Each cohort of the Chai Giving Circle is a small group of like-minded women who appreciate the importance of giving and the power of combined resources and knowledge. The women pool their charitable donations, engage in social justice learning and philanthropic research together, and collaborate in deciding how to allocate their giving.

To learn more, please contact Michelle Kracoff at [email protected] or (650)-223-8693.

2019–2020 Participants:

Co-chairs: Andi Frenkel and Wendy Miller

Participants of the fourth funding cycle of the Chai Giving Circle have chosen Juvenile Justice Reform as the main focus. Funds were granted to Fresh Lifeline for Youth, New Door Ventures and Young Women's Freedom Center.

2018–2019 Participants:

Co-chairs: Ellen Brown, Andi Frenkel and Rebecca Shomair

Participants focused their learning on two key areas: mental health and housing insecurity, each with a sub-focus on girls.  Funds were granted to Shalom Bayit, Community Health Awareness Council (CHAC), Unity Care Group and Jewish Family and Children's Services (JFCS).

2017–2018 Participants: 

Co-chairs: Maddy Chaleff and Rebecca Shomair

This cohort of Chai Giving Circle learned about social justice issues in the local, South Bay community, specifically as they relate to hunger and food insecurity. Members worked together to make impactful decisions while infusing Jewish values into their philanthropic discussions. They ultimately granted funds to Ecumenical Hunger Program, MAZON and Project WeHOPE

2016–2017 Participants: 

Chair: Michelle Sandberg

Participants from the inaugural giving circle focused on three pressing, relevant issues: reproductive justice, religious and racial tolerance and immigration rights. Ultimately the group granted funds to the Center for Reproductive Rights, If | When | How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice, Center for Gender and Refugee Studies and Facing History and Ourselves. 

Last update: July 2019