Beyond Tradition: The Four Key Trends Redefining Jewish Philanthropy
The landscape of Jewish philanthropy is in the midst of a profound transformation, accelerated by the seismic events of recent years. For instance, the sudden rise in antisemitism has led many donors to critically re-evaluate their giving strategies and priorities. This dynamic evolution presents both exciting opportunities and crucial considerations for donors and organizations alike. Hoplin Jackson has a front row seat to these emerging trends and a finger on the pulse of best practices to create tailored and well-defined approaches aligned with donor priorities.
The Surge: Capitalizing on a Communal Awakening
The horrific 10/7 attacks and subsequent spike in global antisemitism have sparked a well-documented and unprecedented awakening, bringing a wave of previously unaffiliated or marginally involved Jews back into the communal fold, where they are welcomed by myriad programs and opportunities that can speak to them wherever they are on their Jewish journey or level of observance. After an initial, massive outpouring of emergency relief funds, donors are now making a crucial pivot from reactive crisis management to proactive, long-term strategic investment. This has led to a significant reallocation of capital toward the 'software' of Jewish life—robust educational programs, identity-building initiatives for all ages, and vibrant campus life—over the 'hardware' of new capital projects. There is also a new urgency to fund effective “on-ramps” that can welcome and retain the newly curious and searching. For instance, Chabad, a global Jewish outreach and education movement, which, though rooted in Orthodox Judaism, is known for its warm and welcoming approach to all, has been a significant beneficiary of this surge. For philanthropists, the challenge is to make strategic investments that convert this powerful moment into a lasting revival. Hoplin Jackson has been surveying the landscape for emerging opportunities in this area; if you’re interested in hearing more about our approach and would like some specific recommendations, please get in touch!
The Security Imperative: From Afterthought to Essential
Funding for community security has transformed from a secondary concern into a central, non-negotiable pillar of Jewish philanthropy. For decades, security was often treated as either a one-time capital expense for surveillance cameras and reinforced doors (often subsidized by government grants) or dismissed as a “nice but not necessary” expense. Today, however, many donors recognize that true safety is not a one-time fix but a sustained operational commitment. The focus has evolved beyond just "hardening the target" to investing in the ongoing human, technological, and intelligence infrastructure required to protect Jewish institutions. This has opened new, highly impactful funding opportunities. For instance, communal security umbrellas including the Secure Community Network (SCN) and Community Security Service (CSS) provide sophisticated intelligence, threat monitoring, and essential training for institutions and volunteers. These investments represent a leveraged approach, creating a blanket of safety under which all other communal activities—from preschool to prayer—can thrive. Donors increasingly realize that without a deep and abiding sense of safety, the revival mentioned above will likely lose its momentum.
The New Jewish Philanthropists You’ve Never Heard Of (Yet)
Just a couple decades ago, a select group of “mega-donors” you could likely name on two hands dominated the Jewish philanthropic world. Now, a whole new crop of affluent, generous donors has emerged onto the scene. Whether their wealth was generated through tech “unicorns,” Wall Street, or other enterprises, the number of Jewish donors capable of writing six- and seven-figure checks is growing at such a pace that even seasoned fundraisers are asking: “Who’s that?” Unlike the major capital gift donors of the past, this new generation appears to be more private and dispersed across a wider range of interests. These funders have come to the table often with a clear understanding of what they want to fund but not always knowing how to make effective charitable gifts. Hoplin Jackson has been working with these new philanthropists to improve their governance practices and infrastructure to enable them to focus their energy on the important stuff: the who and the why.
The Great Wealth Transfer: Navigating Generational Differences
As wealth transitions to younger generations, we are witnessing a sharp divergence in philanthropic priorities, and the Jewish community is no exception. Broadly speaking, the focus is shifting away from legacy communal institutions, including synagogues and Federations, toward more universalist or politically-charged “social justice” causes. Nowhere is this trend more pronounced than in Israel-related giving. The once-broad pro-Israel consensus is fracturing, as younger donors question long-held communal allegiances and direct funds to a disparate range of organizations, some of which actively challenge the priorities of their parents and grandparents. With some clients for whom this is a concern, we’ve found that prioritizing humanitarian support over political advocacy can be an effective strategy to build inter-generational consensus, though, of course, every family and situation is different. For philanthropic families, this generational divide is more than just a strategic question; it can be a source of significant tension, requiring delicate navigation to preserve both the family's legacy and its relationships.
These four trends are not isolated phenomena; they are interconnected forces shaping the future of Jewish philanthropy. For donors, understanding and navigating these shifts are paramount. For our clients with a focus on the Jewish community, we at Hoplin Jackson Charitable Advisors partner with them to develop strategic and innovative approaches that align with these evolving dynamics, ensuring their philanthropic endeavors are effective, sustainable, and deeply meaningful. We invite you to connect with us to explore how these trends can inform your giving and help you achieve your philanthropic goals.