JewishColumbus Youth Foundation (JCYF) Program

JewishColumbus Youth Foundation (JCYF)

Overview: A dynamic annual program designed to engage local high school leaders in the philanthropic process. Participants become grantmakers, deciding how to allocate $10,000 to Jewish causes in Columbus.

Geographic Scope: Columbus, Ohio area

Focus Areas: Jewish causes in Columbus aligned with a chosen funding priority

Key Features:

Just 5 sessions per year

Learn Jewish values in action

Be inspired by philanthropy and community impact

Connect with other Jewish teens

Build confidence, purpose & pride

Boost college resume

Earn service hours

Build leadership & teamwork skills

Teens decide where $10,000 in grants go

Eligibility Requirements:

B'nai Tzedek Fund (BTF) Holder (required)

Rising 9th–12th grader

Donate a minimum of $36 from your BTF to the granting pool

About B'nai Tzedek: A program of JewishColumbus which encourages teens to become involved in tzedakah by establishing a Fund for charitable giving. When you donate $125, JewishColumbus and the Mitzi Saeman Fund contribute $375 to your gift, giving you a starting balance of $500 from which to donate to other nonprofit organizations.

Session Dates (2025-2026):

Sunday, September 28, 2025

Sunday, November 16, 2025

Sunday, January 11, 2026

Sunday, February 1, 2026

Sunday, April 12, 2026

Status: 2025-2026 JCYF Applications are now closed. Information about the next cohort is pending.

Contact: Rabbi Yoni Nadiv at yoni@jewishcolumbus.org

Contact Info:

JewishColumbus

1175 College Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43209

(614) 237-7686

info@jewishcolumbus.org