J., the Jewish News Weekly of Northern California, has received a $100,000 grant from the Lisa and Douglas Goldman Fund. It is the first foundation grant J. has received since becoming a 501(c)3 nonprofit last fall.

Douglas and Lisa Goldman, with J. publisher Steven Gellman (right) photo/cathleen maclearie

The grant, which may be renewed for a second year, will jumpstart J.’s two-year development initiative, which includes an ambitious digital enhancement plan.

“We are most appreciative of this grant from the Lisa and Douglas Goldman Fund,” said Jon Kaufman, president of J.’s board of directors. “We have a long and proud history of providing the Bay Area Jewish community with a first-rate newspaper, but we are new as a tax-exempt organization. While we have enjoyed generous financial support from our readers, this grant enables J. to move fully into the digital age of journalism so that we can meet the challenges of providing news in the 21st century.”

Explaining why his wife and he decided to award this substantial grant, Douglas Goldman said, “It’s an opportunity for the J. to both expand its online presence and update it, reach out to new audiences, and respond to what is becoming a very difficult atmosphere for print journalism.”

Noting his personal interest in genealogical research, Goldman said he was “particularly sensitive” to J.’s role as the primary record of Jewish life in the Bay Area, which will prove invaluable to future historians.

“It’s the current record of Jewish life — the source of general conversation about and to the Jewish community and beyond,” he said.

“This grant is extremely meaningful to us,” said Steven Gellman, J.’s publisher.  “It’s our first grant as a 501(c)3 and it’s rewarding to know that Doug and Lisa Goldman have recognized the importance of J.’s initiatives to build out our digital platforms.     

“With this, we will be able to begin our plans to connect and inspire a much larger number of people in our community at all age levels.” — j. staff