OVERVIEW
The Jewish Federation Bay Area is the largest funder of Jewish causes in California, serving as a trusted partner and advisor for those seeking to make an impact today while shaping a better tomorrow. We invest in education, social services, and security while mobilizing crisis relief worldwide. With over a century of leadership, we empower individuals and families to give strategically, building a thriving and resilient future for generations to come. To learn more, visit jewishfed.org
MISSION
The mission of the Jewish Federation Bay Area is to empower people to create lasting and meaningful impact in the Jewish community.
CURRENT INITIATIVES
Philanthropy Advising
The Federation’s expert advisors work with you to align your giving with the needs of the Jewish community, ensuring your contributions create meaningful, lasting impact. With deep knowledge of local, national, and global Jewish causes, we provide personalized strategies that help you make informed, effective decisions. Learn More
Donor-Advised Funds
Our donor-advised funds (DAFs) empower individuals and families to make strategic, high-impact philanthropic decisions — whether through collective giving, impact investing, or direct grants. Learn More
Legacy and Gift Planning
Charitable gift planning with the Federation provides you with new ways to make long-term contributions to the community that are meaningful, impactful, and tax-wise. Learn More
Community Security
The Federation is the Jewish community’s go-to security resource against antisemitism in the Bay Area, providing training and consultation to help keep individuals and organizations safe. Learn More
PJ Library
With ideas and activities for Jewish family life, PJ Library offers age-appropriate books for children ages 0-12 years. Visiting the library offers an opportunity and inspiration for connection to the Jewish community. Learn More
Diller Teen Fellows
The Diller Teen Fellows program is a yearlong leadership experience that empowers teens to explore their Jewish identities and develop into leaders committed to creating positive change. Learn More
Jewish Teen Foundation
A committed group of local high school students choose issues to support while cultivating skills in philanthropy, fundraising, social justice, communication, and collaboration. Learn More
WAYS TO ENGAGE
Attend an Event: https://jewishfed.org/events/
Open a Donor-Advised Fund: https://jewishfed.org/daf-form/
Donate to the Federation: https://jewishfed.org/ways-to-donate/donate-to-the-federation/
Plan Your Legacy: https://jewishfed.org/what-we-do/our-services/legacy-gift-planning/
Read Federation Blogs: https://jewishfed.org/news/
CONTACT
Website: https://jewishfed.org/
Email: info@jewishfed.org
Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jewishbayarea
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jewishbayarea/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jewishbayarea/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jewishbayarea
FAQ’s
ABOUT THE FEDERATION:
What does the Federation do?
We support Jewish identity at every stage of life. We invest in early childhood education, day schools, religious programs, summer camps, college Hillels, and transformative experiences like Birthright, ensuring the next generation feels connected to their heritage. Our flagship programs, such as PJ Library and the Diller Teen Fellows, nurture Jewish identity in young people, laying the groundwork for a strong communal future.
Beyond education, we provide essential social services for seniors, offer security funding and consulting for Jewish institutions, and stand as a strategic philanthropic advisor for individuals and families seeking to give with purpose. Our donor-advised funds (DAFs) empower individuals and families to make strategic, high-impact philanthropic decisions — whether through collective giving, impact investing, or direct grants. Every gift becomes a meaningful act of tzedek(pursuing justice), strengthening our shared community.
How does the Federation mobilize in moments of crisis?
When the world shifts, we act. Following the events of October 7, the Federation immediately launched an Israel Emergency Campaign, providing medical and psychological care, temporary housing, and food relief for displaced Israelis. We raised over $14 million in under 100 days, demonstrating the power of swift, collective action.
Across the globe, from Ukraine to Latin America, we are a lifeline for Jews in crisis — offering support in times of war, displacement, and economic hardship. Rooted in kehilla (building community), we ensure no one faces these challenges alone.
What impact does the Federation have beyond the Jewish community?
As proud residents of the Bay Area, we are committed to the well-being of our region. Inspired by Jewish values, we invest in projects that foster equity and opportunity for all — funding mission-driven financial institutions to close the racial wealth gap, supporting world-class medical research, and strengthening regional infrastructure. Our impact investing program has deployed more than $35 million in low-interest loans, supporting clean energy, affordable housing, and small business growth. This is tikkun olam (repairing the word) in action — healing the world through smart, compassionate investments.
How does the Federation support philanthropic journeys?
The Federation is evolving to meet the needs of today’s philanthropists. We guide emerging donors, helping them take their first steps in giving. We support established philanthropists, ensuring their contributions achieve maximum impact. And we cultivate a community of Federation supporters, individuals who give annually and sustain our work across generations.
For over a century, we’ve helped people live out their values — building legacies that reflect generosity, justice, and Jewish identity. Together, we invite you to give boldly, act meaningfully, and shape the future — with purpose, with kehilla (building community), and with heart.
FEDERATION’S ANNUAL CAMPAIGN:
Why Give to the Federation’s Annual Campaign?
1. Your dollars go further.
As California’s largest funder of Jewish causes, we leverage decades of expertise to ensure your contribution creates maximum impact, and we strategically direct your gift where the community needs it most.
2. You become part of something bigger.
When you give to the Federation, you access innovative approaches like giving circles and Impact Investing that multiply the power of your generosity and help us address urgent challenges, such as rising antisemitism and housing insecurity.
3. You enable immediate response when it matters most.
When crisis strikes — from conflict in Israel to wildfires at home — your gift empowers us to move quickly, so help reaches those in need without delay.
4. You’re building for the future.
Your gift connects you to a network of people and ideas working on the biggest challenges facing Jewish life today. By giving to the Federation, you’re not just supporting programs — you’re part of building a thriving, resilient Jewish future for generations to come.