Women’s Philanthropy has several fundraising events throughout the year that contribute significant funds to the JUF Annual Campaign. These events emphasize the importance of individual giving and have varying minimum giving levels. Additionally, a variety of outreach and social events are hosted across the city and suburbs throughout the year to continue to foster the community of Jewish women in the Chicagoland area.

Community Outreach and Education

Outreach Events

Our Women’s Philanthropy Outreach Events are designed to reach out to women throughout the Chicagoland area and educate attendees on the vital efforts of JUF to help vital efforts to help Jews and non-Jews in Chicago, Israel and around the world as well as educate them on other current topics.

We have one community wide Outreach Event every year in the fall. In the Spring/Summer, each of our four groups, Women’s Board, Young Women’s Board, Women’s City Council, and Young Women’s City Council, have an Outreach Event of their own.

Series Programs

Young Women’s Board FLEX (Future Leader’s Educational eXperience) is an educational program and leadership series designed to introduce young women to JUF and its impact on the Chicago Jewish community and its agencies. It is an interactive experience that will open their eyes to the vital work and support JUF provides. 

Step Beyond is a leadership series presented by the Women’s Board. This educational program takes place every other year and provides a unique opportunity to learn about the important work of JUF and its beneficiary agencies and programs in a social setting with like-minded women.

Campaign Events

Women’s Philanthropy Lion Event (co-chaired with the Women’s Board, Young Women’s Board, Women’s City Council and Young Women’s City Council) celebrates those who give an individual women’s gift of $5,000 to the JUF Annual Campaign. Past speakers include: Noa Tishby, Israel’s former Special Envoy for Combatting Antisemitism and Delegitimization & New York Times bestselling author; Henry Winkler, Emmy Award-Winning Actor, Author, Director and Producer; and Bari Weiss, acclaimed New York Times Writer and Author of How to Fight anti-Semitism.

Women’s Board & Women’s City Council Grand Event celebrates those who give an individual women’s gift of $1,000 to the JUF Annual Campaign. Past speakers include: Juju Chang, Emmy Award-Winning Co-Anchor of ABC News’ Nightline; Lizzy Savetsky, leading Jewish and pro-Israel influencer and activist; and Jennifer Weiner, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author.

Women’s Philanthropy Spring Event (co-chaired with the Women’s Board, Young Women’s Board, Women’s City Council and Young Women’s City Council) celebrates those who give an individual women’s gift of $365 to the JUF Annual Campaign. Past speakers include: Idina Menzel, Grammy and Tony Award Winner, Actress, Singer and Songwriter; Ben Platt, Grammy and Tony Award Winner; and Andy Cohen, Bestselling Author and Emmy Award-Winning Host and Executive Producer of Watch What Happens Live.