Departments

Teen Philanthropy

2022-23 Teen Philanthropy Board

The Teen Philanthropy Board is a diverse group of Jewish students in grades nine through twelve from the greater Milwaukee area. Students attend sessions centered around grant-making, non-profit functions, and the philanthropic model through a Jewish lens.

We are no longer accepting applications for the 22-23 Teen Philanthropy Board. If you have questions about the application process, please contact Jennifer Saber, Teen Philanthropy Coordinator.

2022-23 Teen Philanthropy Board RFP

Now accepting grant applications for the 2022-23 TPB grant cycle. Eligible organizations can apply to receive one of four (4) grants for up to $4,500 each. Applications are due by March 10, 2023.

View the application and eligibility requirements: PDF | Word

Through the lens of our Jewish values, The Milwaukee Jewish Federation Teen Philanthropy Board grants funds to groups who apply for these causes: 

• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (Race, Gender, Disabilities and Mental Health)
• Environmental Sustainability
• Hate and Antisemitism   
• Poverty/Homelessness/Food Insecurity

The Teen Philanthropy Board creates impact by:

• Fostering a new generation of teen leaders; 
• Teaching consensus-building collaboration 
• Allocating funds to non-profit organizations with shared values;
• Giving back to our community through philanthropic assistance;
• Encouraging involvement and understanding of our community;

The 2021-22 Teen Philanthropy Board Grant Ceremony

The 2021-22 Teen Philanthropy Board’s activities culminated with a Grant Ceremony on May 22, 2022. The Teens made grants to four Milwaukee organizations and two Israel organizations.

Thank you to the Teens and those who supported them along the way for their service to the community.

What is Teen Philanthropy?

The Milwaukee Jewish Teen Philanthropy Board is a community-wide program that engages Jewish teens in a communal giving and learning effort to achieve our goal of Tikkun Olam, “repairing the world”.

A diverse group of Jewish students in high school from the greater Milwaukee area attend monthly sessions centered around grant making, non-profit functions, and the philanthropic model.

In empowering teens to use philanthropy as a means to make social change, the sessions cover a variety of topics ranging from understanding community need, developing grant strategies, evaluating grant proposals, performing site visits and practicing strategic decision-making and consensus-building techniques.

What does Teen Philanthropy do?

The 2021-2022 Teen Philanthropy Board (fifth cohort) allocated funds to the below organizations after a thorough vetting and decision-making process.

• Friendship Circle of Wisconsin
• Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
• The Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center
• JCC Rainbow Day Camp
• Miri Belish Morad Breast Health Institute
• Porsot Knafaim (Spreading Wings) Project

Quotes from Board Members

“The board acts as a meeting point between Jewish teenagers and the local community.”

“This program was different from other Jewish experiences because it wasn’t just about having fun, it was also about making a difference.”

“MJTPB helped me feel that I could be a change maker in the world. I enjoyed being able to make a decision that took time and long thinking.”

“I have developed the ability to support my ideas with evidence to prove and justify why I advocate for it.”

Contact

If you have any questions about the Milwaukee Jewish Teen Philanthropy Board, please contact Jennifer Saber, Teen Philanthropy Coordinator.

The Teen Philanthropy program was made possible by a grant from the Bud & Sue Selig Donor Advised Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation.