The Jewish Community Foundation’s Jewish Leadership Education Action and Development (J-LEAD) program, a giving circle for adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s, recently completed its 2025 grant cycle, in which members collectively granted $24,112 to six important community programs.

The group met last month to view presentations from organizations seeking funding and learn how their support could make an impact. After dialogue and consideration, the giving circle voted to fund the following programs this year:

  • JCRB|AJC: Student 2 Student Program Pilot
  • Jewish Family Services: Care management and support for Holocaust survivors  
  • Jewish Federation: Indigent Burial Program 
  • Jewish Federation: Sasone 
  • Jewish Vocational Service: Emergency assistance 
  • Village Shalom: Mynd Virtual Reality Headsets for memory support 

On June 11, J-LEAD members, JCF staff and representatives from the organizations receiving funding gathered for the program’s annual Grants Celebration. The event took place at Chicken N Pickle in Overland Park, Kansas, and leadership from each grantee organization had the opportunity to speak about their program and thank J-LEAD for its funding.

“JVS is honored by the continued support of J-LEAD for our client support and emergency assistance program,” said Lauren Weinhold, chief external affairs officer of Jewish Vocational Service. “Due to the reduction of social safety net resources and changing immigration policies that are happening at a federal and state level, refugee and immigrant clients are even more at risk of experiencing economic hardship, homelessness and poor health outcomes. J-LEAD's investment is essential in ensuring that our most vulnerable community members have the resources and support to realize the goals and dreams they have for their families.”

J-LEAD is dedicated to encouraging young Jewish adults in Kansas City to join together to make a substantive impact on the community. J-LEAD makes grants from funds collected by its members ($500 charitable contribution for membership) as well as matching funds from the Jewish Community Foundation’s Community Legacy Fund and other Foundation donors. By pooling resources together and collectively making grant decisions, J-LEAD members are able to donate more than any one member could alone. 

“Participating in J-LEAD has been an impactful experience for me over the last three years, as it's given me the opportunity to learn about wonderful Kansas City Jewish organizations and the populations they serve while collaborating with my peers to make a greater impact than we could on our own,” said J-LEAD member Becky Barnett. “Building and strengthening our community at large feels more important now than ever, and being involved in J-LEAD helps us feel that we're making a tangible difference.” 

In addition to grant making, J-LEAD meets several times a year for educational programs, volunteer opportunities and social events. Those interested in J-LEAD can contact Suzanne Galblum Dicken at (913) 327-8286 or .