Jewish Women’s Endowment Fund
Who we are
The Jewish Women’s Endowment Fund (JWEF) is a community endowment fund for Jewish women in Milwaukee. In 1993, a group of 41 women gave a collective gift of over $100,000 to establish this permanent fund within the Jewish Community Foundation (the endowment development program of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation). The interest generated each year is used to fund grants to Milwaukee nonprofit organizations – both Jewish and non-Jewish – that directly benefit women and children. The grants process is administered by Women’s Philanthropy of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation and a committee of JWEF members who volunteer their time. Watch JWEF members talk about being involved with the fund.
Our Impact
The Jewish Women’s Endowment Fund responds to critical needs in the Milwaukee community by making grants focused on programs relating to women’s health care, women’s economic self-sufficiency, and children at risk. Since 1995, the Fund has awarded grants of over $400,000 benefitting 66 local agencies and has grown to over 240 members.
How you can join
You can join the Jewish Women’s Endowment Fund with a one-time gift of $1500 (or $500 for women 35 and under), payable over two years. Members are welcome and encouraged to continue giving to the Fund going forward.
There are several ways you can increase your gift or become a member of JWEF.
- Click here to make your gift online (please include “Jewish Women’s Endowment Fund” or “JWEF” in your submission).
- If you want to use your Donor Advised Fund (DAF) at the Jewish Community Foundation, you can use the Fund Portal or however you normally recommend grants from your DAF.
- Contact Sowa Unora at 414-390-5712 or Jen Vettrus at 414-390-5722, at the Jewish Community Foundation, to learn more about how to make your JWEF contribution.
For more information, please contact JWEF.WI@Gmail.com
Support JWEF
Support the Jewish Women’s Endowment Fund by purchasing a pack of greeting cards featuring art by local Jewish artist, Amy Gelfman. Purchase cards.
2023 Grant Recipients
Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center
$10,000 for lesson plans with EDOT Midwest Regional Jewish Diversity and Racial Justice Collaborative to add to digital Holocaust Education toolkit
Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, Inc.
$5,000 for creating 1,200 hygiene kits to distribute to unhoused people in Milwaukee
Meta House
$5,000 for supporting the Economic Self Sufficiency Program
Malaika Early Learning Center
$5,250 for funding the outdoor education/play area at new location at ThriveOnKing Project
Jewish Family Services
$5,250 for funding the School-Based Mental Health Progam
JWEF Grant Application
The Jewish Women’s Endowment Fund is now accepting applications for 2024. If you would like to be included in our request for proposals, please contact JWEF.WI@Gmail.com
