For Kids and Families
Teen Tzedek
Teen Tzedek gives Jewish teens in St. Louis the opportunity to become philanthropists today. By managing their own giving fund, teens learn the values of tzedakah (charity), civic responsibility, and leadership—while making a real difference in the community.
Empowering the Next Generation of Jewish Philanthropy
Teen Tzedek is designed to empower Jewish teens in St. Louis to take ownership of philanthropy, embedding a lifelong habit of giving and leadership. It’s a program that encourages meaningful engagement and civic responsibility by pairing teen-driven decision-making with structured support and education.
It’s suggested that teens start their funds during a significant life moment such as a bar or bat mitzvah.
How it Works
Start Your Fund:
Teens contribute $300 of their own money (from bar/bat mitzvah gifts, allowance, babysitting, etc.). The Kranzberg Family Foundation matches with $200, creating a $500 Teen Tzedek fund.
Give Back Every Year:
Teens add at least $18 annually and allocate gifts of $18 or more to local, national, or global nonprofits they care about.
Stay Engaged Through 12th Grade:
Teens keep their funds active by contributing annually and granting each year. A minimum fund balance of $100 must be maintained.
Grow Into Adulthood:
At age 20, funds convert into a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), giving participants the option to continue their philanthropic journey with the Federation.
Who Can Join
Teen Tzedek is open to Jewish teens from 7th through 12th grade
Enroll in Teen Tzedek
Why Join Teen Tzedek?
Make an Impact
Direct funds to causes you care about in St. Louis and beyond.
Earn Service Hours
Contributions and volunteer experiences can count toward school or community requirements.
Build Leadership Skills
This philanthropic experience fosters leadership development, civic awareness, and strengthens ties to local and global Jewish communities.
Stand Out for College and Beyond
Participation in Teen Tzedek enhances college applications by demonstrating leadership and community engagement.
Start a Lifelong Journey
Teen Tzedek serves as a stepping stone into your philanthropic journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Teen Tzedek Program work?
Teens learn how to become philanthropists by starting their own philanthropic accounts. The St. Louis-based Kranzberg Family Foundation provides a generous grant to match student contributions. An initial contribution of $500 ($200 from the Kranzberg Foundation and $300 from the student) per student allows teens to create their own philanthropic fund. The monies are invested and managed by the Jewish Federation.
When can I enroll in Teen Tzedek?
You can enroll in the program once you are in 7th grade. Our program is for both middle schoolers (7-8th grade) and high schoolers (9-12th grade).
Where does my money come from?
It can come from anywhere—your bar/bat mitzvah gifts, babysitting money, allowance, etc. You can also check with your congregation to see if they have any funds to contribute to your account.
What do I need to do to keep my fund active?
Each year you are required to add at least $18 to your fund. This amount goes toward the balance so that you will have more to allocate each year. You must also make your yearly allocation to keep your fund active.
Will Teen Tzedek help me figure out where I should donate my money?
Yes, Teen Tzedek will help you find an organization that supports causes you care about most. Just find your passion, and we will help match your interests with organizations that need help.
Who else is in Teen Tzedek?
Teens like you who want to make a difference and have fun learning and volunteering together!
How does the allocation process work?
Toward the end of each year you will be notified that it is time to choose the charity you would like to allocate to. This gives you the opportunity to select a non-profit organization, anywhere in the world, that is meaningful to you. The non-profit will be informed that the donation is coming from your fund! You can make as many allocations as you would like as long as each distribution to a 501c3 organization is at least $18 and you keep a minimum balance of $100 in the fund.
What happens in the future?
When you reach the age of 20, your fund will automatically become a Donor Advised Fund. If you do not have a $500 balance at that time, you will have a year to bring the balance up to the minimum of a Donor Advised Fund. If you do not wish to continue with the Donor Advised Fund, you can close your account by allocating the remaining funds to a charity so that your balance then becomes zero.
What if I decide to stop participating in the Teen Tzedek Program?
The remaining funds in your account will either be allocated to Jewish Federation as a donation or to your charity of choice.
