Jewish Women’s Giving Foundation Awards Grants to Empower Women and Girls in Baltimore and Israel

The Jewish Women’s Giving Foundation (JWGF), a program of The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, has recently awarded seven grants to organizations in Baltimore and Israel. These grants are aimed at supporting women and girls who face significant challenges, including lack of access to education, employment, housing insecurity, and sexual exploitation. This initiative highlights the critical role of collective philanthropy in addressing urgent needs and fostering lasting change.

Julie Newman, outgoing chair of JWGF, noted the record number of grant requests received this year, reflecting both the extensive work being done and the persistent needs within these communities. Since its inception 22 years ago, JWGF has granted over 2.5 million dollars to support innovative solutions for women and girls locally and globally.

Among the recipients is the American Friends of Magen David Adom, which operates a National Human Milk Bank providing essential nutrition to vulnerable infants. The Baltimore Abortion Fund (BAF) is another grantee, offering financial and logistical support for abortion care, aiming to reduce stigma and build a community of care in Baltimore.

The Baltimore Hunger Project (BHP) addresses period poverty among young girls, ensuring they have access to menstrual products to improve school attendance and academic performance. The Goucher Prison Education Partnership (GPEP) offers college education to incarcerated women, empowering them as scholars and leaders.

In Israel, the Haifa Rape Crisis Center (HRCC) supports survivors of sexual violence and works to prevent future assaults. Back in Baltimore, HER Resiliency Center aids young women overcoming hardships like homelessness and addiction, while PIVOT focuses on reentry and workforce development for women impacted by the criminal justice system.

These grants represent a significant investment in the welfare and empowerment of women and girls, addressing a wide range of issues from education and health to justice and employment. The Jewish Women’s Giving Foundation's continued commitment to these causes underscores the importance of targeted philanthropy in creating meaningful change.