Applications are being accepted for the 2016-2017 cohorts of the Jewish Teen Foundations. A program of the S.F.-based Jewish Community Federation, the JTF offers teens the opportunity to explore Jewish values, develop leadership skills and practice real-life philanthropy.
Every year, the JTF brings together 25 high school students from across the Bay Area who form boards, collectively raise money and issue grants. The teens attend retreats and board meetings, create a mission statement and gain practice raising and disbursing funds to charities they select.
The JTF includes three chapters: South Peninsula, North Peninsula and Marin/San Francisco. Since the program began in 2004, the JTF has raised more than $1.8 million, funding 250 grants to local, Israeli and global nonprofits. Areas that have benefited from JTF funding over the years include access to clean drinking water, human rights, environmental crises, at-risk youth and aid for victims of natural disasters.
To apply, go to www.jewishfed.org/get-involved/jewish-teen-foundations#overview.