and provide strength and comfort to our friends and community members as we continue to grapple with the tragedies that continue to unfold in Israel.
Women’s Philanthropy International Mission to Argentina and Uruguay (FULL)
March 31st – April 7th, 2024
Join Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy on a powerful and unique learning journey to Argentina and Uruguay. The shared experience will offer insight into South American Jewish community’s challenges, strengths, and of course, the opportunity to build lasting friendships and community.
Join the waitlist
Federation’s Sara and Samuel J. Lessans Good Deeds Week
SAVE THE DATE: Monday, April 7th – 14th, 2024
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s Sara & Samuel J. Lessans Good Deeds Week will once again bring together 60+ community partners and thousands of volunteers across DC, MD, and Northern VA to address pressing needs across our region. Explore the many ways you can do good and care for others.
Lion of Judah Spring Event
Sve the Date: Sunday, May 5th, 2024
Join Lions of Judah of Greater Washington for our spring event with Debbie B. Lzaarov and Shelley E. Robbins, co-founders of the Lion Behind the Pin.
Learn more
Future Events (dates TBD)
Advocacy Day
Learn how Federation partners with The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) and Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) in representing the interests and concerns of Jewish individuals, families, and organizations to members of congress and the administration. They advocate for key legislation that supports everything from Holocaust survivors, people with disabilities to safety and security, and more.
This is a special opportunity for Lion level donors.
If you are interested in getting involved, email [email protected].
Engage, Travel, and Learn With Us
We offer you meaningful ways to make an impact on our Jewish community, and on your own life.
“I love the women I have met, the programs I have attended, and the opportunities I have been afforded—whether traveling on a mission or learning about our history and values.”
– Jodi Macklin
Overseas Missions
Experience a life changing opportunity to witness and be inspired by the role you play in supporting Jews around the country and around the world. Join other women in our community for immersive overseas experiences that energize, connect, and inspire. Tour dazzling landmarks. Explore our history; partake in culture, food, art, and innovation. Visit Jewish communities of the past and celebrate modern-day Jewish renewal in Europe, Israel, and overseas while building community. Return with new friends and a new understanding of our impact.
Local Missions
How is your annual gift changing the lives of others right in our own community? We offer opportunities for close-up looks at the work and initiatives our Jewish Federation funds with visits to our local partner agencies. You don’t need a passport to learn about how your investment with Federation is ensuring that we are making an impact locally. Spend a morning with other women and meet the change makers in our community.
Jewish Thought, Learning, and Connection
What are the pressing issues we face here and in Israel? How do we use Jewish tradition, debates, and ideas to shape those conversations? Join us at an event where we give you the skills to learn and study with other women about contemporary issues, such as Jewish identity, partisanship, and our relationship to Israel. Our events are wonderful opportunities timely discussion and to further inform our leadership and community engagement.
Women’s Giving Circles: Making Your Impact
Every gift counts. We are a community that cares for each other and supports you in your Jewish journey. How do you want to make an impact?
“I am so grateful to be part of a network of women who act on their values and invest in our community for the greatest impact.”
Your gift is your voice. By giving in your name, you are declaring what is important to you. You are building a legacy of tzedakah (justice) and tikkun olam (repairing the world).
Pomegranate
$1,800 – $4,999
Pomegranates are women who give a gift of $1,800 – $4,999 to Federation’s Annual Campaign. We demonstrate a strong commitment to making a positive impact on Jewish life.
The pomegranate has been woven into our traditions and is said to contain 613 seeds corresponding with the commandments found in the Torah. Being a Pomegranate means you are connected to 7,700 women nationally, of which 150 are here in Greater Washington.
Lion of Judah
$5,000+
Lions symbolize the strength of Jewish women to improve the world with a financial commitment in their own name every year of $5,000 or more to Federation’s Annual Campaign. Over 17,500 women worldwide wear the Lion of Judah pin as they promote social justice, heal the sick, feed the hungry, preserve human dignity, and build Jewish identity.
StepUp
We invite you to “Step-Up” to become a Lion of Judah and join nearly 400 Lions locally and over 18,000 worldwide. In this time of global uncertainty, your increased commitment plays a vital role in aiding the vulnerable, preserving human dignity and ensuring the continuity of the Jewish people. You will make a commitment to increase your gift to The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s Annual Campaign for the next two to three years, starting with a minimum gift of $1,800 for the first year and at least $5,000 for the final year. As a Step-Up Lion, you will immediately receive all the benefits of being a Lion of Judah, including purchasing and proudly wearing the Lion of Judah pin. You will also be invited to all local and national Lion of Judah events.
Forever Lions (Lion of Judah Endowment)
You can create an ongoing legacy, so that your fidelity to support Jewish communal life will continue for generations, by endowing your Lion gift. Establishing a Lion of Judah Endowment creates a permanent fund guaranteeing that your financial commitment of $5,000 or more continues to be made to Federation’s Annual Campaign in perpetuity. More than 3,800 women have endowed their gifts representing over $620 million in assets. Learn more.
International Lion of Judah Conference
Every two years, Lions gather in a major city for a three-day conference that unites women from around the world. You will hear from leading speakers in the fields of religion, culture, business, and politics.