$40,000 In Grants Awarded By Cleveland Jewish Federation Teens

BEACHWOOD, OH — A group of Jewish high schoolers from around Cleveland recommended the awarding of $40,000 in grants to 14 organizations.

The students are part of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland's Maurice Saltzman Youth Panel. Each year students allocate up to $50,000 to worthy organizations — with 85 percent of the funds going to programs serving the Jewish community and 15 percent to nonprofits serving the general community.

“This year’s panel has shown incredible initiative and a sense of responsibility for our local and global Jewish community,” said J. David Heller, Federation board chair. “These impressive teens are taking their responsibility seriously!”

Jason Kornbluth, a senior at Orange High, and Paige Brown, a senior at Solon High, presented the panel's recommendations this year. The panel recommended awarding $36,000 to Jewish community programs and $6,000 to general community programs.

Here are a few of the grant recipients for this year:

• $4,000 to Menorah Park Foundation for direct care costs of patients facing end of life.
• $3,940 for Jewish teens in St. Petersburg, Russia to hone their Jewish identity and leadership skills.
• $2,000 to Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Ohio to support ClubSmart locations.