COMMUNITY NEWS
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia mobilizes
financial and volunteer resources to address the
communities’ most critical priorities locally, in Israel and
around the world.

Always There: Jewish Federation Gives Additional
Resources to the Community During Funding Lull
A THIRD OF PRIVATE GIVING happens in the
first four weeks of a sudden disaster and the remaining
two-thirds of giving occurs within two months thereafter,
according to a 2018 report from the Center for Disaster
Philanthropy. This giving stops almost completely after
five or six months, with less funding available for the
critical phases of recovery and rebuilding.

But this has not been the case in the Jewish Greater
Philadelphia region. Due to the communities’ resilience
and continued generosity, the response to the economic,
social and emotional impact of COVID-19 has not followed
the general pattern of severe decline in resources over time.

Since last March, the Jewish Federation of Greater
Philadelphia has continually worked with local agencies
to address the needs of those most vulnerable. The
Jewish community donated millions of dollars and volun-
teered their time to provide nutritious meals to the food
insecure, friendly phone calls to and technology access for
28 MARCH 25, 2021
isolated seniors, three-ply surgical masks distribution to
first-responders and at-risk populations, job resources to
the newly unemployed, and other critical services.

This steadfast support is essential in adapting to
the ever-changing landscape of those in need and how
agencies are able to serve them.

“Providing food security for our community members
remains a priority and a challenge,” said Brian Gralnick,
director of the Jewish Federation’s social responsibility
efforts. “The pandemic has caused dramatic reductions
in the types of foods available from food banks and, as a
result, food pantries are spending more out of pocket to
make up for reduced supply and variety.”
In addition to the Jewish Federation’s ongoing relief
efforts, the organization was approached by The Jewish
Federations of North America (JFNA) with an opportunity
to make an even greater impact. It was a human services
match challenge, locally called the Maimonides Fund.

JEWISH EXPONENT
In just six short weeks, the Jewish Federation raised
more than $1 million, which was matched with $500,000
by JFNA for a total of $1.6 million of funding for service
agencies that focus on housing, food, medical care and
mental health assistance.

“The JFNA Funds were immensely helpful, because they
provided additional resources after the typical decrease
in disaster funding and created a way for donors to have
an even greater impact with their end of year giving,”
Gralnick said.

The Maimonides Fund grants were distributed to 13
local agencies as a way to provide rent or utility relief,
extra meals, technology upgrades and assistance, super-
market gift cards, transportation for clients to get their
COVID vaccines, and health and safety item purchases.

The funds will also help cover expenses for additional
staff and overtime costs that are necessary to meet the
growing demand.

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