Donations and Giving
Support the J
At the J, we provide a wide range of services to our members and to the community at large. From the over 700 homebound seniors who receive meals through Meals on Wheels each year, to scholarships provided to make our early childhood programs accessible to all members of our community, to our stellar arts programming and so much more – the life of the J is powered by generous donors like you.
Programs and services provided by the J cost more than revenue generated through membership and program fees. We rely on the community to help us power this work, and there are many ways to support the J. Thank you for wanting to support the J and make an impact through a contribution to our community.
MAKE A GIFT
To make a gift in honor or in memory of a loved one, please click the button below. Upon clicking, you will select your desired donation level and enter your credit card information first. You will then be able to select a specific designation and destination for your gift. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Melanie Beltram at (832) 408-3525.
This site is for one-time giving only, not intended for pledge payments. To pay against a pending pledge or to create a new recurring pledge, please contact Melanie Beltram at (832) 408-3525 or mbeltram@erjcchouston.org.
To learn about our Continuity Society or opportunities for legacy giving, please contact Melanie Beltram at (832) 408-3525 or mbeltram@erjcchouston.org.
Donate Now
Annual Fund
Gifts to our Annual Fund are greatly appreciated and allow the J to allocate funds where needs are greatest.
On the donation page, please select the amount you wish to give and click continue. Upon completing payment information, you can then choose the annual fund as the fund you would like to support.
Adult and Senior Programming
Life gets better with age! Our adults 60+ programs continue to thrive, creating meaningful connections through special events, learning and enrichment. From social gatherings to fitness, wellness and more, the J offers diverse programs for older adults to stay energized, active and engaged.
- Adult Programming: Provide general support to adult programming. Funds will be allocated where needed most.
- J Ride: Provide safe, reliable, non-emergency transportation for Jewish adults age 60 plus and adults with disabilities.
- Senior Adult Mitzvah: Contribute to all the amazing programs and activities offered for senior adults at the J including bridge, canasta and educational opportunities.
- Weinberg Senior Programs Endowment: Support activities and programs for older adults.
- Foster Grandparents: Support the program which connects older adult volunteers with mentorship and tutoring opportunities in underserved schools.
- RSVP Program: Support the program which connects seniors with local, community based volunteer opportunities as well as resources.
- Senior Companions Program: Support the program which connects able-bodied older adult volunteers with home-bound seniors to combat the isolation and loneliness in older adults.
Arts and Culture
Connecting the community to the culture, people, history and land of Israel is a cornerstone of the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC. Through a diverse range of arts and culture programs—from lectures and educational sessions to film, music and art—there are many meaningful opportunities to immerse oneself in thought-provoking topics, relevant news and impactful storytelling.
- Kaplan Theatre Fund: Support the Kaplan Theatre at the J’s theatre programs and facilities.
- Maxine Silberstein Dance Fund: Support annual dance programs at the J.
- Patrons of the Arts: Becoming a Patron helps the J continue to present a diverse and stimulating array of literature, film, performing arts and Jewish learning.
- Theatre at the J: Support children and adult theatre programs.
- Houston Jewish Film Festival: General support for the annual Houston Jewish Film Festival. Funds will be allocated to where they are needed most.
- Joffe/Kagan Founders Fund Film Festival: Support annual film festival programs.
- Margolis Family Endowment: Support the opening night of the Houston Jewish Film Festival.
- Ann and Stephen Kaufman Jewish Book and Arts Festival: General support for the annual Jewish Book and Arts Festival. Funds will be allocated to where they are needed most.
- Donna Frankoff Jewish Book Festival Fund: Support programs during the annual Ann and Stephen Kaufman Jewish Book and Arts Festival.
- Marilyn Hassid Jewish Book Fair Emerging Authors: Support for annual Jewish Book and Arts Festival program highlighting local emerging authors within the Houston community.
- Oliver Lapin Children’s Family Day Book Festival Endowment: Support the annual Oliver Lapin Family Day event with activities for families and children.
- Rosita & Albert Gaon Sephardic Heritage Program Endowment: Support the program as part of the Jewish Book and Arts Festival highlighting Sephardic heritage.
- Susan and Jack Lapin Endowment: Support the bookstore at the Jewish Book and Art Festival.
Children and Families
At the J, generations of families enjoy enriching experiences that foster growth, creativity and connection. From music and movement to summer camp, leadership programs, philanthropy and more, we serve as a hub for young learners, athletes and leaders, educating and empowering youth to lead purposeful, meaningful lives.
- Children and Families (General Support): Funds will be allocated to where they are needed most.
- Gershen Family Playground: Support the maintenance and replacement of the playground equipment adjacent to the Weingarten building entrance.
- Jerome Lipnick Scholarship Fund: Provide support for scholarships for school aged children to enroll in enrichment classes.
- KidZone Scholarship Fund: Financial assistance for our Kids Zone after school programs.
- Levine Family Tennis Academy Program: Annual support for children’s tennis programs at the J.
- Meyerland Soccer: Support for the children’s developmental soccer program.
- Musher Special Needs Sports Fund: Support inclusion sports programs and activities.
- Bernard Abrams Family Camp Endowment: Support scholarships for children to participate in J summer camps.
- Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Endowment: Support the J summer camp inclusion program and staff.
- Day Camps: Provide general support for J Camps. Funds will be allocated to where they are needed most.
- Eleanor & Frank Freed Art Program Scholarship: Provide funding for art programming.
- Spain Children’s Performing Arts Endowment: Provide financial assistance to support summer campers who enroll in art and performing arts camp.
- Jewish Teen Philanthropy Initiative (JTPI): Support the teen social action and philanthropy initiative.
- JCC Maccabi Games & Access: Support teens that participate in the annual JCC Maccabi Games held during the summer for teens between the ages of 13-17.
- J-Serve: Support teen program focused on leadership, teamwork and community service.
- Mike Grossman/Judy Richker Maccabi Scholarship: Provide financial assistance for teens to participate in the JCC Maccabi Games.
- Nancy Lerner Scholarship Fund: Support a wide variety of programs and initiatives for teens.
- Raymond E. Plotkin JCC Maccabi Games Tennis Scholarship: Support a teen to participate on the JCC Maccabi tennis team.
- Teens: General support for teen programs. Funds will be allocated to where they are needed most.
Early Childhood Education
Located in Southwest and West Houston, the Bertha Alyce Early Childhood School (BAS) and Ellen Boniuk Early Childhood School (EBS) offer a warm, nurturing environment for children ages six weeks through five years old. Our schools are dedicated to fostering a safe, supportive space where young children can grow, explore, and learn at their own pace.
- Bertha Alyce School: General support for the Bertha Alyce School. Funds will be allocated where they are needed most.
- Bertha Alyce School Giving Tree: Support activities and programs at the Bertha Alyce School.
- Bowen Detamore STARS: Program support for the Karol Musher STARS program.
- Children’s Scholarship Ball: Annual scholarship ball where funds raised provides scholarships for early childhood and summer camp programs.
- Edith Zinn Joy of Learning endowment: Annual support for an educational training program for early childhood education staff.
- Ellen Boniuk Early Childhood School: General support for the Ellen Boniuk School. Funds will be allocated where they are needed most.
- Ellen Boniuk Giving Tree Fund: Ongoing support of the Ellen Boniuk Early Childhood Center located in West Houston.
- Golf Tournament: Annual golf tournament and outing whose proceeds benefits early childhood education.
- Karol Musher STARS Early Childhood Intervention Program: Provide support to the special needs inclusion program at the Bertha Alyce School.
- Katz Playground: Support the Bertha Alyce School playground equipment and maintenance.
- Marilyn Steiner Memorial Preschool Staff Development: Teacher education and training fund for Bertha Alyce School and Ellen Boniuk School.
- Sherry Merfish Infant Care Program: General operating support for the Bertha Alyce School infant care program.
- Soph and Al Natkin Special Needs Scholarship Fund: Program support for the Karol Musher STARS program.
- Steffie Odle Teacher Training Fund: Support teacher training at Bertha Alyce Early Childhood School and Ellen Boniuk Early Childhood School.
Sports, Health and Fitness
At the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC, health and fitness extend beyond the exercise. We foster community, connection and new paths to wellness. Whether in the pool, on the court, on the mat or playing a fast-paced game, our programs encourage skill-building, teamwork and lifelong wellness. From the fitness-focused to those looking for rest and relaxation, the J is the destination for all levels of activity and self-care.
- Aquatics: General support for aquatics programs and facilities at the J. Funds will be allocated to where they are needed most.
- Fitness: General support for fitness programs and facilities at the J. Funds will be allocated to where they are needed most.
- Ronnie Arrow Jewish Sports Hall of Fame: Support the Ronnie Arrow Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.
- Boniuk Family Indoor Tennis Center: Ongoing support of the Boniuk tennis center at the J.
- Harris J. Weingarten Tennis Tournament: Annual tennis tournament whose proceeds support the Boniuk Tennis Center at the J.
- Harris J Weingarten Tennis Tournament contribution: Support for annual tennis tournament.
- Shelly Chadwin Serota Tennis Endowment Fund: Ongoing support of the Boniuk Tennis Center at the J.
- Gymnastics Fund: General support for gymnastics programs and facilities at the J. Funds will be allocated to where they are needed most.
Jewish Life and Learning
Jewish learning at the J remains vibrant through engaging programs and discussions. From thought-provoking discussions to Israel-focused programs, we create a learning environment that deepens Jewish identity and connection.
- Bobbi and Vic Samuels Center for Jewish Living and Learning: General support for Jewish educational programs and initiatives at the J. Funds will be allocated to where they are needed most.
- Bunny & Leo Horvitz Endowment: Support for the bi-annual scholar in residence program at the J.
- Reba M and Theodore Freedman Legacy Endowment: Support for annual adult education programs.
Meals on Wheels
The J cultivates community beyond our walls as well. Meals on Wheels at the J represents more than just a meal—it’s a moment of care, connection and reassurance that no senior goes hungry or feels alone. Now servicing 13 zip codes in the Houston area, this program annually serves more than 125,000 nutritious meals to nearly 700 individuals.
- Martel Foundation Meals Program Endowment: Provide resources to support the home delivered meals program.
- Meals on Wheels: Provide operational support for Meals on Wheels.
Operations / J General Support
General support for the operations of the J enables the delivery of the high-quality experiences and service our members and guests expect and deserve. This essential support strengthens our foundation, ensuring the J’s sustainability and vitality—today, tomorrow and for generations to come.
- Gross Family Building Maintenance Endowment: Support capital maintenance for the J.
- Jerry Wische Staff Excellence Award: Support a professional development training experience for a J Staff member.
- Joel Dinkin Ezra Good Works Discretionary Fund: Fund special programs and initiatives at the discretion of the CEO.
- Our New J Capital Campaign: Gifts to support the J’s renovation project from 2021-2023.
- Rueben Askanase Past President Leadership Award: Support lay leader participation in a JCC Association conference.
- Ruth W. Brodsky Staff Development Fund: Provide resources to support staff training programs.
- J Annual Fund: General support for J operations. Funds will be allocated to where they are needed most.
- Merfish Teen Center Fund: General support for the Merfish Teen Center.
