JewishColumbus Youth Foundation (JCYF) Program

JewishColumbus Youth Foundation (JCYF)

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

Contact Info:

• JewishColumbus
• 1175 College Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43209
• (614) 237-7686
• info@jewishcolumbus.org

Application Process

Current Status: Applications for the 2025-2026 cohort are now closed.

Next Steps: Check back for information about how to apply for the next cohort.

Eligibility Verification:

1. Confirm B'nai Tzedek Fund holder status
2. Verify rising 9th-12th grade enrollment
3. Ensure minimum $36 donation from BTF to granting pool

For More Information:

• Contact Rabbi Yoni Nadiv at yoni@jewishcolumbus.org
• Call (614) 237-7686
• Email info@jewishcolumbus.org