Women's Philanthropy

The pomegranate fruit carries a special meaning for the Jewish people. It is one of the seven species the spies sent by Moses found in the land of Israel, and additional commentary explains that the number of seeds in a pomegranate corresponds to the 613 mitzvot (commandments) listed in the Torah.

Pomegranates symbolize abundance and generosity at Federations, too. In 1981, the women of Allentown, PA introduced the Pomegranate program and pin as a way to inspire giving to the Annual Campaign. Donors who make a gift between $1,500 and $4,999 are designated as Pomegranate donors and can also order a beautiful silver pin, set with rubies as seeds. Each year that a woman increases her pledge to the Annual Campaign, she is entitled to add a new ruby to her pin. Some donors have also endowed their annual Pomegranate-level gift as a Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment (PACE), making sure that their generosity continues well into the future.

Three decades after its inception, JFGI is grateful for the almost 150 women in the greater Indianapolis community who are categorized as Pomegranates. This generosity is the backbone of JFGI’s Annual Campaign, and as Women’s Philanthropy activities are expanded, JFGI hopes to “grow” more Pomegranates and expand the involvement of all of its donors.

One opportunity to be together is the annual Lion of Judah and Pomegranate event. Please save the date for April 16, 2019 — more details to follow.

If you would like more information about the Pomegranate program, pin or any other Women’s Philanthropy opportunities, please reach out to Margo Fox, Director of Women’s Philanthropy and Senior Director of Engagement at 317-715-9268 or mfox@jfgi.org.