OJCYF

Through the Oregon Jewish Community Youth Foundation (OJCYF), Jewish high school studentsfrom across Oregon and SW Washington come together to build community, grow as leaders, and make a meaningful impact. 

OJCYF is a hands-on, student-led grantmaking program where teens explore issues they care about and take action through philanthropy. Over the course of the year, participants engage in three core areas:
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Justice (tzedek): learning about social issues and how organizations are working to create change
Service (chesed): organizing hands-on projects that support community needs
Giving (tzedakah): fundraising and making grants to nonprofits

Together, students choose a focus area, learn how nonprofits operate, evaluate grant proposals, and decide where funding can make the greatest impact.  

Along the way, they connect with community leaders, visit local organizations, and build meaningful relationships with peers.

A key part of the experience is planning and leading the annual OJCYF Benefit Dinner, where students take on real leadership roles—working together to design the event, lead a “Mitzvah Moment” from the stage, and help secure sponsors to support the program. Through this process, participants build confidence in public speaking, collaboration, and community engagement.

Last year’s cohort granted over $80,000 to organizations making a difference in our community. 

OJCYF is open to Jewish-identifying students in grades 9–12 who are interested in learning, leading, and contributing to something bigger than themselves. We strive to build a diverse and engaged cohort each year.