Giving Circles
Giving Circles allow you to have an active role in the giving process. Individual donors come together with a shared sense of commitment and resources to help those in crisis in our community. Giving Circle members pool funds to have a greater collective impact than they can have individually.
Be a part of a JFCS Giving Circle and collaborate with like-minded, passionate donors, using your voice to engage in collective giving and making your contribution more personal and satisfying. Giving Circle members experience the direct impact of giving all year long, a feeling of connection by offering support exactly when clients need it most, and a process that is engaging, empowering, educational, and emotional.
JFCS’ Giving Circles & Funds:
The Bridge: A Critical Needs Funding Group
The Bridge provides financial assistance to low-income Jewish individuals and families suffering from a financial crisis due to the economy, illness, or other life changes, with the goal of ensuring self-sufficiency and stability after the crisis is over. Members of The Bridge contribute a minimum of $1,800 annually.
GAP (Greater As Partners):
Collective Impact for Diverse Communities
GAP responds in a meaningful way to the needs of individuals and families from diverse communities in their moments of crisis. Needs are addressed through one-time grants recommended by JFCS social workers serving those in need, and foundations for a stronger future are built. Founded by the David and Marjorie Rosenberg Family Foundation with a generous $25,000 matching donation, GAP members contribute a minimum of $1,000 annually.
Teen Engagement Program (TEP)
This program for Jewish teens allows them to explore the meaningful and critical work that we do at JFCS through volunteering opportunities. TEP focuses on philanthropy and giving back as a way of life, instilling these values at a young age to plant the seeds for a future generation of leaders. Teens learn about philanthropy and how each department operates, embark on fundraising projects, and allocate money raised to various programs at JFCS.
To learn more about this program, contact Brianna Torres at 267.256.2261 or btorres@jcsphilly.org.
TEP 2026-2027 Dates
- September 14, 2026 – Parent & Teen Welcome Event
- October 18, 2026
- November 1, 2026
- November 15, 2026
- December 13, 2026
- January 10, 2027
- February 7, 2027
- March 7, 2027
- April 11, 2027
- May 2, 2027
Lev Nefesh (Heart & Soul) Giving Circle
Coming together to support the heart and soul of the Jewish Community, ensuring that Holocaust Survivors age comfortably and with dignity. This new giving initiative is a partnership between Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Philadelphia (JFCS) and the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, in conjunction with a matching grant program from KAVOD SHEF.
Seth’s Picks: A Legacy of Support for Vulnerable Children
Seth’s Picks provides financial assistance for children of all denominations from low-income families, enabling them to enjoy educational, recreational, and cultural opportunities that will enrich their childhoods. Seth’s Picks members are devoted to ensuring the legacy of Seth Roman Levine and contribute a minimum donation of $180 annually.
The Michael & Dylan Bernstein Fund: We’ve Got Your Back
The Michael and Dylan Bernstein Fund: We’ve Got Your Back honors the memory of Dylan and Michael Bernstein by promoting the importance of ready access to affordable mental health services. The Bernstein family – husband and wife Michael and Keri, and children Jake, Dylan, and Carly – suffered a profound loss in 2016 when Dylan passed away in a tragic accident while studying abroad. That same year, Michael was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and later succumbed to the illness in 2020. These heartbreaking experiences made Keri, Jake, and Carly realize the importance of mental health, not only for themselves but for others as well.
Charity Navigator awarded Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Philadelphia four out of a possible four stars, indicating that JFCS adheres to good governance and other best practices and consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way. Check out our Charity Navigator Profile to learn more: www.charitynavigator.org/ein/231352026