Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh
The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and one of 151 independent Federations associated with The Jewish Federations of North America. Founded in 1912, the Federation serves as the central fundraising and planning organization for the Jewish community of Greater Pittsburgh. The organization raises and allocates funds to build community locally, in Israel, and around the world, supporting programs that care for people at every stage of life.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$352.3M
+6.9% YoY
Annual Giving
$27.7M
+37.8% YoY
Grant Count
189
+13.9% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$147K
+21.1% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: Cultivate resources, connect people and collaborate across the community to live and fulfill Jewish values.
The Federation's work is guided by the principle of Tikkun Olam (the healing and repair of the world). Strategic priorities include:
- Combating antisemitism and enhancing security
- Teen mental health
- Young adult engagement
- Enabling the elderly to age well
- Supporting Israel
The organization funds programs addressing health, social services, education, and Jewish continuity needs in Pittsburgh, Israel, and throughout the world.
Grantmaking
The Federation made 172+ grants in 2024, including:
Grant Range
** $1,000 - $291,000 (program dependent)
How to Apply
** Grant inquiries and applications are submitted through the grant portal at grantmakingportal.smapply.io. General grant information is available at jewishpgh.org/info/grants/
Ready to take the next step with Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Federation funds programs in:
- Local: Pittsburgh region including Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Lawrence, Washington, and Westmoreland counties
- International: Israel and overseas communities
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Assets: $352.3 million (2024)
Total Revenues: $47.8 million (2024)
Total Expenses: $42.6 million (2024)
Annual Giving: Approximately $20 million distributed annually in grants
Cumulative Impact: The Federation has raised more than $681 million since its founding
Donor-Advised Funds: The organization operates a donor-advised fund through which donors can direct the distribution or investment of funds
Financial Rating: Four-Star rating with 100% score, demonstrating strong financial health and accountability
Workforce: 78 employees (2024)
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $352,288,593 | $329,434,903 | $308,334,472 |
| Revenue | $47,830,043 | $48,659,493 | $62,123,653 |
| Expenses | $42,601,188 | $33,083,113 | $34,092,290 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $6,691,402 | $5,830,351 | $30,428,317 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
250 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
2 open opportunities from Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include The Jewish Federations of North America ($10,685,861), Birthright Israel Foundation ($2,812,661), Jewish Community Center ($2,273,700).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| THE JEWISH FEDERATIONS OF NORTH AMERICA NEW YORK, NY | TO SUPPORT SOCIAL HEALTH AND WELFARE | $10,685,861 |
| BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL FOUNDATION NEW YORK, NY | PROGRAM SUPPORT | $2,812,661 |
| JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER PITTSBURGH, PA | TO SUPPORT SOCIAL HEALTH AND WELFARE | $2,273,700 |
| JEWISH CEMETERY AND BURIAL ASSOCIATION PITTSBURGH, PA | TO SUPPORT SOCIAL HEALTH AND WELFARE | $1,012,457 |
| JEWISH FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SERVICE PITTSBURGH, PA | TO SUPPORT SOCIAL HEALTH AND WELFARE | $934,462 |
| T OF L INC PITTSBURGH, PA | PROGRAM SUPPORT | $917,398 |
| HILLEL ACADEMY OF PITTSBURGH PITTSBURGH, PA | TO SUPPORT JEWISH EDUCATION | $685,782 |
| JEWISH ASSOCIATION ON AGING PITTSBURGH, PA | TO SUPPORT SOCIAL HEALTH AND WELFARE | $544,532 |
| YESHIVA SCHOOLS PITTSBURGH, PA | TO SUPPORT JEWISH EDUCATION | $486,057 |
| COMMUNITY DAY SCHOOL PITTSBURGH, PA | TO SUPPORT JEWISH EDUCATION | $447,471 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
CEO: Jeff Finkelstein (serving for over 20 years)
Key Executives:
- Milo Averbach: Chief Financial Officer
- David Heyman: Associate Vice President
- Laura Cherner: Director, Community Relations Council
- Jessica Brown Smith: Chief Operating Officer
- Shawn Brokos: Director of Community Security
- Daniel Flax: Director, Financial Resource Development
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| MERYL K AINSMAN | PAST CHAIR (EXITED 09/23) | 5 | — |
| SUSAN G BERMAN KRESS DIRECTOR | (THRU 9/23), ASST. SEC. (AS OF 9/23) | 5 | — |
| MARC BROWN ASST SECRETARY | (THRU 09/23), SECRETARY (AS OF 9/23) | 5 | — |
| ELLEN TERI KAPLAN GOLDSTEIN | V CHAIR (THRU 9/23) DIR. (AS OF 9/23) | 0.5 | — |
| DAN HOLTHAUS DIRECTOR | (THRU 9/23), TREASURER (AS OF 9/23) | 5 | — |
| JUDITH KANAL DIRECTOR | (THRU 9/23), VICE CHAIR (AS OF 9/23) | 15 | — |
| JAN LEVINSON SECRETARY | (THRU 9/23), CHAIR (AS OF 9/23) | 20 | — |
| MARSHA MARCUS | VICE CHAIR | 15 | — |
| DEBORAH RESNICK DIRECTOR | (THRU 9/23), VICE CHAIR (AS OF 9/23) | 15 | — |
| GILBERT SCHNEIDER | ASST. TREASURER (EXITED 09/23) | 5 | — |
| MARCIE SOLOMON TREASURER THRU | 9/23), ASST. TREAS. (AS OF 9/23) | 5 | — |
| DAVID SUFRIN CHAIR | (THRU 9/23), PAST CHAIR (AS OF 9/23) | 5 | — |
| JAMES WAGNER VICE CHAIR | (THRU 9/23), DIRECTOR (AS OF 9/23) | 0.5 | — |
| AHMIE BAUM | DIRECTOR | 0.5 | — |
| DEBRA CAPLAN | DIRECTOR | 0.5 | — |
| NEIL DIBIASE | DIRECTOR | 0.5 | — |
| ADAM FALCONE | DIRECTOR | 0.5 | — |
| JEREMY FEINSTEIN | DIRECTOR | 0.5 | — |
| RACHEL FIRESTONE | DIRECTOR (ENTERED 09/23) | 0.5 | — |
| STEPHEN HALPERN | DIRECTOR | 0.5 | — |
| DAVID KNOLL | DIRECTOR | 0.5 | — |
| LARRY LEBOWITZ | DIRECTOR | 0.5 | — |
| ROSANNE M LEVINE | DIRECTOR | 0.5 | — |
| DANIEL MAGRISH | DIRECTOR | 0.5 | — |
| PHILIP MILCH | DIRECTOR (EXITED 09/23) | 0.5 | — |
| MICHAEL MILCH | DIRECTOR (ENTERED 09/23) | 0.5 | — |
| SHARON NOVAK | DIRECTOR (ENTERED 09/23) | 0.5 | — |
| MELISSA RACKOFF | DIRECTOR | 0.5 | — |
| JANE ROLLMAN | DIRECTOR | 0.5 | — |
| TODD ROSENFELD | DIRECTOR | 0.5 | — |
| STACEY SEEWALD | DIRECTOR (ENTERED 09/23) | 0.5 | — |
| TANYA KOUL STRAUSBAUGH | DIRECTOR | 0.5 | — |
| SHARON WERNER | DIRECTOR | 0.5 | — |
| JEFFREY FINKELSTEIN | PRESIDENT/CEO | 50 | $468,502 |
| DAVID WORK | VP & CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER | 50 | $192,446 |
| BRIAN EGLASH | SR VP & CHIEF DEVELOPMENT | 50 | $279,185 |
| JESSICA BROWN SMITH | VP & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER | 50 | $189,823 |
| ADAM HERTZMAN | ASSOCIATE VP OF MARKETING | 50 | $143,179 |
| ROI MEZARE | ASSOCIATE VP OF DEVELOPMENT | 50 | $124,748 |
| SHAWN BROKOS | DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY SECURITY | 50 | $146,303 |
| DANIEL SCHIFF | FOUNDATION SCHOLAR | 50 | $128,863 |
| ZIPORA GUR | DIRECTOR CLASSROOMS WITHOUT | 50 | $122,897 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh announced the distribution of $1.7 million in state security grants to 30 local Jewish organizations in the Pittsburgh region, reflecting the organization's strategic priority of combating antisemitism and enhancing community security.
Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh Announces $1.7 Million in State SecurityThe Federation also awarded over $500,000 in grants through its grantmaking programs.
$1.7M in security grants awarded to 30 Jewish organizations ... - WPXISubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh fund?
**Mission:** Cultivate resources, connect people and collaborate across the community to live and fulfill Jewish values. The Federation's work is guided by the principle of Tikkun Olam (the healing and repair of the world). Strategic priorities include: • Combating antisemitism and enhancing security • Teen mental health • Young adult engagement • Enabling the elderly to age well • Supporting Israel The organization funds programs addressing health, social services, education, and Jewish contin…
How do I apply for a grant from Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh?
**Grant Range:** $1,000 - $291,000 (program dependent) **Annual Giving:** $20.2 million (2022); $20.9 million (recent); $47.8 million in total revenues (2024) **Total Giving:** $28.9 million (2024) **Decision Timeline:** Varies by program; SteelTree Fund meets 3-4 times per year; typical decision time is 3 months **Application Process:** Grant inquiries and applications are submitted through the grant portal at grantmakingportal.smapply.io. General grant information is available at jewishpgh.or…
Where does Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh make grants?
The Federation funds programs in: • **Local:** Pittsburgh region including Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Lawrence, Washington, and Westmoreland counties • **International:** Israel and overseas communities
What size grants does Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh award?
In 2024, Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh awarded 189 grants totaling $27.7M — an average of about $147K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh's EIN?
Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 25-1017602. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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