March 16, 2009

(San Francisco, CA) – The Jewish Community Federation’s Jewish Preschool Scholarship Fund and Jewish Day School Scholarship Fund committees voted to release emergency scholarships to families suffering from the economic downturn. A total of $225,000 was granted enabling 89 children to remain in their schools. Many of the almost 4,000 children attending the Jewish schools located in the Federation’s service area are facing financial hardship, and the current recession has depleted the existing scholarship funds used by these schools.

The two funds were endowed by Jewish Community Endowment Fund donors to serve as an emergency resource for Jewish families who are unable pay for their children to receive quality Jewish-based education. Other donors have made grants to help to augment the funds. These emergency scholarships were made possible by additional mid-year donations from donors and the Endowment Fund itself.

The schools presented applications on behalf of students and their families to the committees. Preschool Committee Chair Lily Kanter and Day School Committee Chair-elect Mark Abelson worked with their committee members to distribute the funds to families in need. The Bureau of Jewish Education administers the scholarships on behalf of the Jewish Community Federation.

The response from school administrators and leadership was enthusiastic. Julie Smith, Head of the Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School commented, “These gifts make a great difference to these families.” Susan Rushakoff, President of Congregation Beth Sholom said, “We are lucky to be part of such a caring Jewish community.”  Esty Marcus, Chai Preschool Director added, “This will help relieve these families who are really struggling. It is so inspiring to see that the Federation is here to help in such an impactful way!” Finally, Maury Alcheck, the President of the Board of Trustees for the Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School thanked the Day School committee members for their “continuing understanding of the critical importance of Jewish day school education to the future of our community; even with all the other priorities that exist during this difficult economic environment.”

As the economy continues to struggle, more funds will be needed to keep children enrolled in their schools. For more information about how to help in this and many other community needs, please contact Mark Reisbaum, Chief Endowment Fund Officer, Jewish Community Endowment Fund, 415.512.6251, jcef@sfjcf.org.

The Jewish Community Endowment Fund (JCEF) of the Jewish Community Federation administers funds which serve as a lasting legacy of Jewish philanthropy. The JCEF provides expertise in all areas of grantmaking and serves as a major resource in the Jewish and general communities by meeting emergency needs, seed funding innovative projects, and providing ongoing support to organizations and programs around the globe. The JCEF is home to more than 920 donor advised philanthropic funds and 74 supporting foundations. In fiscal year 2008 more than $285 million was allocated in grants by JCEF-affiliated funds and foundations.

For more information please contact:
- Angela Ingel, Marketing Director, 415.512.6246, angelai@sfjcf.org

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