How Young Jewish Funders of Arizona Works to Strengthen Phoenix’s Jewish Community

The majority of the giving circles that exist in the philanthropic world today are women-centric – led by women, and often exclusive to women and working to benefit women. However, there are active men’s giving circles as well, such as the Young Jewish Funders of Arizona (YJFA).

Here are some details about the Young Jewish Funders of Arizona and how it gives locally in the Phoenix metro area.

A men-centric giving circle

In 2013, a group of 10 Jewish businessmen under the age of 40 launched YJFA to pool funds to make at least $50,000 in grants to Jewish organizations in the Phoenix area. One of the group’s founders, Jay Chernikoff, got the idea for the giving circle after attending a Jewish Funders Network conference in 2010. In the past, he has told the press that the giving circle is for men only because he wanted to start a group with people who are in similar places in life, to feel connected with, and who are on the same schedule to keep the circle going strong.

Funding focus areas

It is common for giving circles to adjust their focus on a regular basis to adapt to changing community needs and membership interests. YJFA is no exception and changes its focus annually. But in general, the giving circle tends to support basic needs, education, outreach and community-building. The circle was founded to support community-building events and projects to engage more people in the local Jewish community. Since the founders are primarily entrepreneurs, there is also a focus on building entrepreneurship opportunities in the state.

The Amplifier connection

The giving circle is affiliated with Amplifier, an experimental learning lab powered by the Jewish Federations of North America. Amplifier began as a Natan Fund project in 2014, and since then it has helped create at least 120 giving circles to bring people together around their Jewish values. The Jewish Women’s Philanthropy Circle of Arizona is another Amplifier giving circle.

Past grantmaking examples

Past YJFA recipients include the Desert Gathering Jewish Music Fest, Jewish Arizonans on Campus, Council for Jews with Special Needs and Moishe House Phoenix.

YJFA has required some grantees to find additional funders to match the giving circle’s contributions. It has also supported some national organizations and has worked jointly with the Jewish Community Foundation and the Jewish Community Association.

Getting involved with YJFA

YJFA provides a contact form link on its page on the Amplifier website. However, this method of communication is geared more toward young philanthropists who may wish to join the giving circle and contribute to the funding pool. In the past, the organization has publicly announced when new application processes open up.

Learn more about this funder in IP’s full profile of the Young Jewish Funders of Arizona and other Arizona-focused grantmakers in our state guide.

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