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Strong Jewish communities are built and sustained by passionate leaders who make them possible.
Jewish organizations are vital to the Jewish experience. They provide opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to embrace Jewish identity, engage with Jewish life and values, connect with Israel, and work for a more just and inclusive society. The success of these organizations depends on a pool of talented professionals ready to lead and innovative workplaces that recruit, develop and retain top talent.
We are entering a period of unprecedented turnover as research tells us that the majority of Jewish nonprofits will need to hire a new CEO in the next 10 years. At the same time, other industries continue to attract Jewish professionals, offering competitive opportunities that draw potential leaders from our sector. Moreover, despite our progress, there is much more work to be done to ensure that Jews who have been historically excluded, such as women, Jews of color and LGBTQ Jews, have seats at our communal table and opportunities for leadership.
To address these challenges, we invest in and build a robust pipeline of skilled, diverse leaders committed to creating inclusive and equitable workplaces with practices that value and affirm employees at every level and of all identities. In doing so, we can show that the Jewish nonprofit sector is a viable, exciting and professionally rewarding area to work and ensure our sector effectively serves Jewish communities for the long term.
What We Do
To support Jewish organizations long-term, we invest in initiatives that increase the leadership capacity of rising Jewish leaders, focusing on personal advancement and their ability to drive sectorwide change. We also fund efforts to deepen leadership that reflects the true diversity of our Jewish communities, bringing more women, people of color and LGBTQ professionals into C-suite roles.
Of course, sustaining strong leadership extends beyond just leadership development. To shape a sector where young Jewish professionals want to become Jewish leaders, we support efforts to ensure our workplaces foster cultures free of harassment or discrimination, offer opportunities that are fulfilling, come with competitive resources, and provide room for growth.
98%
Of Jewish nonprofit CEOs feel proud to lead their organization. (Source)
84%
Of Jewish nonprofit employees feel they are making a difference through their work. (Source)
38%
Of Jewish nonprofit employees believe they have opportunities for career advancement at their organization. (Source)
30%
Of organizations in the Jewish sector are led by women, despite women making up 70% of employees. (Source)
Our Approach
We support organizations and initiatives that use both data-driven research and collaborative learning to guide their work to foster a sector of Jewish communities and institutions that are compelling, inclusive and affirming.
Helping our sector retain top talent
We support organizations expanding the scope of our field, from offering leadership trainings to providing employee experience surveys.
Fostering collaborative networks
Through periodic gatherings, we bring together senior leaders at Jewish organizations to strengthen professional and communal partnerships.
Developing in-house professional resources
To support Jewish organizations in working both effectively and equitably, we regularly publish data-driven reports that share best practices for our sector.
Participating in joint initiatives shaping safe, respectful and equitable Jewish workplaces and communal spaces
Along with other philanthropic partners, we fund projects that advance racial and gender equity in our communities.
Our Grantees
Our partners work tirelessly to make our sector and communities more accessible to all Jews and create environments where the richness and diversity of the Jewish experience is celebrated.
View more grantees in our U.S. Jewish Grantmaking portfolio
Helping Jewish Nonprofits
Leading Edge helps Jewish organizations recruit, train and retain top talent to create a vibrant and healthy nonprofit sector.
Fostering Safety and Respect
Through research and community investments, SRE Network strives to ensure Jewish workplaces and communal spaces are welcoming and equitable to all members.
Addressing Racial Inequities
By centering diverse leadership and experiences, the Jews of Color Initiative works to ensure our institutions and communities reflect the multiracial reality of the Jewish people.
FEATURED ARTICLE
How Jewish Organizations are Showing Up for Women’s Rights and Safety
Amid increasing threats to women’s rights and freedoms, Jewish organizations are at the forefront of advancing women’s rights within Jewish communities and throughout the United States. The groups’ efforts range from advocating for abortion access to supporting survivors of domestic violence, to encouraging safe, respectful and equitable Jewish workplaces and communal spaces.