< Programs for Teens
JTF is a diverse group of San Diego County Jewish high schoolers who build new relationships, learn collaboration, and make grants with a Jewish giving lens.
The Jewish Community Foundation San Diego is excited to welcome the tenth cohort of the Jewish Teen Foundation (JTF) for the 2023-2024 school year. JTF attracts a diverse group of Jewish high school teens from San Diego County who are committed to making a difference in their community through tzedakah.
For More Information on Jewish Teen Foundation
Rachael Cunningham, 858-279-2740
Teens have real responsibility to decide which organizations receive grants, likely totaling over $20,000 each year.
JTF teens participate in a team building day and then work in cohorts throughout the program to learn how to think philanthropically and maximize their impact – all while building new relationships and having great social opportunities.
During this school-year program that meets on one Sunday per month, teens will learn how to collaborate in teams, have constructive discourse, evaluate grants like a pro, have public speaking opportunities, and develop leadership skills that will stay with them through college and beyond.
Learn about the causes that the teens are supporting and donate to a specific teen’s fundraising efforts.
JTF Fundraisers on Givebutter
During the school year, the Jewish Community Foundation provides a curriculum to support formal and informal Jewish education for local synagogues to teach teens who are dedicated to social justice about philanthropy. Teens learn how to give wisely, strategically and effectively by exposing them to the needs of the community, all through a Jewish values lens. If you are a Jewish community organization interested in implementing this curriculum, please contact the Jewish Community Foundation at 858.279.2740 or email us here.
Here are some common questions and answers to better understand the Jewish Teen Foundation.
The Foundation is committed to its mission of promoting philanthropy and increasing current and future support for a vibrant community. JCF recognizes that young people are philanthropists and volunteers in their own right, and that there is the opportunity to ensure that they are as effective and strategic as possible with all the skills necessary to make the biggest impact. As these young people become community leaders, their experience and expertise gained from the Youth Philanthropy program will help them guide a caring and generous community.
The Foundation established its first youth philanthropy program more than ten years ago and has served as a model for communities across the country. Our unique program that is curriculum based is a hands-on engaging experience including site visits, interviews and research to create a memorable and creative experience for all participants.
Yes, depending on the requirements of your child’s school, we will be happy to provide a letter explaining their time commitment and activities that serve as community service hours.
No, we visit both Jewish and secular organizations that are meeting diverse needs in the community. The organizations change each session. We might learn about homelessness, job rehabilitation, pre-schools for low-income families, hospitals helping children with cancer, and a museum or theatre, all from different organizations with lessons from Judaism to connect the students to the meaning of their activities.