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 $337,000 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 $1,000 (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@MilwaukeeJewish.org.
2022 Grant Recipients
Benedict Center Inc.
$5,000 for Sister’s Program North
Penfield Children’s Center
$5,000 for Early Intervention Services
Tikkun Ha-lr of Milwaukee
$5,000 for Veggie Chop Shop
NAMI – Greater Milwaukee
$5,000 for Peer Support for Women
Philippine Cultural and Civic Center Foundation, lnc.
$5,000 for the Free Medical Clinic
Legal Action of Wisconsin, Inc.
$5,000 for the Milwaukee Family Law Unit
JWEF Grant Application
The Jewish Women’s Endowment Fund is now accepting applications for 2023. If you would like to be included in our request for proposals, please contact JWEF@MilwaukeeJewish.org.
