Individuals can make a difference; together we change the world.

Since its inception, the Jewish Foundation of Memphis has worked to secure the financial future of our local Jewish community. Chartered as Jewish Community Development, Inc. on September 7, 1995, by the State of Tennessee, the Jewish Foundation of Memphis began its mission to raise endowment funds for the long-term planning goals of its participating agencies in the Memphis Jewish community and to engage Jewish families in setting and achieving charitable goals.

Establishing the Jewish Foundation of Memphis was an undertaking spearheaded by Steve Graber and Ronald Harkavy, who served as the organization’s first president. The initial board of directors was comprised of the following individuals each of whom exhibited a high level of commitment to a secure financial future for the Memphis Jewish community: Ron Belz, Susan Chase, Mike Goldstein, Steve Graber, Mark Halperin, Ben Isenberg z”l, Diane Mendelson, Hal Newburger, Max Ostrow, Nancy Robinson, Steve Wishnia, Ed Young

With support from a Plough Foundation grant, the Jewish Foundation of Memphis began fundraising in support of ten partner agencies, partnerships which continue today.

The Jewish Foundation of Memphis has seen phenomenal growth in assets since its 1995 charter. As of 2022, assets managed by the Foundation now exceed $110,000,000.