Our History

Assets under management top $700 million.

COVID emergency funds total over $4 million distributed to the community.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, JCF launches three emergency funds:  The Public Health Response Fund, The Vulnerable Local Populations Fund and, in collaboration with the Jewish Federation of San Diego County and the Leichtag Foundation, the San Diego Jewish Community Emergency Fund.

JCF partners with the UCSD Rady School of Business Alumni Association to accept private stock donations from alumni entrepreneurs with start-up ventures.  Upon exit, the donated stock will benefit the Rady School.

JCF facilitates its first donor-directed impact investments in San Diego, becoming the lead investor in the Habitat for Humanity Homebuilding Investment Fund and in the Women’s Empowerment Loan Fund.

JCF introduces a new online portal, JCFConnect.  Donors can access daily asset values and investment performance for the first time.

JCF moves from making grants twice-monthly to distributing grants weekly.

The Jewish Community Foundation celebrates its 50 year anniversary.

JCF becomes the first Jewish Community Foundation in the country to offer a diversified impact investment pool targeting market-rate financial returns and positive environmental and social impact across public and private markets.

Beth Sirull joins the Jewish Community Foundation as the new President and Chief Executive Officer and Miriam and Jerome Katzin Presidential Chair.

Total assets topping: $310,000,000

Over 1,000 families have promised to leave a legacy through the Create a Jewish Legacy community program.

As of October 2014, the Foundation has facilitated over $1 billion in over 60,000 grants to 5,000 nonprofits in San Diego, Israel, and around the world.

678 Donor Advised Funds help individuals and families achieve their philanthropic goals.

Record breaking year for grantmaking – $74 million in grants. 60% of the 5,000 grants were between $100 and $1,000.

800 families have promised to leave a legacy gift for a Jewish organization through JCF’s Endowment Leadership Institute.

Most significant year in giving – $62 million in 4,700 grants to 1,000 non-profits.

Governance Leadership Institute (GLI) was established

JCF won the Community Endowment Excellence Award from United Jewish Communities

JCF awarded the Kaleidoscope award for excellence in governance

Name legally changed to Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego

Endowment Leadership Institute (ELI) was established

Over 100 have signed the Book of Life

Jewish Women’s Foundation was established, 26 founding members had been recruited

First Book of Life signing ceremony held with 40 community members promising to establish a legacy for the future Jewish community

Foundation assets leap to $138 million. Fiscal year grants reach $29 million – highest year ever

Foundation celebrates 30th anniversary with $30 million in assets

Marjory Kaplan succeeds Dan Weinberg as Foundation’s full-time Executive Director

First 3rd generation fund was established

Foundation celebrates record year with assets reaching $8 million

First full-time Foundation Director hired – Dan Weinberg

38 Donor Advised (Philanthropic) Funds

Incorporated in California as the Community Foundation of the United Jewish Federation. Herb Solomon was UJF Chairperson and Carl Esenoff was Founding President.