OJCYF

The mission of the Oregon Jewish Community Youth Foundation is to empower Jewish teenagers to take action that aligns with their Jewish values and establish a culture of giving as future community leaders. OJCYF encourages discussion and application of Jewish values by giving teens the responsibility to fundraise and grant money to Jewish and secular nonprofit organizations.

The Oregon Jewish Community Youth Foundation (OJCYF) is a program designed to encourage a lifelong passion for Jewish philanthropy and social activism. Through OJCYF, students develop a deep understanding of the importance of nonprofits and their inner workings. They evaluate local Jewish and secular charities through in-depth site visits and plan and lead an annual fundraising dinner event. The year culminates in a series of student-run grant reviews and fund allocations.

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

OJCYF is special in that it fully entrusts its teen members with deciding how the money they’ve raised will be granted to the community through a Jewish lens. Empowered OJCYF youth learn how to be passionate, confident, mature leaders as they develop into responsible citizens with a lifelong love for Jewish philanthropy.

Questions? Contact Sonia Marie Leikam, Collaborative Giving Program Coordinator, or call 503.248.9328.