PHILANTHROPY NEW YORK—Who is in your foundation’s sphere of responsibility? This is a fundamental question that every philanthropy needs to ask as it considers its resources, mission, and impact. For many PNY members, the shorthand answer is “New Yorkers.” Ensuring equity for all New York residents in health care, education, safety, basic needs, the environment, is the substance of our work.
When your foundation next considers its sphere of responsibility, don’t forget the needs of Jewish New Yorkers and the nonprofits that serve them. The New York metropolitan area is home to more than 1.3 million Jews. The community is diverse, stretching across socio-economic strata and lived experiences. UJA Federation New York reports that one in five Jewish households are either poor (12%) or near-poor (8%), which is defined as those who have challenges meeting basic needs but do not qualify for government assistance. CUNY is home to more than 13,000 Jewish students. Like their peers, these are largely first-generation, commuter college students, holding down jobs and caregiving duties, and struggling to complete a degree. Jews are new immigrants, the uninsured, isolated LGBTQ youth, victims of violence. They all require our care.
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