$20 million endowment gift from Geri & Richard Brawerman announced to benefit students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need

The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles has announced a transformative $20 million endowment gift, marking the largest single donation in the organization’s history.

The contribution will significantly expand the Geri & Richard Brawerman Leadership Institute, deepening its impact on the next generation of Jewish leaders.

The Brawerman Institute, launched in 2012 through a record-breaking donation at the time, provides qualifying high school seniors with $40,000 in academic scholarships over four years, along with leadership training, mentorship, annual retreats, and a Birthright Israel trip.

The program is designed for students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need.

“We are incredibly grateful for the longstanding support and partnership Geri and Richard Brawerman provided,” said Rabbi Noah Farkas, Federation President and CEO, and Orna Wolens, Board Chair, in a joint statement.

“They exemplified what it means to give back and put the values of community and leadership into action. Especially at a time when our college students need additional support, this generous gift will help us pave the way to mentor many of our future community and industry leaders for generations to come.”

With the new $20 million endowment, the Federation is convening an advisory committee and engaging expert consultants to determine the best approach for growing the program.

Possibilities under consideration include expanding the number of fellowship recipients, increasing scholarship amounts, enhancing programmatic offerings, and strengthening long-term engagement with Brawerman alumni.

The Brawermans have long been key philanthropic figures in the Los Angeles area, with their names also gracing the Geri & Richard Brawerman Elementary Schools and the Geri & Richard Brawerman Nursing Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

This latest milestone gift reaffirms the Federation’s commitment to cultivating leadership and investing in the future of Jewish students.

As the program continues to grow, it remains a beacon for educational opportunities, mentorship, and community building across Los Angeles.