Ways to Give & to Get Funded

Supporting Foundations

Through targeted investments made by philanthropic members of our community, we are able to extend the reach of our mission. Our supporting foundations provide grants that uplift Jewish education, support older adults, engage future generations, and overall, strengthen the community in other meaningful and lasting ways.

Each foundation has its own funding priorities and application timelines. Together, they represent a powerful tool for driving community impact—one that is guided through the support and deep knowledge of The Jewish Federation community giving professionals.

What are the application deadlines for each Foundation?

Each supporting foundation operates on its own funding cycle and sets its own application deadlines. Timing may vary year to year, and some foundations accept applications by invitation only.
We recommend reviewing each foundation’s individual page (via the links above) for the most up-to-date information.

What are the requirements to apply for funding from a Supporting Foundation?

Each foundation has its own funding priorities and criteria, but all require that:

  • The applicant is a registered nonprofit organization (501(c)(3)) or has a fiscal sponsor.
  • The proposed program or initiative aligns with the foundation’s focus area — such as Jewish education, youth engagement, or older adult services.
  • The funding request fits within the typical grant range and scope of that foundation.

We encourage potential applicants to review each foundation’s guidelines via the links above and/or speak with a Federation staff member before submitting a proposal.

What are the requirements to start a Foundation?

To start a supporting foundation through the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, you typically need:

  • A minimum $1 million commitment to establish the fund.
  • A shared commitment to Federation’s mission and values.
  • A willingness to work in partnership with Federation staff, who offer expertise in Jewish community needs, program evaluation, and philanthropic advising.

Supporting foundations operate semi-autonomously, with their own board and funding focus, while benefiting from Federation’s infrastructure, community knowledge, and impact strategy.

If you’re interested in starting a foundation, please contact Karen Sher at ksher@jfedstl.org, or use the form below to explore next steps.