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B'nai Tzedek Teen Philanthropy

Build new relationships, learn collaboration, and make grants with a Jewish giving lens.

By investing in youth, tomorrow’s leaders will have the skills and tools to create sustainable, just, and vibrant societies far into the future.

Our Goal

Transform teens into Memphis’ next generation of Jewish philanthropists.

Memphis B’nai Tzedek is the premier teen philanthropy program in Memphis. Founded in 2002 and named Outstanding Teen Foundation in 2005 by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Memphis Chapter, B’nai Tzedek teaches Jewish teens to become philanthropists. 

Teens join B’nai Tzedek by donating $250 of their Bar or Bat Mitzvah money to the Jewish Foundation of Memphis to establish an individual fund in their name. A sponsor matches that money, so that the teen has $500 in their fund. Every year, each member may give away 20% of their fund to the qualified charities of their choice.

When teens join B’nai Tzedek, they also become members of our Teen Co-op Fund. Each year the Co-Op fund works together to give away $10,000 in grants to local Jewish organizations. Teens lead the grant making process from start to finish. They get to know the diverse Jewish organizations in Memphis and decide how to allocate grant money to help the Memphis Jewish community grow and thrive.

Enroll Your TeenView Brochure

What We Do

Make Real-World Grants

Teens have the responsibility to decide which Jewish organizations in Memphis receive grants, totaling $10,000 each year.

01

Build New Relationships

B’nai Tzedek is trans-denominational and brings together teens who have a range of experiences and backgrounds.

02

Learn New Skills

During this school-year program that meets on several Sundays per month, teens will learn how to collaborate in teams, have constructive discourse, evaluate grants like a pro, have public speaking opportunities, and develop leadership skills that will stay with them through college and beyond.

03

Calendar of Events

9/19/23 – 7:00pm B’nai Tzedek Meeting (conference room needed)
11/12/23 – 1:00-4:00 B’nai Tzedek Bus Tour
12/6/23 – 7:00pm B’nai Tzedek Meeting
2/1/24 – B’nai Tzedek Grant Application Open
2/23/24 – B’nai Tzedek Grant Application Closed
Week of 4/1/24 – B’nai Tzedek Zoom interviews
4/7/24 – 12:00 – B’nai Tzedek Allocations meeting
5/1/24 – 5:30pm B’nai Tzedek Grant Reception