Emerging Philanthropists Council: Yael Schranze, Danial Watts, Zach Sissel, Marah Gordon, Joshua Sissel, Johny Williamson, Leo Kamer, and Lindsey Foer. Not pictured are Evan Gordon, Ellie Gordon, Liora Kaplan, and Jonathan Peck.
The Emerging Philanthropists Council was established with a Fund created at Tidewater Jewish Foundation to help Jewish teens learn about philanthropy by conducting their own grants process.
In its first year, the EPC learned about tzedakah and how to think about different needs of individuals and communities when making philanthropic decisions.
Representatives from Chabad of Tidewater, Jewish Family Service, Beth Sholom Village, BBYO, and the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater met with the teens and presented about their agencies and how they serve the community.
Grant proposals were then submitted and the teens determined how to distribute $1,000.
The first grant of $500 went to Jewish Family Service to purchase 50 $10 gift cards so families in need could obtain perishable groceries. EPC members felt it was important for people to have access to fresh food in addition to traditional food pantry staples that are usually canned or boxed.
The EPC granted another $500 to Be A Reader to help purchase books and other educational materials for some of the 100 students from Title 1 schools who are part of the Be A Reader program. EPC members liked this request because they felt it would have both a short- and long-term impact, helping children develop a love for reading and learning and opening the door of opportunity for them.
The EPC will meet again in the Fall of 2019. To get involved, contact Barb Gelb, UJFT director of development, at 757-965-6105 or bgelb@ujft.org.
Barb Gelb