Women's Philanthropy

Women’s Philanthropy to ‘Shower’ Covenant/CHAI Seniors w/‘Welcome’ Bags

Tues., May 1, 7pm @ Covenant House/CHAI Apartments

Come do a mitzvah and hear Joan Denison speak about the
high-quality senior services in our community.

2012 Int'l Lion of Judah Conference

Sold Out! Sept. 10 - 12 @ the Marriott Marquis in NYC

The ILOJC takes its renowned conference to New York this year. 
The event is now sold out! More info.

Nat’l Magazine Honors Sherri Weintrop
for Philanthropy in StL

‘Lion of Judah’ Magazine selected her for her many outstanding contributions to the Jewish community.

The Lion of Judah Event Committee are from left: Stacy Siwak, LOJ Vice Chair; Peggy Caplan, Event Co- Chair; Amy Kalishman, and Christy Singer, Event Co-Chair. Not pictured: Lauren Weissman Kerner, a LOJ Vice Chair; Shana Singer, an Event Co-Chair, and Bonnie Davis.

The Lion of Judah Event Committee
from left: Stacy Siwak, LOJ Vice Chair; Peggy Caplan, Event Co- Chair; Amy Kalishman,
and Christy Singer, Event Co-Chair. Not pictured: Lauren Weissman Kerner, a LOJ Vice Chair;
Shana Singer, an Event Co-Chair, and Bonnie Davis.

Our Mission

The mission of Women’s Philanthropy (formerly Women’s Connection) is to bring women in the St. Louis community together to demonstrate the impact of women’s philanthropy and leadership.

We provide an opportunity for every woman in the St. Louis Jewish community to affirm her Jewish identity and inspire other Jewish women to establish themselves as partners in our community.  Women’s Philanthropy programming will be ongoing throughout the year and will provide opportunities for leadership and giving.

Recent Events

Women's Philanthropy Installs New Officers
October 6, 2011
Women's Philanthropy recently honored outgoing Co-chairs Nancy Green and Betsy Rubenstein, the 2009-2011 Executive Committee and Board. At the same time incoming Co-chairs, Susan Bosse and Heidi Silberman, the 2011-2013 Executive Committee and Board, were welcomed and installed. Jane Roodman Weiss served as master of ceremonies for the program. More than 50 women and men attended. Nancy and Betsy highlighted Women's Philanthropy's accomplishments during their term, thanked their Executive Committee and Board and shared personal reflections. Susan and Heidi shared their vision for the next two years and welcomed the incoming Executive Committee and Board. Guest speaker was Pepe Prince Finn, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Stern Brothers and Company, an independent, certified Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) investment bank, which specializes in creating customized financing solutions for public and private borrowers. "How in the World did I get here? An Everywoman's Story" was the topic of Pepe's remarks. See Photos.

Women’s Connection Honors Its Volunteers
July 27, 2011
Women’s Connection (now Women's Philanthropy) held a thank you event for their volunteers.  Bob Millstone, incoming Chair of Jewish Federation of St. Louis, shared his leadership journey in the Jewish community and his vision of Jewish Federation’s future.  24 women attended the event which included an in depth dialogue following Bob’s presentation as well as a dessert and wine reception at The Plaza in Clayton. See photos.

The History of Women's
Involvement in Jewish Federation

The Jewish Federation of St. Louis was founded in 1901. In 1948, Federation established a Women’s Division to help strengthen women’s philanthropy by encouraging women to give their own gift to the Jewish community & help develop them into high-level leaders who could hold top leadership roles in the Jewish Community. 

In 1987, the Business & Professional Women’s group was formed specifically to reach out to working women in the St. Louis Jewish community and provide them with leadership development and networking.  

In 2005, leaders from Women’s Division and Business & Professional Women groups realized there is far more strength in women working together to achieve philanthropic goals and leadership roles.  They wanted one clear voice in the community for all to hear, thus Women’s Connection was formed.

In fall of 2011, a task force of past leadership met to discuss a name change from Women’s Connection to Women’s Philanthropy.  The task force felt the name Women’s Philanthropy was more aligned with our national umbrella, National Women’s Philanthropy, and equally important  Women’s Philanthropy of St. Louis really tells the community who we are, what our mission is, and elevates the work we do. This name Women's Philanthropy was presented to the Women’s Connection Board in January 2012 and henceforth the name change was made.

What Women's Philanthropy Can do for You

The Women's Philanthropy provides an opportunity for every woman to affirm her Jewish identity, connect with each other and inspire other Jewish women to establish themselves as full partners in our St. Louis Jewish community.  As a place for women of all ages, backgrounds, interests, lifestyles and income levels,  Women’s Philanthropy supports and enhances Jewish community life in St. Louis and Israel through fundraising efforts and leadership development.
 

Why Women’s Philanthropy

As women increase their share of authority over America's wealth, Jewish women in particular are setting the standards for creative philanthropic giving and commitment to future generations.  In 2005, women in the St. Louis Jewish community contributed more than $2.5 million dollars in their own names to Jewish Federation’s $10.6 million annual community campaign.

Women’s Giving Societies

Please Click here for more information.

Have Questions?

We are always happy to hear from you! 
If you need information or want to get involved, please contact...

Lynn Harris Gossen at (314) 442-3729 or lgossen@jfedstl.org
Online Register is
Now CLOSED
Walk-in Registrations
are Welcome!

Meet Our Sponsors

See our complete list of sponsors

Top 10 Reasons to Give a Gift in Your Own Name

  1. A separate donation gives you your own identity, distinct and independent from your husband, companion or family.

  2. There is strength in women working together to achieve financial and leadership roles which demonstrates our power to the community.

  3. Women are knowledgeable philanthropists who understand how to exercise their power to make a difference through giving.

  4. Money is influence; it gives you a voice and a place at the table.

  5. Women's giving is fiscal evidence of the influence women exert as full partners and decision makers in the family, the community, and nation building.

  6. Women can impact Jewish political power. US Government leaders count the number of givers when they measure support for Israel and local communities.

  7. Women inspire others to translate their caring into giving that makes a difference.

  8. Increasing women's campaigns demonstrate women's leadership. Women's giving is the launching pad for future Tikkun Olam.

  9. Women's giving demonstrates dedication to, and acceptance of, responsibility for the needs of the global Jewish community.

  10. Women have an obligation to practice tzedakah; no one can perform a mitzvah in another's name.

As women are achieving parity with men in courtrooms, boardrooms and operating rooms, so must they assume equal responsibility with men for saving, sustaining and enriching Jewish lives.  By giving as individuals, women can stand up and truly be counted.  When women work together as partners they can achieve much more than any one woman can do alone!