PGS 3 – 8 INSPIRED PHIL ANTHROPISTS
PGS 9 –14
TRANSFORMATIVE GRANTMAKING
PGS 15 –16 ENDOWMENTS
PGS 17 – 18 2023 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
PG 19 LETTER TO THE COMMUNIT Y
PG 20 VISION & MISSION
PGS 21 – 22 STAFF & LEADERSHIP
Jewish Community Foundation Los ange Les
6505 Wilshire Blvd , Suite 1200 Los Angeles, California 90048
323 761 8704
jcfla org
Rooted in the value of tzedakah, our mission to empower philanthropists is more crucial than ever, as we work together to build a vibrant Jewish future
This report celebrates our clients’ stories, showcases the transformative power of our grantmaking, and highlights our steadfast commitment to supporting our community
Join us in reflecting on our shared achievements and envisioning the possibilities ahead. Together, we are shaping a brighter, more resilient tomorrow
I feel fortunate to carry on the legacy of my late client Erwin Rautenberg, z”l, and collaborate with the Jewish Community Foundation to make that possible
Erwin was born in pre-World War II Germany, left for Argentina as a teenager to escape Nazi Germany, and then immigrated to the United States I worked as his accountant for over 25 years before he died in 2011, and I always marveled at how he arrived in the U.S. with nothing and built a hugely successful international freight forwarding company. His work ethic was incredible.
The fruits of Erwin’s labor went to fund the Rautenberg Foundation, and he turned to the Jewish Community Foundation for its deep knowledge of the philanthropy landscape He wanted to strengthen the fabric of our community, and The Foundation advised him on the best way to do that Today I work closely with The Foundation to continue fueling his vision, and their advisors provide keen insights into the ideal charities to support I appreciate their expert advice
As Erwin’s trusted friend and a certified public accountant, I have extensive experience managing money but didn’t know much about evaluating a charity’s impact, so I rely heavily on The Foundation They are the ideal partner Whether we ’ re supporting the development of young Jewish leaders in Los Angeles or distributing emergency funds in Israel post 10/7, The Foundation does an excellent job ensuring that our charitable decisions are sound and impactful I believe Erwin would be very proud of our ongoing accomplishments.
Tom Corby President, Erwin Rautenberg Foundation
As a trusts and estates attorney, I advise high-net-worth individuals and families I am consistently impressed by The Foundation’s strategic approach to helping philanthropists make high-impact donations with their resources, including complex assets Many of my clients who prioritize thoughtful and organized giving opt to work with The Foundation.
The Foundation is client-oriented, making sure clients get exactly the support they need. Everyone at The Foundation works towards the same goal: maximizing impact in a thoughtful way based on what the account holder is trying to achieve
The Foundation does what they do with such purity The organization is focused on helping people organize their philanthropy and ensure their dollars go as far as possible They analyze how charities use donor contributions to ensure they were used as intended.
What The Foundation’s clients appreciate is a comprehensive level of service. Whether they need to figure out how to talk about philanthropy with their family, want guidance from someone other than their lawyer about how to donate in a way that will be meaningful, or feel overwhelmed deciding which organizations to give to, they know they have a trusted partner that can make it easy
I’ve been on the Jewish Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees for 14 years and love every minute of it This is an amazing place
Abby Feinman Partner,
Katten Muchin
Rosenman
LLP
We’ve been involved in philanthropy for 25 years and opened our Donor Advised Fund at The Foundation in 2015 While we tend to support a wide range of causes spanning social and environmental justice, education, Jewish pluralism, arts and culture, and community empowerment since October 7, Israel has been our primary focus
Last spring, we traveled around Israel for three weeks, bearing witness to what happened and exploring how we could be more strategic with our grantmaking.
Trauma was evident everywhere, and we were impressed by initiatives from civil society and volunteers rushing to help displaced Israelis One powerful example is Ayin Tova Shortly after 10/7, four Israeli professional women started this knitting circle project to address trauma They travel extensively to knit with displaced families, and 650 knitting circles later, the volunteers each with their own career have become a source of healing by fostering human connection. They’re an anchor for people who were floundering and who now have a nurturing link through a community of like-minded creators
We saw the urgent need for physical rehabilitation at the Loewenstein Rehabilitation Hospital in Ra’anana and with Reut ’ s Tikkun Olam Makers to help heal the 17,000 Israelis injured during the conflict We connected with Mazon, which addresses food insecurity due to climate change and the war ’ s adverse impact on agriculture As of late 2023, 31% of adult Israelis and a staggering 63% of Arab-Israelis were food insecure! We also support EcoPeace Middle East for its unique vision of “ The Day After ”
We witnessed the war ’ s impact on Israel’s rich fabric of arts and culture, affecting every art institution and many industry professionals We chose to support unique voices like the Center for Contemporary Art in Tel Aviv, a critical nurturing anchor for locals and the larger community.
Through our solidarity mission, we encountered a wide range of amazing people. In many ways, our experience encapsulates one of The Foundation’s key facets: it ’ s a big tent, offering expertise and information on nonprofits of all types. No matter our politics, national origin, or observance level, we are all human, and we all deserve to thrive. From our perspective, our relationship with The Foundation has worked quite beneficially
Sonia & James Cummings Community Activists
PERSONALIZE YOUR GRANTMAKING
$50 M
IN LOS ANGELES
Our grants support initiatives that enhance the quality of life throughout our city
$27M
IN ISRAEL
We fund projects that strengthen communities across Israeli society.
$10 0 M
IN THE JEWISH COMMUNITY
Our commitment nurtures and enriches Jewish life
$46 M EDUCATION
LIFE
$38M HUMAN SERVICES
$37M
$28 M ART & CULTURE
$28M
HEALTH, SCIENCES, & THE ENVIRONMENT
* Dollars in M are millions, B are billions
Our grantmaking impacts every corner of the community. The Foundation and our clients make strategic investments in Jewish education, combatting antisemitism, and strengthening engagement in Jewish life as well as supporting the broader Los Angeles community After 10/7, our focus sharpened overseas to provide
community was able to respond instantaneously by providing funding that created positive change.
Together we ’ ve had a transformative impact locally and in Israel
EXPERT RESOURCES FOR SMART GRANTMAKING
The events of 10/7 horrified and awakened our Jewish community in ways that will be remembered for generations Israel holds profound significance for us, and in response to the crisis, The Foundation and our client community took immediate and decisive action Emergency funding was swiftly deployed to support trauma response efforts
Our deep understanding of Israel and longstanding relationships with trusted nonprofits on the ground enabled us to act with agility, making informed recommendations and providing essential support at a moment ’ s notice.
Offi Zisser, The Foundation’s Israel-based philanthropy consultant, counseled clients with her on-the-ground perspective and expertise Her knowledge of Israel’s social landscape and access to timely data informed our grantmaking and supported clients in their philanthropic decision-making
“People who have experienced terrible tragedy but who are still determined to persevere are so uplifting. That is where your philanthropy is going.”
– Offi Zisser, The Foundation’s Israel-based philanthropy consultant
- Orly Gal, Executive Director, NATAL
In the aftermath of 10/7, NATAL stepped in to provide essential trauma support for families and children. As a trusted partner organization of The Foundation, NATAL is an apolitical nonprofit that is recognized as an expert in psychological trauma, and uniquely positioned to support Israelis experiencing trauma today.
Since its founding, NATAL has affected the lives of 500,000+ people in Israel.
$56,000
NATAL
Founded to serve victims of terror and war.
After 10/7, The Foundation funded emergency needs in Israel.
Grant to fund psychological treatment for 100+ families and kids in Israel’s conflict zones 2014
$119,200
The Foundation supported NATAL’s trauma assistance efforts in Israel. 10% of this grant will target staff wellbeing 2024
$150,000
In 2023, The Foundation and our client community distributed grants to Jewish organizations in Los Angeles and nationally totaling an impressive $100 million Supporting critical initiatives and communal infrastructure, these funds empowered diverse and inclusive Jewish organizations, sustained synagogues, schools, Jewish camps, and Jewish life on campus, and advanced Jewish innovation and efforts to combat antisemitism
Our Center for Designed Philanthropy team is comprised of trusted advisors who help clients and their families make the most of their charitable giving We’re here to help you give the way you want to give No matter where you are or where you want to go on your philanthropic journey, we are here to help every step of the way.
- Leah Soibel, CEO and Founder, Fuente Latina
The Foundation invested in Fuente Latina at pivotal stages of its growth, nurturing the organization, promoting its mission, and enabling it to expand its impact
Founded in 2012, Fuente Latina ensures that global Spanish-language media have the facts they need to cover Israel, the Middle East, and the Jewish world accurately. By educating and empowering Latinx journalists, Fuente Latina breaks down stereortypes of the Jewish community and increases positive perceptions among 600 million Spanish speakers globally Media matters now more than ever, and disinformation fuels hate Together, we can ensure accurate media coverage.
Founded as a nonpartisan media organization and trusted source of information in Spanish.
2018
$250,000
$107,000
Grant to support long-term organizational sustainability.
$10,000
Grant to advance staff wellbeing and talent development
2020 2021
Grant to build a Spanish language media presence in L A that is pro-Israel and promotes positive perceptions of the Jewish community
$200,000
Grant to fund the first and only bilingual Latin-Jewish news brand to counter fake news fueling antisemitism.
2024
Creating an endowment with The Foundation is a gesture of tremendous generosity and foresight. Designed to ensure that one ’ s impact extends beyond one ’ s lifetime, endowments provide steady, ongoing support that ensures a continued and enduring legacy
Through endowments, Foundation clients entrust us with their legacies and make our institutional grantmaking possible. This model enables The Foundation to annually support hundreds of organizations in the Jewish community, the community at large, and Israel, sustaining vital programs and initiatives
Anonymous • Dr. Herbert B. & Freda Alexander • M. Allenberg • Jacob J. & Fayga Alpert • Irving & Shirley Ashkenas • Bobbi Asimow Memorial • Ben & Sarah Baran • Max & Anna Baran • Milton Baran • Ralph & Janice Baxter • Ada M. Bay • Elly Bayer Family • Harriet Beck • Esther & Ralph Bedrock • Theresa Bell Lion of Judah • Dr. Benjamin M. Bendat • Irving & Jeannette Benveniste • J.B. Berland • Ben Berman & Shirley Rogers Berman • Boruchin Family Scholarship Fund • Beth Chayim Chadashim • Julius & Rose Bisno • BJE Ulpan • Stanley H. Black • Eric & Paula Bloom • Drew Andrew Blumberg • Harry & Anna Borun • Charles H. & Kharlene Boxenbaum • Jacqueline Briskin • Samuel J. Briskin • Frances Brody • Caron Broidy • Alvin Bronstein • Carolyn & Gerald Bronstein • Anne Elaine Brown • Charles Brown • Lynette Brown • Earl & Norma Bubar Family • Irwin Buchalter • Stuart Buchalter Memorial • George Burns • Dr. Maxwell S. & Betty C. Cagan • Carlan Family • Daniella Shaina Lee Casper • Chabad Jewish Community Center • Colette Chanel • Abram & Sylvia Chasens • Chaverim Fund For Jewish Disabled • Rose Chorna • Rabbi Bernard & Ethel Cohen • Max Cohen • Roselyn Cohen • Jacob & Zlata Colloff • Dorothy Corwin • Lisa Anne Corwin • Evelyn Kuznitsoff Couzen • Allan B. Cutrow • Cutrow Family • Czuker Family • Lissi E. Danelius • David G. & Bella L. Davis • Albert DeBro • Ronald P. Denitz • Donal S. & Phyllis N. Dreifus • Constance & Sydney Dunitz • Edmond Family • Marvin & Ruth Elfenbein • Barbara & Robert Ellison • Louie Ember • Randy Entin Memorial • Doris Factor • Janet Farber • Milton & Olga Farbstein • Mimi Alpert Feldman • Dorothy Fenmore • Julia Fischer • Ida Fleischer • Alex & Lilly Forro • David & Rena Fox • Howard & Evelyn Fox • Rose Freeman • Mac & Belle Friedman • Galanter Family • Josephine Gang • Martin Gang • Gang, Tyre, Ramer & Brown • Martin Gaynor • Jerry Gerard • Sol & Ruth Gerber • Abraham & Doris Getzler • Bessie Gillis • Isadore & Mildred Ginsberg • George Gittelson • Harry Gittelson • Marcus Glaser • Morris & Sally Gluck • Jerry & Jeanine Goldberg • Murray & Mildred Goldberg • David & Freda Goldstein • Rosyln Goldstine • William & Alfrieda E. Goldwyn • Regina R. Golomb • Julius Goodman • Samuel Gordon • Lena Gorelick • Jeanne B. Goren • Osias & Dorothy Goren • Fay Bettye Green • Ike & Peggy Greenberg • Grinel Family • Arthur Groman • Herman Gronauer • Sam & Bessie Gutlin • Emmy Haarmann • Marilyn & Monty Hall • Elisa Heather Halpern • D. Handler • Edith & Joseph Harris • Fannie Hartman • Irwin Held • Larry Held • Masha S. Henley • Stephen Herr • Linda Hess • Dr. Arnie & Fern Heyman • Rosalyn R. Shostak Heyman Memorial • Walter Hilborn • Herbert Hill • Ellie & Mark Lainer Hillel • Leo & Pauline Hirsh • Benjamin Horowitz • Ely Jacobs • Leo Jacobs • Jewish Big Brothers Camp Max Straus Fund • Jewish Community Foundation Scholarship Fund • JFS Family Violence Project Fund • Stella F. Joseph • Daniel Kalish • Sue M. Kaplan • Rose Karol • Jack Karp • Myrtle A. Karp • Ruth Karp Lion of Judah • Maurice J. & Fay B. Karpf • Alan Kassin Memorial • Helen Miller Katz Memorial • Joan & Richard Katz Family • Sidney & Helen Katz • Stanley F. Katz • David B. Katzin, M.D., Ph.D • Sidney Kaufman • R. Raymond & Edith N. Kay • Sandra Kaye • Ely Keenberg • Michael & Jena King • Berton M. & Barbara R. Kirshner • Sally Kirshner • Louis Kitsis • Gertrude Klein • J. Stanley & Roberta Klein • Lester & Rhea Kleinberg • Morris Knopow • Burnell & Esther Koolish • Koreh L.A. Fund • Raymond J. & Shirley R. Kornfeld • Isadore Kragen • Ruth Kranhouse • Dr. Michael Kriegel • Milton & Esther Krieger • Harry & Belle Krupnick • Elsa L. Kunin • Alex Kushner • Sara Federman Hersh Kuttnauer • Lainer Family • Ellie & Mark Lainer • Simha & Sara Lainer • Landres Courage for Dignity • Werner & Ellen Lange • Edward Lasher • Ida S. Latz • Gerda Lawrence • Dahlia Lebovitz • Florence Lepon • Leve Family • John Levi • Bernard & Mollie S. Levin • Lillian Levine • Nathan & Bessie Jean Levinsohn • Cyril Lewin • David Licht • Sol Bear & Esther Lipshutz • Jane & Howard Lipstone • Alfred Lisbon • Marcus Loew • William S. Louchheim • Norman & Trudy Louis • Rudy Lugo • Gerald & Gloria Lushing • Ronald Lushing • Bertha Lustig • Erwin Lustig • John Lustig • Max R. Luvin • Artur & Phyllis R. Mager • Magidson Family • Milton & Deborah Malkin • Phyllis Marell • Morris D. Margolis • Estelle Markowitz • Sir Simon Marks • Ronald J. & Steven M. Marsh • Linda & Paul Matloff/Carissa & Thomas Ingram • Susan Mattisinko & Robert S. De Leon • Bernard L. Mayers • Pan & Herb Meadow • Mark M. Meltzer • Edward & Marie Menashe • Rosalie I. Mendel • Charles & Dora Mesnick • Andrew Z. Meyer • Lila Meyers • M. J. Meyers & H. Gladwin Memorial • Simon Milberg • Anita P. Miller • Samuel & Pauline Miller • Harry & Saree Milstein • Anna Mitchell • Max Mitchell • Rae Mitchell Memorial • Brandi Joy Mitock • Freda Mohr • Jerry & Joy Monkarsh/Michael & Jodie Rachmil Family • Al & Eve Monson • Sadie Verschleiser Musof • Julius & Estelle Nadler • Margaret Nathan • Linda Nathanson • Freda & Arthur Nattenberg • Jeffrey Arnold Nerenstein • Tibor & Erika Neumann • Esther & Stephen Newmark • Hedy Z”l & Ted Z”I Orden Maimonides Scholarship • Hedy Z”l & Ted Z”I Orden Shalhevet Scholarship • Hedy Z”l & Ted Z”I Orden Yula Boys Scholarship • Hedy Z”l & Ted Z”I Orden Yula Girls Scholarship • Ted Orden Memorial • Marjorie F. Oswald • Abner Parker • Max & Bertha Part • Jerome & Faith Pearlman • Jacqueline Pearlson • Irene Perer • Dr. Marvin Perer • Abraham I. Perl • Marianne & Gerhard Pinkus • Bernice Posner • Joyce R. Powell • Julius M. Ratner Memorial • Max Rauch • Herbert Reff • Isidor Reinhard • Irwin A. & Ayola I. Reiss • Julius & Marian Reitkopp • Elliott J. Ripps • Esther Ritterman • Betty Roach • Anna Warner Robins • Edward G. Robinson • Merlyn J. & Lillian W. Robinson • Benjamin Rogowitz • Ernest & Irma Rose • Lois Rosen Family • Lucille L. Rosenberg • Lily Rosman • Michael & Irene Ross • N. Joseph & Jeanette S. Ross • Abe J. Roth • Elisa Joy Rubin • Stella Rugeti • Violet Goldberg Sachs • Morris & Rebecca Sallus • Salter Family • Dr. Bernard G. & Rhoda G. Sarnat • Isador Saul • Eugene Sax • Leo & Julia Schaner • Anne Schechter • Frances Schermer • Oskar Schindler • Aviva Schotland • Daniel & Marieka Schotland • Dorothy & Lou Schotland • Sandra & Marvin Schotland • Paul Schreier • Esther Schulman • Beatrice Schultz • Ellen M. Schwartz • Joseph & Elizabeth Schwartz • Marcia Schwartz • William S. Schwartz • Larraine Segil • Jack & Ruth Seltzer • Nathan Seltzer • Alfred A. Shapiro • Arthur & Bernice Shapiro • David Shapiro Memorial • Jayne Shapiro Family • Meyer & Rhoda Shapiro • Esther Sherberg • Sherman Family • Howard & Stephanie Sherwood • David & Sophia Shuwarger • Michael & Bernice Shuwarger • Sanford C. Sigoloff • Henry Silver • Jack & Rita Sinder • Sidney Skolnik • Harry N. Smith • Terri & Michael Smooke • Victoria H. Sperry • Sidney & Marcia Spiegel • Robert Stein • Arleen Rose Steiner & Allen Edward Steiner • Steinberg Family • Charlotte Stern • Jacob Hillel Stern • Peter & Joan Stone • Nathan Straus • Helen Strosberg • Sunair Foundation • The Sweetie Endowment • Stanley & Lottie Talpis • Irving Thalberg, Jr. • Sarah Tolchinsky • Ellwood Ullman • USC Lecture Fund • Volpert Family • Richard S. Volpert • Sam Wachbrit • Steven Wallace • Florence Wayne • Abe & Ethel Weinberg • Elka Weiner Lion of Judah • Ernest Weissberg • Theodore & Goldie Weisstein • David Weisz • Sylvia Weisz • Elayne & Walter Wentz • Katherine Westheimer • Manuel & Barbara Wertheimer • Fannie P. Wienir • Daniel Wiggins • Billy Wilder • Ethel H. Wilk • A. Charles & Betty S. Wilson • Stanley D. Winderman • Bernice Wolf • Allen S. & Ruth Ziegler • Harold J. & Anita Zivetz • Millie Zone • Max & Lucille Zuckerman
Through a thoughtful and conscientious investment strategy, we enable our community of clients to sustain and enhance their philanthropy.
$1.4B
$667M TOTAL ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT
DONOR ADVISED FUNDS
Representing nearly 50% of all assets, DAFs constitute the largest giving pool at The Foundation and require a $5,000 minimum contribution.
$286M
ENDOWMENT FUNDS
A fund invested to generate perpetual income for your favorite causes and requires a $25K minimum contribution
$269M
FAMILY SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS
Carrying forward philanthropy between generations, FSOs create a permanent family legacy and require a $2 5M minimum contribution.
$162M
AGENCY FUNDS
Established by Jewish nonprofits to manage their endowments and reserve funds.
$1.3B
TOTAL ASSETS AT START OF 2023
$136 M NEW GIFTS
Largest number of contributions in last 10 years
$12 2 M INVESTMENT RETURNS
TOTAL ASSETS AT END OF 2023 $1.4B
$17 7M GRANTS
Largest number of grants made in last 10 years
To Our Foundation Family,
Since 1954, we have provided resources to uplift communities and address emergencies In 2023, we anticipated an upcoming year commemorating our 70th anniversary Instead, we found ourselves responding to multiple crises, including the tragic events of October 7th and a significant increase in global antisemitism
Fortunately, with your partnership, we have allocated more resources than ever, offering unprecedented support to our international family while remaining committed to our local communities Together, we have addressed numerous challenges and ensured the continued vibrancy of our Jewish heritage
It has been a privilege to work with you in partnership and trust. We look forward to continuing our work together as we embark on a promising new era of growth aimed at further supporting and stabilizing our community
May we all experience peace in our time
Sincerely,
Rabbi Aaron Lerner President & CEO
Evan Schlessinger Board Chair
Smart philanthropy elevates us all.
We provide L.A. Jewish philanthropists with the counsel, resources, and networks to elevate their giving We leverage decades of grantmaking experience to strengthen Jewish Los Angeles and Israel
RABBI AARON LERNER* President & CEO
DEBORAH
ROBERT AVERY Vice President, Finance & HR
GEORGINA BAQUET Events Manager & Database Specialist
HEATHER BAROFF Donor Stewardship Associate
JUNE DEL ROSARIO Accountant/Payroll Specialist
WARREN FONG
Senior Program Officer, Center for Designed Philanthropy
CHARLOTTE FRIEDMAN
Senior Program Officer, Center for Designed Philanthropy
SARA HAHN
Senior Program Officer, Center for Designed Philanthropy
CYNTHIA JONES Investment Accountant
JANET KELLER Marketing & Communications Manager
IRIS MANLAPID Foundation Secretary
KATE MARTIN Executive & Board Liaison
DANIEL MAYA Assistant Controller
BEVERLEY MONTGOMERY Office Manager
MARISSA NACHMAN
Program Officer, Center for Designed Philanthropy
DEWAYNE NASH General Ledger Accountant
ABIGAIL ORTIZ SOSA Grants Management Associate
TAMARA PICKERING Manager of Technology Solutions
SARINA RABY Grants Manager
BROOKE SCHWARTZ Grants Management Associate
AUDREY TSENG Development Assistant
ALLEN ZHANG Controller
EVAN SCHLESSINGER* Chair
MARTIN S. APPEL**
LYNN BIDER
MELISSA HELD BORDY
ANTHONY CHANIN* Treasurer
ALLAN B. CUTROW**
WILLIAM R. FEILER**
ABBY L.T. FEINMAN* Vice Chair
LORIN M. FIFE**
THOMAS A. HEYMANN
DANIELLA NAIM KAHEN
STACY REZNIKOFF KENT
JEFFREY H. KINRICH
MARK LAINER**
JEFFREY LOEB
MATTHEW LOUCHHEIM
MARCIA WEINER MANKOFF* Secretary
HEIDI MONKARSH
ARI MOSS
LAWRENCE RAUCH**
NURIT I. ROBIN
MARC ROHATINER
SCOTT SANDLER
MARK N. SCHWARTZ* Vice Chair
ALEXANDRA SHABTAI
ANNETTE SHAPIRO**
DEBRA SMALLEY
ANDREA SONNENBERG
EUGENE STEIN* Vice Chair
ADAM J. WEISS
CATHY SIEGEL WEISS**
ADLAI W WERTMAN* Vice Chair
MARVIN I SCHOTLAND President & CEO Emeritus
ORNA WOLENS Chair
RABBI NOAH FARKAS President & CEO
* Officer
** Past Chair