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"The mission of the Oregon Jewish Community Youth Foundation is to secure the future of Jewish philanthropy and to develop a strong generation of future Jewish leaders."



The Oregon Jewish Community Youth Foundation (OJCYF) is an initiative of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation designed to fuel a lifelong passion for philanthropy and social activism. Through OJCYF, students develop a deep understanding of the importance of non-profits and their inner workings.

They will evaluate local secular and Jewish charities through in depth site visits, individual research projects (including job shadowing and internships), and a year long fund raising effort that culminates in a series of student-run allocations.

Along the way, students will learn valuable leadership skills, experience what it is like to be on a board, and feel the challenges and satisfaction of philanthropy while developing a sense of responsibility in giving back to the community.



View the 2010-2011 Meeting Schedule



View OJCYF's Movies on You Tube!

Inside the OJCYF
OJCYF: The Future is Now


OJCYF in the News


Inspired six years ago as a Bat Mitzvah project by Julia Weiss, OJCYF and its student board have since personally fund raised and allocated over $140,000 to over 70 non profits, primarily within the Portland metro area. In 2008, the success of the OJCYF was recognized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Oregon and SW Washington Chapter as the Most Outstanding Innovative Philanthropy Project in Oregon.

The OJCYF is special in that it fully entrusts to its teen members the decision making power of how the money they've raised will actually be spent. Every dollar they raise goes back into the community with compound impact. The empowered OJCYF youth learn how to be passionate, confident, mature leaders as they develop a sense of citizen responsibility, and a life long love for philanthropy.

Some of the requirements of this program are:
  • participation in group discussions and decision making
  • making presentations
  • fundraising and obtaining sponsorships
  • conducting site visits to non profit organization and interviewing their representatives
  • High School age, 9th through 12th grade
Expectations include a commitment to attend monthly meetings. A schedule will be posted prior to the beginning of the school year. Each participant is required to contribute a minimum of $100.00 (this money can be raised from friends, family and other sources) which may be augmented with available matching grants. They also should be willing to share their experiences with their classes, youth groups, congregations and the Jewish communities.

For more information on this important program, please call Julie Diamond at (503) 248-9328.

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The Oregon Jewish Community Foundation | 610 SW Broadway, Suite 407 | Portland, OR 97205 | (503) 248-9328 Phone | (503) 248-9323 Fax
Copyright 2010 The Oregon Jewish Community Foundation