Jewish Women’s Foundation Grants

The Jewish Women’s Foundation of San Diego (JWF) has been an active grantmaker, awarding over $1 million to support programs and organizations that improve the lives of primarily Jewish women and girls, both locally and globally. These grants are provided in three-year cycles, with the upcoming granting cycle running from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2027. The next opportunity to apply for funding for the 2027-2030 cycle will open in Fall 2026, allowing organizations ample time to prepare and submit their proposals. JWF funds projects through both a "gender lens" and a "Jewish lens." This means the foundation seeks to address the specific needs of Jewish women and girls, which stem from their experiences as both women and members of the Jewish community. While the primary focus is on women and girls, projects that also benefit men and boys can be funded, particularly if these programs ultimately improve the lives of women and girls. The foundation supports a broad range of activities, offering both general operating support and project-specific grants, giving organizations flexibility in the type of funding they seek. Though JWF prioritizes initiatives within the San Diego area, it is open to considering proposals from a wider geographic scope, including statewide, national, and international projects. Proposals for projects based in Israel, however, are only accepted by invitation, reflecting JWF's targeted approach in addressing needs in the region. Organizations planning to collaborate with other nonprofits are particularly encouraged to apply, as JWF values partnerships that can amplify the impact of the funding beyond what a single organization might achieve on its own. To align with JWF’s mission and core values, applicants must demonstrate how their programs address the unique cultural, religious, and gender-related challenges faced by Jewish women and girls. This focus makes JWF grants distinct, as they require a nuanced understanding of the intersectionality between gender and Jewish heritage in shaping experiences and needs. Organizations seeking support should also have a clear and measurable plan for how their projects will improve the lives of this target population. Overall, the Jewish Women’s Foundation of San Diego presents a significant opportunity for organizations dedicated to addressing gender and cultural issues within the Jewish community. The foundation's emphasis on local impact, with some openness to broader proposals, combined with its encouragement of nonprofit collaborations, makes it an appealing source of funding for those working to create meaningful change for Jewish women and girls. Organizations interested in applying for the next grant cycle in 2027-2030 should be mindful of the Fall 2026 application opening and ensure they are prepared to submit proposals that align with JWF’s mission and strategic priorities.