Volunteer Opportunity

Grants Committee Member

About the Howard and Geraldine Polinger Family Foundation

In 1968, Howard and Geraldine Polinger established the Howard and Geraldine Polinger Family Foundation to continue the family’s commitment to contribute to the community and carry out the Foundation’s legacy of tzedakah (the Hebrew term for righteousness). For over 50 years the mission of the Foundation has been to improve the quality of life for families and their communities through support of innovative projects and successful ongoing programs locally, regionally, and nationally. The Foundation works to achieve these goals through two portfolios:

  • Jewish Life: The Foundation has two goals for this work: 1) centering Jewish connection and joy by supporting arts & culture, young adults, and young families, and 2) combatting antisemitism by ensuring just and fair treatment for Jewish communities and fostering respect and understanding through education.

  • Civic Education: The Foundation is supporting efforts to pass and implement policies that support and strengthen K-12 civic learning and also strengthen the civic learning landscape by supporting teachers, engaging parents, building coalitions, promoting accurate reporting and bolstering research of best practices.

About the Opportunity

Each year, the Foundation awards $5 Million in strategic grants. The Grants Committee, which also includes 2-3 Board Directors, is responsible for ensuring that programmatic strategies are effectively implemented through this grantmaking. Specifically, the Committee:

  • Reviews and approves new and renewal grants based on staff recommendations

  • Ensures that Board-approved strategies are effectively implemented and identifies cross-cutting issues and framing of these issues for the Board’s consideration

  • Provides guidance to staff on questions that emerge across portfolios, serving as a cross functional sounding board to staff as it works to implement the Board’s grantmaking vision

The Committee meets three to four times per year for 90 minutes over Zoom, typically between 12:00 and 5:00 pm Eastern. We estimate that the ongoing work of the Committee, including meetings, averages between three and five hours per month, with May and November being the busiest months for grant review. We request a minimum commitment of two years of service.

 In appreciation for your time and expertise, the Foundation will provide $2,500 in discretionary funds. You may allocate these funds to any qualifying 501(c)(3) – or equivalent international, organization(s) – whose work is consistent with the Foundation’s values.

About the Ideal Candidate/Committee Member

  • Values alignment: You align with our values and are excited about contributing to our mission. You treat all others with respect and dignity, regardless of their position or status.

  • Skills: You bring general knowledge of one or more of the Foundation’s grantmaking areas including civic learning, education, public policy, Jewish life and/or antisemitism but need not be an expert. Expertise across multiple areas is valued but not required. Whether early-career or seasoned professional, you are able to work collaboratively and contribute thoughtful perspective and judgment in a constructive, balanced, and collegial manner.

  • Experience: You have experience in philanthropy and/or the nonprofit sector (board, staff, volunteer, academic, or advisory roles). Familiarity with how family foundation boards operate is preferred but not required.

  • Time commitment: You have the capacity to meet the expectations described above, including meeting participation and responding to emails in a timely manner.

Inquiries

If this volunteer opportunity appears to align well with your expertise and capacity, please email your resume, bio, and/or a brief description of your interest in joining our Grants Committee to polinger.foundation@gmail.com, and we review your materials and follow up as appropriate.