Grant Allows Atlanta Jewish Foundation to Expand Philanthropy

A challenge grant of up to $250,000 from an anonymous, well-respected national foundation can help the philanthropic advising arm of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta grow its assets to $1 billion in the next decade, according to Federation President and CEO Eric Robbins.

The grant allows the Federation to substantially grow the Atlanta Jewish Foundation, its planned giving, endowment and philanthropic advising arm. Over a two-year period, the grant will strengthen the internal infrastructure of AJF, support new staff positions, and significantly upgrade technology.

The Federation is part of the first cohort of PRESIDE, a new initiative that prepares board chairs, chairs-elect and their CEOs to lead with Jewish values, building a sustainable culture of intentional leadership and effective governance within their organizations.

“With this investment, Federation is on its way to becoming the primary driver of Jewish giving in metro Atlanta,” Robbins said. “Our board is committed to growing Atlanta Jewish Foundation and is absolutely confident that we can raise our share. We have already received commitments from more than 20 donors, including a substantial gift from The Breman Foundation.”

“These matching funds help us amplify AJF as an asset-based revenue stream that ensures our ability to fund Jewish community priorities. Atlanta Jewish Foundation currently has more than $429 million in assets under management. With this grant, AJF hopes to have $1 billion in assets under management within 10 years,” Robbins said.

Mark Silberman, Federation’s board chair, added, “Our commitment to growing Atlanta Jewish Foundation is right in step with philanthropic trends towards legacy planning and individualized giving. Donors want to direct their philanthropy to the things they care about most. With our deep understanding of Jewish community needs and the organizations that are addressing them, AJF offers donors a competitive advantage over commercial funds and advisors. We can help them manage their investments wisely and, at the same time, express their highest philanthropic priorities.”

Helen Zalik, a Federation board member who helped shape the grant proposal, underscored the role a robust Foundation can play. “Federation has a vision to become a true philanthropic champion in Atlanta, with the capacity and the influence to make big things happen. By investing in Atlanta Jewish Foundation’s infrastructure, I am confident that Federation will now be able to engage people who want to have local and global impact but have never done it through the Jewish community. This is a tremendous opportunity to broaden our donor base and do good in the world.”

The Federation is one of 15 Jewish organizations selected to participate in the PRESIDE program.