We strive to inspire, build, and sustain vibrant Jewish life in a changing world by mobilizing our community in common purpose, intentional innovation, and effective action. We envision an open, connected, and vibrant Jewish community that cares for each other, fosters Jewish learning and journeys, embraces Jewish peoplehood and Israel, and acts as a force for good in the world.
A defining feature of The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington Inc is its mix of communal support grants and donor-directed foundation distributions, including large recurring support for Jewish institutions in the Greater Washington area and beyond. In 2024, its Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Washington distributed $24.5 million in grants, while the federation’s recent grant list also shows major allocations to umbrella organizations and local service providers. The pattern points to a funder that moves money across Jewish life, community security, crisis response, and Jewish education rather than concentrating on a single program. Several of the largest recent grants illustrate that breadth. The federation gave $1,631,167 to Jewish Federation of North America in 2024 and $1,189,382 to Jewish Social Service Agency in Rockville, Maryland the same year. Its recent record also includes substantial support for American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee Inc., Bender JCC, Edlavitch DCJCC, Pozez Jewish Community Center, and Charles E Smith Jewish Day School. That mix of national Jewish infrastructure, local service organizations, and educational institutions makes the funder legible as both a regional grantmaker and a distributor of pooled Jewish philanthropic assets. The organization’s stated work also extends to security assistance, emergency allocations, early childhood Jewish engagement, and youth-focused support, showing a grantmaker that uses multiple vehicles to sustain Jewish communal life.
The federation’s grantmaking touches several distinct cause areas. In community support and Jewish infrastructure, it gave $1,189,382 to Jewish Social Service Agency in Rockville, Maryland and $1,078,000 to American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee Inc. in 2024. Those awards sit alongside support for Jewish federations and community relations bodies that help coordinate services and advocacy. Education and youth engagement are also visible. The federation gave $439,421 to Charles E Smith Jewish Day School in Rockville and $451,330 to Pozez Jewish Community Center in Fairfax, Virginia, both tied to Jewish learning and community programming. For camping access, One Happy Camper provides grants of up to $1,000 to eligible first-time Jewish overnight campers in Greater Washington, the District of Columbia, and Northern Virginia. Security and crisis response are another clear theme. JShield offers security assessments, training, and grant-writing support, while emergency allocations can move rapidly in response to crisis, including support for communities in Israel.
$34.1M
$388.5M
$86.3M
$52.8M
Most grants fall between $10K and $57K, with a median of $21K.
25th Percentile
$10K
Median
$21K
75th Percentile
$57K
GIL PREUSS
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Typical grant size is $10,000 at the 25th percentile, $20,545 at the median, and $56,600 at the 75th percentile. The recent record shows both very large pooled grants and smaller program awards, which fits a mixed DAF-and-endowment structure rather than a single-purpose operating grantmaker. Recipients appear across multiple years, including Jewish Federation of North America, Jewish Social Service Agency, Bender JCC, Edlavitch DCJCC, Pozez Jewish Community Center, Charles E Smith Jewish Day School, and Melvin J Berman Hebrew Academy. The organization does not fund individuals directly. One program, One Happy Camper, accepts unsolicited applications; JShield also accepts unsolicited requests in one of its grant-support tracks.
Giving is regional, with 31% of grants going to recipients in Maryland. Washington, DC, Rockville, Fairfax, and Chevy Chase appear repeatedly among recipient locations, alongside suburban Maryland and Northern Virginia in the active program geography. The grant list also reaches beyond Greater Washington to New York, San Diego, Pittsburgh, and California more broadly, and every listed recipient in the country distribution is in the United States. The top state by grant count is California, even though the headquarters are in Maryland.
It supports Jewish communal organizations, nonprofit recipients of DAF and endowment grants, and local community service providers. Recent grants show support for Jewish federations, Jewish social service agencies, JCCs, schools, and museums, alongside programs for security, crisis response, youth engagement, and Jewish life.
No. The foundation is marked as not funding individuals directly. Its grantmaking instead flows to organizations and through vehicles such as communal support grants, donor-advised fund distributions, and endowment-funded grants.
The grant-size distribution is $10,000 at the 25th percentile, $20,545 at the median, and $56,600 at the 75th percentile. The recent list also includes larger pooled awards in the hundreds of thousands and millions, reflecting a wide range of grant purposes.
The stated focus areas include community security, Israel and people-to-people exchange, crisis response, Jewish life and engagement, leadership development, youth and teens, and inclusion and disability access. Active programs also emphasize early childhood Jewish engagement, camping, and security support.
Yes. One Happy Camper accepts unsolicited applications from eligible first-time Jewish overnight campers, and JShield has an assistance track that accepts unsolicited requests for nonprofit security grant support. Other active programs listed do not accept unsolicited applications.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Current and upcoming funding from Jewish Federation of Greater Washington that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Jewish organizations and institutions across Greater Washington seeking security support, assessments, training, or help accessing NSGP funding.
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Create a free accountDeadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JEWISH FEDERATIONS OF NORTH AMERICA (JFNA) | NEW YORK, NY | $3,295,186 | 2026 | JCF GRANTS FROM DAFS AND ENDOWMENTS |
| JEWISH AGENCY FOR ISRAEL | NEW YORK, NY | $2,190,622 | 2026 | JFGW COMMUNAL SUPPORT GRANTS |
| JFGW BUILDING LLC | NORTH BETHESDA, MD | $1,648,406 | 2026 | MISSION SUPPORT |
| AMERICAN JEWISH JOINT DISTRIB COM | NEW YORK, NY | $1,580,883 | 2026 | JFGW COMMUNAL SUPPORT GRANTS |
| JEWISH SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCY | ROCKVILLE, MD | $1,475,872 | 2026 | JFGW COMMUNAL SUPPORT GRANTS |
| JEWISH COMMUNITY RELATIONS COUNCIL OF GREATER WASHINGTON | NORTH BETHESDA, MD | $1,326,125 | 2026 | JFGW COMMUNAL SUPPORT GRANTS |
| INCUBATOR FOR EMERGING JEWISH INITIATIVE | CHEVY CHASE, MD | $1,119,844 | 2026 | JCF GRANTS FROM DAFS AND ENDOWMENTS |
| BENDER JCC | ROCKVILLE, MD | $936,489 | 2026 | JFGW COMMUNAL SUPPORT GRANTS |
| CHARLES E SMITH JEWISH DAY SCHOOL OF GREATER WASHINGTON | ROCKVILLE, MD | $889,168 | 2026 | JFGW COMMUNAL SUPPORT GRANTS |
| EDLAVITCH JCC | WASHINGTON, DC | $863,399 | 2026 | JFGW COMMUNAL SUPPORT GRANTS |
| POZEZ JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA | FAIRFAX, VA | $703,784 | 2026 | JCF GRANTS FROM DAFS AND ENDOWMENTS |
| CAPITAL CAMPS AND RETREAT CENTER | ROCKVILLE, MD | $604,548 | 2026 | JFGW COMMUNAL SUPPORT GRANTS |
| MELVIN J BERMAN HEBREW ACADEMY | ROCKVILLE, MD | $572,763 | 2026 | JFGW COMMUNAL SUPPORT GRANTS |
| MILTON GOTTESMAN JEWISH DAY SCHOOL OF THE NATION'S CAPITAL | WASHINGTON, DC | $397,551 | 2026 | JCF GRANTS FROM DAFS AND ENDOWMENTS |
| MAKOM | ROCKVILLE, MD | $392,279 | 2026 | JFGW COMMUNAL SUPPORT GRANTS |
| CHABAD SHUL OF POTOMAC | POTOMAC, MD | $375,494 | 2026 | JCF GRANTS FROM DAFS AND ENDOWMENTS |
| GATHER INC | WASHINGTON, DC | $373,251 | 2026 | JFGW COMMUNAL SUPPORT GRANTS |
| JEWISH NATIONAL FUND | ROCKVILLE, NY | $360,103 | 2026 | JCF GRANTS FROM DAFS AND ENDOWMENTS |
| YESHIVA OF GREATER WASHINGTON INC | SILVER SPRING, MD | $338,454 | 2026 | JCF GRANTS FROM DAFS AND ENDOWMENTS |
| JEWISH COUNCIL FOR THE AGING OF GREATER WASHINGTON INC | ROCKVILLE, MD | $321,540 | 2026 | JCF GRANTS FROM DAFS AND ENDOWMENTS |
| TORAH SCHOOL OF GREATER WASHINGTON | SILVER SPRING, MD | $287,870 | 2026 | JFGW COMMUNAL SUPPORT GRANTS |
| AMERICAN FRIENDS OF ORR SHALOM | JANESVILLE, WI | $286,000 | 2026 | JFGW COMMUNAL SUPPORT GRANTS |
| GREATER MIAMI JEWISH FEDERATION | MIAMI, FL | $272,000 | 2026 | JCF GRANTS FROM DAFS AND ENDOWMENTS |
| JEWISH COALITION AGAINST DOMESTIC ABUSE | ROCKVILLE, MD | $264,450 | 2026 | JFGW COMMUNAL SUPPORT GRANTS |
| BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL | NEW YORK, NY | $262,798 | 2026 | JFGW COMMUNAL SUPPORT GRANTS |
| UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM | WASHINGTON, DC | $260,429 | 2026 | JCF GRANTS FROM DAFS AND ENDOWMENTS |
| AMERICAN FRIENDS OF SHEBA MEDICAL CENTER INC | LOS ANGELES, CA | $250,000 | 2026 | JFGW COMMUNAL SUPPORT GRANTS |
| THE GIVING BACK FUND INC | BOSTON, MA | $250,000 | 2026 | JFGW COMMUNAL SUPPORT GRANTS |
| BBYO | WASHINGTON, DC | $246,748 | 2026 | JFGW COMMUNAL SUPPORT GRANTS |
| PEF ISRAEL ENDOWMENT FUNDS INC | NEW YORK, NY | $236,561 | 2026 | JCF GRANTS FROM DAFS AND ENDOWMENTS |
| LILLIAN & ALBERT SMALL CAPITAL JEWISH MUSEUM INC | WASHINGTON, DC | $231,447 | 2026 | JCF GRANTS FROM DAFS AND ENDOWMENTS |
| UNION FOR REFORM JUDAISM | NEW YORK, NY | $229,563 | 2026 | JFGW COMMUNAL SUPPORT GRANTS |
| GESHER JEWISH DAY SCHOOL | FAIRFAX, VA | $220,277 | 2026 | JFGW COMMUNAL SUPPORT GRANTS |
| B'NAI ISRAEL CONGREGATION | ROCKVILLE, MD | $213,330 | 2026 | JFGW COMMUNAL SUPPORT GRANTS |
| UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND COLLEGE PARK FOUNDATION | COLLEGE PARK, MD | $207,696 | 2026 | JCF GRANTS FROM DAFS AND ENDOWMENTS |
| FRIENDS OF THE ISRAEL DEFENSE FORCES | NEW YORK, NY | $190,860 | 2026 | JCF GRANTS FROM DAFS AND ENDOWMENTS |
| FREDERICK BOOK ARTS CENTER | FREDERICK, MD | $182,500 | 2026 | JCF GRANTS FROM DAFS AND ENDOWMENTS |
| AMERICA ISRAEL DEMOCRACY COALITION | BRYN MAWR, PA | $175,000 | 2026 | JCF GRANTS FROM DAFS AND ENDOWMENTS |
| UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND HILLEL | COLLEGE PARK, MD | $172,395 | 2026 | JFGW COMMUNAL SUPPORT GRANTS |
| THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER WASHINGTON | NORTH BETHESDA, MD | $165,113 | 2026 | JCF GRANTS FROM DAFS AND ENDOWMENTS |
| SUNFLOWER BAKERY | ROCKVILLE, MD | $158,550 | 2026 | JFGW COMMUNAL SUPPORT GRANTS |
| MOISHE HOUSE | CHARLOTTE, NC | $158,280 | 2026 | JFGW COMMUNAL SUPPORT GRANTS |
| THE SCHECTER INSTITUTES INC | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $155,000 | 2026 | JCF GRANTS FROM DAFS AND ENDOWMENTS |
| THE DEN COLLECTIVE INC | BETHESDA, MD | $145,780 | 2026 | JFGW COMMUNAL SUPPORT GRANTS |
| GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY HILLEL | FAIRFAX, VA | $141,240 | 2026 | JFGW COMMUNAL SUPPORT GRANTS |
| JEWISH FEDERATION COUNCIL OF GREATER LOS ANGELES | LOS ANGELES, CA | $140,585 | 2026 | JFGW COMMUNAL SUPPORT GRANTS |
| AJC | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $140,111 | 2026 | JCF GRANTS FROM DAFS AND ENDOWMENTS |
| GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY | WASHINGTON, DC | $139,270 | 2026 | JCF GRANTS FROM DAFS AND ENDOWMENTS |
| SULAM INC | ROCKVILLE, MD | $137,372 | 2026 | JCF GRANTS FROM DAFS AND ENDOWMENTS |
| MIDDLE EAST MEDIA AND RESEARCH INSTITUTE (MEMRI) | WASHINGTON, DC | $126,750 | 2026 | JCF GRANTS FROM DAFS AND ENDOWMENTS |
JCF GRANTS FROM DAFS AND ENDOWMENTS
JFGW BUILDING LLC
$1,648,406MISSION SUPPORT
JFGW COMMUNAL SUPPORT GRANTS
INCUBATOR FOR EMERGING JEWISH INITIATIVE
$1,119,844JCF GRANTS FROM DAFS AND ENDOWMENTS
BENDER JCC
$936,489JFGW COMMUNAL SUPPORT GRANTS
JFGW COMMUNAL SUPPORT GRANTS
JCF GRANTS FROM DAFS AND ENDOWMENTS
JCF GRANTS FROM DAFS AND ENDOWMENTS
CHABAD SHUL OF POTOMAC
$375,494JCF GRANTS FROM DAFS AND ENDOWMENTS
JCF GRANTS FROM DAFS AND ENDOWMENTS
JCF GRANTS FROM DAFS AND ENDOWMENTS
JCF GRANTS FROM DAFS AND ENDOWMENTS
UNION FOR REFORM JUDAISM
$229,563JFGW COMMUNAL SUPPORT GRANTS
GESHER JEWISH DAY SCHOOL
$220,277JFGW COMMUNAL SUPPORT GRANTS
B'NAI ISRAEL CONGREGATION
$213,330JFGW COMMUNAL SUPPORT GRANTS
JCF GRANTS FROM DAFS AND ENDOWMENTS
FREDERICK BOOK ARTS CENTER
$182,500JCF GRANTS FROM DAFS AND ENDOWMENTS
JCF GRANTS FROM DAFS AND ENDOWMENTS
SUNFLOWER BAKERY
$158,550JFGW COMMUNAL SUPPORT GRANTS
THE DEN COLLECTIVE INC
$145,780JFGW COMMUNAL SUPPORT GRANTS
GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY HILLEL
$141,240JFGW COMMUNAL SUPPORT GRANTS
JFGW COMMUNAL SUPPORT GRANTS
SULAM INC
$137,372JCF GRANTS FROM DAFS AND ENDOWMENTS
MIDDLE EAST MEDIA AND RESEARCH INSTITUTE (MEMRI)
$126,750JCF GRANTS FROM DAFS AND ENDOWMENTS