Raising Giving Children: Learn what Tzedakah can do for your Family (April 2009, NP)

Giving is a reason to begin to talk to kids of all ages about things that matter: shared values, giving and Jewish teachings. YFF members participated in an interactive workshop led by Sue Schwartzman, Director of Youth Philanthropy for the Jewish Community Endowment Fund. Participants learned family activities to teach children about giving of their time, talents and money to make a difference for others; gained knowledge about bonding your family by turning shared values and goals into action and received information about community resources and volunteer activities.

Social Networking Evening: Connect with Other Emerging Philanthropists (March 2009, SF)

Participants spoke about 1 or 2 non-profits which they support through either volunteer or financial contributions. YFF members shared their decision processes and why they feel the organization is a worthy investment, while also learning about other effective organizations.

Addressing Global and Local Poverty (December 2008, SP)

Program presented in collaboration with the Foundation Council. Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook and Daniel Sokatch, CEO of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, Peninsula, Marin & Sonoma Counties discussed technology's role in understanding and solving global need, the Jewish community's response to international poverty & social justice issues and the Federation's approach to meeting current economic needs locally.

High Impact Grantmaking (November 2008 SP)

Program presented in collaboration with the Foundation Council.  Heather McLeod Grant presented the findings of her new book, Forces for Good: The Six Practices of High-Impact Nonprofits. Charles "Chip" Edelsberg, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Jim Joseph Foundation responded with its implications for funding in the Jewish community.

Exploring Your Emotional Relationship with Money (October 2008 SF & SP)

Money is still a taboo in our culture, and we don't often talk about it. Family wealth consultant and YFF member Jamie Traeger-Muney facilitated a small group discussion on our relationship with money. An optional pre-program on Strategic End of Year Giving in Turbulent Times was offered by JCEF staff.

Engaging as the Next Generation in Family Philanthropy (June 2008, SF)

Sharna Goldseker facilitated a discussion around family dynamics in philanthropy using a case study of three generations of family members at a family foundation meeting (an interactive case study on family philanthropy developed by NYU's Wagner Graduate School of Public Service and 21/64), and through an exercise on aligning your values with your philanthropy.

Leverage: Maximizing Philanthropic Impact (April 2008, SF)

Two YFF members led a discussion addressing strategies for leveraging financial and programmatic impact, supporting innovative projects, structuring effective grants, and attracting financial partners.

Funding Decisions: How to Evaluate a Non-Profit (November 2007, SF)

A dinner workshop and discussion was facilitated by Dr. Debbie Findling, Deputy Director of the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund. This how-to workshop explored the elements of a "good" nonprofit organization, enabling philanthropists to make a greater impact with our volunteer time and philanthropic resources.

My Philanthropic Fund: How to Put a Giving Plan into Effect (November 2007, SF)

A Salon was held at a Young Funders’ Forum member’s home.

Children of Paradise: Successful Parenting for Prosperous Families (May 2007, SP)

A luncheon presentation featuring Dr. Lee Hausner discussing the following topics: how successful families deploy wealth to advance their values and enhance the well being of family members; and how to develop character, responsibility and competent family leadership and when and how to engage younger generations in family philanthropy.

The Psychology of Money (May 2007, SF)

A dinner presentation and discussion featuring Dr. Lee Hausner exploring how your money history affects your current attitudes, decisions, and conflicts; how family dynamics, money, and philanthropy intersect and effective strategies for inheritors and first generation philanthropists.

Venture and Community Philanthropy: Turning Ideas into Action (December 2006, SP)

Three members of the JCEF's Foundation Council explored ways of finding opportunities to improve our Jewish community and world through new philanthropic ventures, moderated by Phyllis Cook, JCEF Executive Director. Panelists discussed creating a vision based on needs within our community and then transforming that vision into a successful program; different ventures in which they have participated and the factors that led those ventures to succeed or fail and the best ways to leverage financial resources to ensure the success of a program.

Young Funders’ Roundtable: Turning Ideas into Action (November 2006, SF)

A panel of three YFF steering committee members, moderated by Lisa Gurwitch, JCEF Director of Gift Planning, shared how they implement their philanthropic missions through a variety of philanthropic structures and giving contexts.

Creating a Strategic Giving Plan (June 2006, SF & SP)

Melissa Kohner, co-author of Inspired Philanthropy, facilitated a work session on concrete skills and decision-making in philanthropic planning, including mission statements, grant amounts, priority setting and volunteer commitments. Co-facilitated by Mark Reisbaum, JCEF Director of Grants.

Legacy, Values and your Philanthropy (March, 2006, SF & SP)

Sharna Goldseker, a specialist in next generation and intergenerational strategic philanthropy at Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies, facilitated a session which included interactive group exercises around the legacy and values which motivate an individual’s interest in philanthropy.