Jewish Federation of San Antonio

The Federation awards grants to other nonprofit organizations thru grant proposals, donor recommendations and in alignment with specific fund agreement terms. Grants are awarded based upon need from the annual campaign, donor recommendations and fund agreements. Grants issued range from summer youth camperships and scholarships to private high schools. Educational scholarships are largely to secondary institutions of learning to provide tuition assistance for specific enrolled students based upon their academic performance and financial need as defined in the fund agreement, or by board approval. Other grants are generally to Jewish nonprofits or are designated by donors based upon their charitable giving. More than 100 grants, scholarships and camperships, collectively, are awarded each year.

The Jewish journal is a local publication (digital & print) of international, national and local news related to events impacting judaism and the Jewish community. It serves as a tool of communication to inform and create a greater understanding of current and past issues facing judaism and the local, national and international Jewish community. 3,000 subscribers received the journal during the fiscal year.

Our holocaust programming educates and promotes a greater understanding of the extermination of jews and other ethnicities leading up to world war ii. Our main tool to meet this mission is thru the "holocaust memorial museum of San Antonio" (hmmsa). Hmmsa honors the memory of the jews whose lives were consumed in the wave of nazi hatred and violence that engulfed europe from 1933-1945 through its exhibits and educational lessons which explore issues of bigotry, racism and indifference. The museum and outreach programs are dedicated to create a more just society that recognizes the inherent value of every individual and celebrates the common humanity of all people. Hmmsa has impacted over 40,000 students and visitors annually by its programs through schools, other academic institutions and the internet. Every two years a benefit is held to support the museum. This fiscal year included proceeds from such benefit.

The Jewish community relations council (jcrc) of the Jewish Federation of San Antonio shall inform the Jewish and non-jewish community on matters, problems and events which are regarded as significantly affecting the local Jewish community and shall mobilize action on such matters when appropriate. The jcrc shall interpret the position and needs of the Jewish people throughout the world for the San Antonio community and shall foster amicable relationships with and between other religious, ethnic, and racial groups professionally with problems involving overt or potential anti-semitism affecting the San Antonio Jewish community.

The pj library program offers age appropriate books to Jewish children and youth every month, along with opportunities to participate in a variety of programs throughout the year. Each month the books are delivered to the home for parents and children to create moments of reading together with the added benefit of Jewish learning. The events provide opportunities to meet other Jewish families from around San Antonio, and these families can form connections that will last a life time. The pj library program hosts events that include celebrations of various Jewish and national holidays, as well as partnerships with local synagogues and Jewish schools.