Our Mission

2026 - New NAVOur Mission
At UJA, we care for Jews everywhere and New Yorkers of all backgrounds, respond to crisies close to home and far away, and shape our Jewish future.


Why UJA?

WE'VE GOT THE REACH · To Get Things Done.

We are the world's largest local philanthropy. We fund a network of hundreds of nonprofits and seed grassroots organizations that can work individually and together to respond to ongoing challenges and emerging issues. As the ultimate connector, we have the leverage and relationships to move quickly and effectively.


WE'RE NIMBLE · When Crisies Don't Take Turns.

We’ve proven we can respond to community needs on multiple fronts simultaneously and at a moment’s notice. And though we can’t always know what will strike next, we can be ready.


WE'RE A WIDE-OPEN TENT · And Never Has That Mattered More.

We offer a safe, welcoming communal space for Jewish life, an antidote to societal divisiveness and incivility.

Our Approach: How UJA Works

We distribute funds to hundreds of nonprofits in New York, in Israel, and around the world — strategically, responsibly, and with a focus on measurable outcomes. Allocating the resources entrusted to us is a serious responsibility, and we approach it with transparency.

Each year, UJA sets clear funding priorities that guide where support is directed. While our core commitments remain constant — like fighting poverty — how we invest evolves in response to changing conditions, emerging needs, and new opportunities to strengthen impact.

And when critical needs are unmet, we don’t wait. We bring together expertise, partnerships, and resources to help build new solutions from the ground up. By listening closely to our community and working across sectors, we direct funds where they can do the most good.

UJA advances its mission through three core strategic priorities.

  • We care for people in need and strengthen Jewish life by investing in organizations and initiatives that address poverty, employment, mental health, safety, Jewish identity, and community building. Advocacy is a critical part of this work, helping secure the policies and resources our community needs.

  • We respond to crises near and far by directing emergency resources where they’re needed most — supporting both immediate relief and long-term recovery. And we strengthen the entire ecosystem by providing general operating support, oversight, and guidance to a network of core partners, alongside many other nonprofits of all sizes.

  • At the same time, we develop innovative solutions for challenges that demand rapid action. Drawing on deep experience and an entrepreneurial mindset, we move quickly, increase impact, and adapt as new needs emerge.

Everything we do starts with your generosity. Explore the different ways you can give today.

We distribute funds to hundreds of nonprofits in New York, in Israel, and around the world — strategically, responsibly, and with a focus on measurable outcomes. Allocating the resources entrusted to us is a serious responsibility, and we approach it with transparency.

Each year, UJA sets clear funding priorities that guide where support is directed. While our core commitments remain constant — like fighting poverty — how we invest evolves in response to changing conditions, emerging needs, and new opportunities to strengthen impact.

And when critical needs are unmet, we don’t wait. We bring together expertise, partnerships, and resources to help build new solutions from the ground up. By listening closely to our community and working across sectors, we direct funds where they can do the most good.

THIS IS UJA

Three volunteers standing together in a community setting

Who We Are

New York. Israel. Worldwide. We work everywhere.

Check Out What We Do and Whykeyboard_arrow_right
Woman serving food to an older man at a table

What We Do

Poverty. Jewish life. Safety. We care in many ways.

Check Out Our Work keyboard_arrow_right
Two people packing food items into boxes in a pantry

Where Our Dollars Go

Transparency around how we direct funds.

Learn What We Fundkeyboard_arrow_right
People volunteering together in a community setting

Get Involved

Attend an event. Join a group. Volunteer. Travel.

Take Action keyboard_arrow_right
Children waving toward the Statue of Liberty

Our History

On January 10, 1917, the Federation for the Support of Jewish Philanthropic Societies of New York City was formally chartered by the State of New York. Throughout more than a century of history, we’ve been at the forefront of responding to major events that have shaped our city and our global community. At every point, people have counted on us to make their lives better — and we have.

Learn About UJA's Beginnings keyboard_arrow_right

SUPPORT UJA TODAY

 So We’re Ready for Whatever Comes Next