The Linda Alexander Teen Funders Program of the Jewish Community Foundation of Central New York provides financial support to organizations in both the Jewish and general communities of Central New York and Israel that directly impact children with special needs, children with limited opportunities, or children and their families by promoting self-sufficiency, self-empowerment, health and wellness.  

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The Jewish Community Foundation of Central New York invites all b’nai mitzvah to experience the joy of tzedakah by putting their deeply-held values into action.  The Teen Funders meet twice a year to discuss causes and programs they would like to support through philanthropy.  Each contributes from his or her account into a pooled fund and the group votes on the distribution.  It is a thoughtful and meaningful experience and greatly enjoyed by the participants.  Attorney Jeff Scheer and Foundation Executive Director Michael Balanoff convene the sessions, but the teens are in charge.

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If a bar or bat mitzvah would like to participate, they need to open a fund at the Foundation with a minimum $250 deposit.  This amount is then matched by the Pomeranz, Shankman, Martin Charitable Trust, giving them a minimum of $500 from which they can allocate at the Teen Funders meetings.