*B’nai Tzedek Youth Philanthropy Program of Greater Phoenix (B’nai Tzedek) is an initiative of Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix (CJP).

Philanthropy: Phil = love | Anthropy = humankind

Mentoring Young Philanthropists 

At the Jewish Community Foundation, we value our heritage as a people committed to make the world a better place. Passing along the value of charitable giving starts with our children. We concentrate on teens in grades 7 through 12, empowering them to view themselves as able to make a difference through social action and by envisioning themselves, even in their youth, as strategic philanthropists. Watch this video for an overview of the B’nai Tzedek Youth Philanthropy Program. 

The B’nai Tzedek Youth Philanthropy Program 

B’nai Tzedek redefines Jewish philanthropy by showing teens that they, too, can change the world through a personal and engaged relationship to lifelong giving. Participants learn about modern philanthropy and apply their knowledge by making heartfelt grants from their own long-term B’nai Tzedek charitable funds to the organizations and causes they care about. Whether it’s ending hunger, poverty, and homelessness, or supporting animal rescue, medical research, programs in Israel, sports opportunities, international aid, education, social services, music, and more, the B’nai Tzedek Youth Philanthropy Program helps teens find organizations working to address the causes that most concern them. They also learn about leadership, service, financial literacy, and long-term investing to use their funds for good — now and in the future. 

Briefly, the program offers teens: 

  • A memorable experience of youth leadership. 
  • An opportunity to deepen their commitment to social action. 
  • The chance to create and recommend grants from their own personal charitable endowment fund. 
  • The opportunity to engage in meaningful community service projects. 

Objectives of the program: 

  • To help every Jewish teen in the community establish a charitable endowment fund in their name. 
  • To empower Jewish teens to change the world through Jewish philanthropy, tzedakah, and tikkun olam. 
  • To provide Jewish teens with skills and knowledge from Jewish sources on giving, financial literacy, and modern philanthropy. 
  • To help Jewish teens establish relationships with Jewish organizations in our community and abroad. 
  • To offer the opportunity to network with other Jewish teens locally and nationally. 

Ready to start your own B’nai Tzedek Fund? LEARN MORE 

Activities and Time Commitment 

We understand busy teen schedules. B’nai Tzedek provides service opportunities for teens throughout the year with no minimum time commitment. Teens, in conversation with their parents, determine their level of involvement. Teens seeking deeper engagement in philanthropy and advocacy education can apply to serve on the Youth Philanthropy Board. 

Community Service 

B’nai Tzedek is a community of mitzvah-doers. Throughout the year, organizations will contact B’nai Tzedek looking for volunteers. We send these volunteer opportunities out by email to all teens on our email list. 

Sign up for our B’nai Tzedek email list. 

Join B’nai Tzedek and Make a Difference 

For more information or to join us now, complete the online Youth Philanthropy Board Application, or contact the JCF Director of Youth Philanthropy, Andrea Cohen. 

SUPPORT THE WORK OF B’NAI TZEDEK  GIVE NOW