Empowering Jewish Education. Strengthening Connections to Israel. Investing in the Future.
Friedkin Philanthropies supports Jews of all backgrounds and their families to engage in Jewish life, community, and culture, and build meaningful connections to Israel.
Mission Driven
Results-Focused
Mort’s Parents
Nathan and Frances Friedkin z”l
Mort's Brother Gerald Friedkin z”lAbout Us
Friedkin Philanthropies is based in the San Francisco Bay Area and our work is local and national. Our philanthropy is a reflection of a multi-generational commitment to working hard, giving back, and ensuring Jewish life thrives.
“Friedkin Philanthropies is our way of giving back to the communities that have shaped us, as well as honoring our family’s roots and legacy. We care deeply about Jewish life and Israel and hope to inspire future generations to share this love and commitment.”
—Mort and Amy Friedkin
Our Values
Integrity
We lead with honesty and accountability
Education
We believe that learning is a key path to life-long values and identity
Community
We believe that the Jewish people are interconnected and reflect a broad range of expressions
Excellence
We aim for the highest standards and efficiency
Legacy
We are rooted in the values of our family and in building long-term outcomes for generations
Our Mission
Friedkin Philanthropies supports Jews of all backgrounds and their families to engage in Jewish life, community, and culture, and build meaningful connections to Israel.
Our Vision
Thriving Jewish life in the San Francisco Bay Area and nationally where Jews and their families can live proudly and form meaningful connections to Jewish life and community, learning and education, and the land of Israel.
Our Work
Where We Make an Impact
We support programs that educate, connect, and strengthen Jewish life at every stage of identity development, and build meaningful relationships with Israel.
Arts & Culture
Israel Education
& Engagement
Jewish Education
& Engagement
Safe & Proud
Jewish Communities
The Team & Grantmaking
At this time, we don’t accept unsolicited grant applications. Friedkin Philanthropies is led by our CEO, Sarah Eisenman.
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Chief Executive Officer
Prior to joining Friedkin Philanthropies as its first professional, Sarah was the Chief Community and Jewish Life Officer at the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA). Sarah previously spent 19 years at the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) as the Founding Executive Director of JDC Entwine and an Assistant Executive Vice President. Sarah has received several honors; in 2011 she was named by the Jerusalem Post as one of ten young Jewish leaders for the future and received the Jewish Communal Service Association’s Young Professional Award. Sarah is also an alumna of Kivun and the Schusterman Fellowship, and has served on the Boards of the Rodeph Sholom School in New York and the American Friends of the Oxford Centre for Hebrew and Jewish Studies. Sarah has a master’s degree in Jewish Studies from Oxford University, and a BA in History from the University of California, Berkeley.