The Institute conducts research about Jewish foundations, patterns of major gifts, and ideologies of giving. The context in which Jewish philanthropy takes place has changed radically in the last few years. The purposes for which funds are raised, the processes of collection and distribution, and the institutional landscape in the Jewish fundraising world are all being altered. Some of the underpinnings — philosophical, ideological and religious — in the Jewish fundraising system remain essentially unaltered, but the nuances of the purposes for which monies are raised have expanded and become more differentiated.

The Americanization of Jewish philanthropy has taken place. Jews are now so integrated into the American mainstream, that tzedakah (charity) has taken on more of the character of American philanthropy, and will continue to do so, representing less the religious tradition of Jews and more the civil tradition of philanthropy in the United States. Philanthropy among Jews mirrors certain aspects of the American system, especially among the very wealthy. Issues of power, gender, generation, and the roles of professionals all come into play. More Jews will make contributions based on American values of giving: voluntary associations, giving through personal choice, and supporting a wide variety of causes. They, like other Americans, will pick and choose that which they want to support, most often philanthropies for which they have some affinity or connection.

Over time, it will become even more difficult to discern what is different or distinctive about Jewish philanthropy from American philanthropy, other than support for Israel. Non-sectarian institutions will continue to garner time, attention, and philanthropic dollars. Jews may now have a natural affinity and loyalty to a whole new set of institutions and organizations — and they may not be Jewish.

Many professionals and lay leaders are more comfortable discussing what programs should be implemented or funded and what techniques should be developed to help raise money than how to build a comprehensive approach to Jewish giving. The focus in Jewish philanthropy will have to shift to ideology and structure. Jewish fundraising organizations will be forced to examine why they are raising money and for what purposes, the rationale for their fundraising efforts, the motivations for donor involvement and the emerging beliefs and myths concerning contemporary Jewish community. The Jewish community has matured beyond the current constraints of its own philanthropic system.

Publications

Tobin, Gary A. The Transition of Communal Values and Behavior in Jewish Philanthropy. San Francisco: Institute for Jewish & Community Research, 2001.

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Article

Karp, Alexander C., Gary A. Tobin, and Aryeh K. Weinberg. "An Exceptional Nation: American Philanthropy is Different Because America Is Different." Philanthropy Roundtable, November/December 2004.

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Foundations

The number of Jewish foundations has been growing rapidly in both size and number. Yet giving by most Jewish foundations is not very different from individual philanthropy. The differences that do exist between individual philanthropists and foundations are the result of a number of factors, including, whether or not the principal donor is still living, the size of the foundation, and the extent to which professional advice and assistance is utilized. Therefore, assessing needs has to take into account the human dynamic that is played out in this complex world. Understanding foundation needs means understanding human needs and the complications, ambivalences, contradictions, and mystery of human interactions.

One can hardly think of a more intense set of intersections than those between money, family, and religion. Jewish foundations are complex organizations filled with conflict, compassion, loyalty and disappointment, relationships between parents and children, siblings, friends and grandchildren. The terrain is filled with conflicting feelings of accomplishment and failure, generosity and greed, confidence and insecurity.

Jewish foundations today tend to be more of an extension of the personality or legacy of the principal than they are institutions accountable to the Jewish community. In order to understand Jewish foundations, it is necessary to appreciate some of the underlying ambivalence and confusion faced by principals. For many principals, the challenge is making the transition from the demands of the for-profit business world to the demands of the non-profit world of foundations.

Publications

Tobin, Gary A., Michael Austin, Meryle Weinstein, and Susan Austin. Jewish Foundations: A Needs Assessment Study. San Francisco: Institute for Jewish & Community Research, March, 1999.

Article

Tobin, Gary A. “Family Philanthropy's Mad Hatter” Foundation News & Commentary, January/February 2004.

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Mega-gifts in American Philanthropy

The Institute for Jewish & Community Research conducted a major study on mega-gifts, those of $10 million or more, comparing the general giving patterns to those of the Jewish community. This was the first extensive study of Jewish philanthropists making gifts at the highest level. The study captures giving between 1995 and 2000 and provides a systematic account of gifts $10 million and above. The Institute is continuing this research, expanding the study to track gifts of $1 million or more. We intend to publish a report on an annual basis.

Mega-giving is an important component of American philanthropy. Donors provide billions of dollars annually to non-profits through gifts of $1 million or more. The magnitude of the highest-end giving is such that major areas of society can be seriously influenced.

Contributions of this scale play a critical role in the overall health of the American philanthropic system. Individuals with the potential for the largest contributions are targeted by a multitude of organizations, agencies, institutions, and causes. Understanding the motivations of mega-givers will help organizations meet the expectations of their most important supporters.

Publications

Tobin, Gary A., Jeffrey R. Solomon and Alexander C. Karp. Mega-Gifts in American Philanthropy: General & Jewish Giving Patterns Between 1995-2000. San Francisco: Institute for Jewish & Community Research, 2003.

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Articles

Tobin, Gary A., Alex C. Karp & Aryeh K. Weinberg. "American Mega-Giving: A Comparison to Global Disaster Relief." Institute for Jewish & Community Research, 2005.

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Tobin, Gary A., “Getting Megagifts to the Neediest Causes,” The Chronicle of Philanthropy, May 1, 2003.

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Publication in Process

Mega-Gifts in American Philanthropy: General & Jewish Giving Patterns 2001. San Francisco: Institute for Jewish & Community Research. To be published 2006.

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