A Look at a Recent Grantmaking from a Jewish Women’s Group in Philadelphia

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is made up of seven groups—some that do fundraising, some that facilitate networking, and some that award grants. Today, we’re looking at a grantmaking group that’s part of this Jewish organization called Women of Vision. With a geographic focus on Greater Philadelphia and Israel, this group makes grants for programs that improve women’s and girls’ lives in the areas of economic security, legal reform, health and well-being, education, and leadership development.

A few months ago, Women of Vision announced three new Philadelphia grants totaling $92,000. A fourth grant went to a group in Israel, but Philadelphia is always the primary focus of this funding group. In the past, Women of Vision has only been able to make two local grants, but a member fully funded one organization’s request in this round of giving, for a total of three grants.

One recent local grantee is Jewish Family and Children's Service of Greater Philadelphia, which received $35,000 for a program that improves maternal mental health in the Orthodox Jewish community. Topics addressed with this grant money include postpartum nutrition for mother and baby, pelvic floor disorders, perinatal mood disorders, changing dynamics in the marital relationship, and maternal identity. 

Another $35,000 grant recently went to Moving Traditions, which is using Women of Vision’s money to launch a pilot program for Jewish girls in the junior and senior years of high school. This program will educate the young women about sexual assault, dating abuse, sexual exploration, gender dynamics, and hookup culture on college campuses.

The last local grant in the most recent round of giving went to the Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia. This group received $22,000 for a program that pairs mothers and daughters and daughters and grandmothers to pursue social justice efforts. This is an inclusive half-year program that celebrates diversity and welcomes women and girls of all ages and religious backgrounds.

In previous years, this women’s funding group has supported causes related to breast cancer, divorce resolution, and the information technology industry. And in the past, new applicants have been asked to first submit a letter of inquiry and then a full proposal if approved by the members. Strategic health and safety topics of interest have been domestic violence, sex trafficking, gun violence, and health & wellness. Empowerment topics include self-image, education and life skills, and leadership development. And finally, Women of Vision typically funds economic security programs that address economic empowerment, professional development, self-sufficiency, and legal reform for women and girls.

A list of past grants over the years can be viewed here. Learn more about this funding source and who the key players are by checking out our full profile of Women of Vision in our Philadelphia Funding Guide.