The economic downturn is having a profound impact on the Bay Area Jewish community. Throughout the region, demand for critical services has increased, even as fundraising dollars have decreased.

Through close consultation with the leadership of Jewish communal organizations and an in-depth assessment of the impact of the downturn on our community, JCF’s Commissions identified more than $7 million dollars in emergency funding needs. These include funding for critical programs impacted by government funding cuts, scholarship funds for children whose families and facing financial hardship, and direct financial assistance and vocational services.

Through JCF and community emergency fundraising and grant-making efforts, many of these needs have been partially met. However, significant needs remain, and new needs are emerging for the coming year:

• Funds for direct financial assistance to meet basic needs such as food, shelter and medical care. Needs for these services are up 50%.
• Funds for additional vocational services. Demand for job placement and counseling help has doubled.
• Funds for interest free loans for emergency needs. Demand is up 33%.
• Funds for pre-school, day school, congregational school and camp scholarships. All of our youth programs are experiencing withdrawals due to financial hardship. With more scholarship dollars, we can keep youth enrolled.

Your gift to the Annual Campaign goes directly to meeting these needs. Campaign dollars go to both unrestricted operating support for our network of organizations and toward targeted, effective programs that provide emergency services to those impacted by the downturn.

• If you would like to give to the Annual Campaign directly, click here.
• If you are interested in making a direct, significant gift to a specific program providing emergency aid to those facing financial crisis, please contact Roberta Catalinotto at 415.512.6214 or robertac@sfjcf.org
• If you would like to contribute to the Annual Campaign from your philanthropic fund, click here.