Jewish Federation of Orange County
Jewish Federation of Orange County (JFedOC) is a public charity based in Irvine, California. It convenes and leads the local Jewish community, supports people in need, and works to sustain Jewish life in Orange County, Israel, and globally. Its website says it has been active in Orange County since 1965.
Jewish Federation of Orange County at a glance
In short: Jewish Federation of Orange County gave $1.4M across 12 grants in 2024 (avg $113K), mostly in New York. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $1,350,689
- -12.9% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 12
- -33.3% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $112,557
- +30.6% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $37,500
- Total assets
- $14,735,910
- +5.3% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- New York (59% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026.
How to apply to Jewish Federation of Orange County
- Next open deadline
- March 15, 2027 (Passport to Jewish Life Grants)
- Contact
Mailing address: 1 Federation Way 210, Irvine, CA 92603
Phone: (949) 435-3484
Website: https://jewishorangecounty.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
2 open opportunities from Jewish Federation of Orange County
Who Jewish Federation of Orange County funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Jewish Federations of North America Inc ($792K). Together the top 10 received $1.3M.
Grant Size Distribution
55 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 34 grants of 55 (62%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
JFedOC’s stated purpose includes Orange County, Israel, and global Jewish communities. Its Passport to Jewish Life program is specifically for families residing in Orange County, California. In 2024, 59% of reported grant dollars went to recipients in New York and 41% to recipients in California.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 12 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How Jewish Federation of Orange County gives
- 75% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+4%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $144K (2020) to $1.6M (2023). In 2024 it made 12 grants totaling $1.4M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Jewish Federations of North America Inc New York, NY | Israel & Overseas; Fair Share | $792,323 |
| Jewish Family Service of San Diego San Diego, CA | Holocaust Survivor Program | $219,216 |
| Hillel Foundation of Orange County Irvine, CA | Rose Project Grant; Teen Initiative Grant | $90,000 |
| Merage Jewish Community Center of Orange County Irvine, CA | Passports Camp Grants; Arts Grant; Teen Initiative Grants | $77,550 |
| Jewish Educators Association of Orange County Long Beach, CA | Teen Initiative Grant | $50,000 |
| Chabad Jewish Center of Mission Viejo Mission Viejo, CA | Teen Initiative Grant | $50,000 |
| Congregation B'nai Israel Tustin, CA | Teen Initiative Grant | $25,000 |
| Jewish Community Foundation of Orange County Irvine, CA | Unused 2023 Grants Funds (Jfedoc - Fedleads) | $10,000 |
| Chabad at UCI Irvine, CA | Rose Project Grant | $10,000 |
| Camp Ramah in California Encino, CA | Passports Camp Grants | $10,000 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $14,735,910 | $4,719,188 | $4,566,375 | $1,350,689 | 12 | $464,499 |
| 2023 | $13,988,874 | $5,967,405 | $4,342,335 | $1,551,469 | 18 | $229,300 |
| 2022 | $12,101,865 | $4,860,563 | $4,417,692 | $1,275,542 | 15 | $206,615 |
| 2021 | $13,584,328 | $5,181,457 | $5,666,763 | $1,292,925 | 9 | $411,748 |
| 2020 | $14,742,379 | $5,875,747 | $4,859,900 | $143,863 | 1 | $208,207 |
| 2019 | $13,291,460 | $6,003,044 | $6,835,377 | $616,145 | 16 | $113,145 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
JFedOC’s stated mission is to convene, engage, and lead the Orange County Jewish community and its partners; leverage resources to enhance and sustain Jewish life; assist Jews in need; mobilize on issues of local concern; and strengthen its bond with Israel and Jewish people globally.
Its reported activities include assistance for Holocaust survivors, adults with disabilities, and households needing social-service support. Grantmaking and other programs support Israel-related humanitarian relief, teen engagement and wellness, Jewish summer and educational experiences, Jewish campus programming, and arts and cultural events. The organization also reports programs in community relations, Jewish learning and identity, and leadership development.
The 2024 grants show support for a range of Jewish organizations. Among the grantees described in their own terms, Jewish Family Service of San Diego says it works to build a stronger, healthier, more resilient San Diego; the Jewish Community Center of Orange County says its mission is to enrich Jewish life through county-wide recreational, social, educational, and cultural activities; and the Jewish Community Foundation of Orange County says it seeks to foster a culture of legacy and meaningful giving. The Jewish Federations of North America describes its work as mobilizing philanthropic and social resources to protect and enhance the well-being of Jews worldwide.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, JFedOC reported 12 grants totaling $1,350,689. Grants ranged from $6,600 to $792,323, with a median grant of $37,500. The largest awards were $792,323 to the Jewish Federations of North America for Israel and overseas “fair share” support, and $219,216 to Jewish Family Service of San Diego for a Holocaust survivor program. Other notable awards included $90,000 to Hillel Foundation of Orange County for Rose Project and teen initiative grants, and $77,550 to Merage Jewish Community Center of Orange County for camp, arts, and teen initiative grants.
JFedOC’s website describes Passport to Jewish Life grants for Orange County students’ Jewish educational experiences, including eligible summer programs. Students must reside in Orange County; summer-program applicants must be in grades 3–12. RootOne-subsidized programs are excluded. The website says Passport awards are sent directly to the program provider, and that awards are subject to a $1,800 lifetime cap per student. The listed deadline for the program is March 15, 2027.
For organizational grants, the 2024 filing says grantmaking committees determine eligibility and selection criteria, which vary by program. Grantees must provide tax-exemption documentation and year-end reports assessing program results; program-grant reports also compare proposed and actual expenses. The Teen Engagement & Wellness Initiative page says its application is closed; it describes the initiative as supporting innovative tween and teen programs addressing engagement and wellness needs.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Amir Kahana as chair of the board; Danielle Bronner as secretary; and Barry Grossman as treasurer. Directors listed are Heather Kline, Lori Schwartz, Sharon Beck, Naomi Blesofsky, Yael Aronoff, Jason Feld, and Roger Friedman.
Jewish Federation of Orange County is led by Erik Ludwig, President & Chief Executive Officer on every filing since 2022; 4 of 25 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Erik Ludwig
President & Chief Executive Officer
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$193K (2022) → $363K (2024)
Amir Kahana
Chair of the Board
Director → Secretary, 2023
Secretary → Chair of the Board, 2024
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Heather Kline
Director
Vice Chair of the Board → Chair of the Board, 2021
Chair of the Board → Director, 2024
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lori Schwartz
Director
Chair of the Board → Immediate Past Chair, 2020
Immediate Past Chair → Director, 2021
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Roger F. Friedman
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Yael Aronoff
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sam Wyman
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Stuart Wolfe
Director
Secretary → Director, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Andrea Alfi
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Anna Putterman
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sharon Beck
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Patty Seyburn
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Steve Kaufman
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Bentley Kerr
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jason Feld
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Len Simon
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Naomi Blesofsky
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Peter Macdonald
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Howard Levy
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Margot Shapiro
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kathleen Mellon
Chief Administrative Officer
Senior Director → Chief Administrative Officer, 2021
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$112K (2019) → $136K (2024)
Stephanie Epstein
Chief Philanthropy Officer
Senior Director → Chief Philanthropy Officer, 2021
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$109K (2019) → $140K (2024)
Adina Kosoff
Controller
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$144K (2023) → $150K (2024)
Barry Grossman
Treasurer
Director → Treasurer, 2023
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Danielle Bronner
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (27)
- Former: Adam Miller (2019–2023) — Director
- Former: David Siegel (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Rabbi David Eliezrie (2019–2022) — Director
- Former: Rabbi Nico Socolovsky (2019–2022) — Director
- Former: Marsie Alford (2020–2022) — Chief Financial Officer
- Former: Allan Gindi (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Daniel Roizman (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Dmitriy Chebotarev (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Rebbetzin Naomi Blesofsky (2022) — Director
- Former: Arlene Miller (2019–2021) — President & CEO
- Former: Kenny Beard (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Nadine Durbach (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Stephen H. Gordon (2020–2021) — Immediate Past Chair
- Former: Eric Kramer (2019–2020) — Director
- Former: Gwen Gluckman (2019–2020) — Director
- Former: Lori Reznick (2019–2020) — Director
- Former: Marc Garelick (2019–2020) — Director
- Former: Michael Shapiro (2019–2020) — Director
- Former: Bernie Labowitz (2019) — Director
- Former: Bonnie Widerman (2019) — Director
- Former: Deborah Siminou (2019) — Director
- Former: Doris Jacobson (2019) — Director
- Former: Frank Ellis (2019) — Director
- Former: James M. Weiss MD (2019) — Director
- Former: Jonathan Gerber (2019) — Director
- Former: Lauren Gavshon Brand (2019) — COO
- Former: Susan Levinstein (2019) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $363K, to Erik Ludwig (President & Chief Executive Officer). 4 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Jewish Federation of Orange County
How much does Jewish Federation of Orange County give each year?
Jewish Federation of Orange County gave $1.4M across 12 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $1.6M across 18 grants.
What is Jewish Federation of Orange County's typical grant size?
Jewish Federation of Orange County's median grant in 2024 was $37,500, and its average grant was $112,557, across 12 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990.
Where does Jewish Federation of Orange County give grants?
Jewish Federation of Orange County gives mostly in New York: 59% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest state was California (41%). The most frequent recipient cities were Irvine, CA (4 grants).
Does Jewish Federation of Orange County give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 12 grants with a stated purpose on Jewish Federation of Orange County's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Teen Initiative Grant" (3 grants).
Who are Jewish Federation of Orange County's largest grantees?
Jewish Federation of Orange County's largest 2024 grantees include Jewish Federations of North America Inc ($792,323), Jewish Family Service of San Diego ($219,216) and Hillel Foundation of Orange County ($90,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 82% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Jewish Federation of Orange County?
Jewish Federation of Orange County reported $14.7M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $4.7M.
What does Jewish Federation of Orange County fund?
JFedOC’s stated mission is to convene, engage, and lead the Orange County Jewish community and its partners; leverage resources to enhance and sustain Jewish life; assist Jews in need; mobilize on issues of local concern; and strengthen its bond with Israel and Jewish people globally. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Jewish Federation of Orange County?
Jewish Federation of Orange County has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check jewishorangecounty.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Jewish Federation of Orange County's EIN?
Jewish Federation of Orange County's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 95-2407026. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS November 19, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 15, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 15, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS October 13, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS September 17, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS October 5, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work Jewish Federation of Orange County funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
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Browse active grant opportunities in Jewish Federation of Orange County's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Jewish Federation of Orange County funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 22, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/jewish-federation-of-orange-county-morg_ceef4bc196794effa423f0f978c9167a
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_952407026_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Jewish Federation of Orange County funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/jewish-federation-of-orange-county-morg_ceef4bc196794effa423f0f978c9167a},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-22. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Jewish Federation of Orange County's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Jewish Federation of Orange County down — hundreds of funders to go?