As our states of emergency reach a fever pitch in the United States and across the globe, the disconnect between American Jews and the communal institutions responsible for representing them has never been greater. Our American-Jewish institutions have failed to adapt to the changing spiritual needs, political beliefs, and diverse make-up of our community—a failure that has contributed to a sharp decline in traditional forms of Jewish expression and record levels of disaffiliation among Jews from these same institutions. This includes Jewish foundations that have, in recent years, significantly decreased funding for Jewish work that does not fit their narrow definition of Jewish identity and engagement.

 

Yet even as this gap widens, hundreds of thousands of Jews are finding new and creative ways to practice Judaism, informed by an alert and mral engagement with the world. These Jews are driven by the foundational Jewish principle that all human beings are made in the image of the divine and a profound yearning for more values-aligned spiritual communities where they can lead whole, integrated lives.

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For six years, Rise Up Initiative has proudly resourced 60 inspiring organizations on the forefront of building these desperately needed communities—making our movements for inclusive, multiracial democracy more grounded and resilient, and bringing Judaism into the 21st century in the process. As we prepare to merge with the Jewish Liberation Fund in 2026, we offer this comprehensive report to the field, which includes an overview of our founding, strategy, and approach; a showcase of six incredible grantees; a summary of how secular and Jewish foundations shifted funding between 2019-2026; our reasons for merging with JLF; and recommendations for other funders about how we can ensure adequate funding for this field.