Charitable Foundation Executive Janine Lowy Discusses Major Gifts to Support Israel Nonprofits

The Winkler Lowy Foundation gifted $100,000 to fund critical nonprofit work in Israel. This is the second major gift after an earlier $100,000 donation.

The Winkler Lowy Foundation, established in 2019 by Janine Lowy and her four children, is devoted to helping and supporting the Jewish community.

“Our mission is to ensure that all families can access formative Jewish programming that nourishes young minds, strengthens the future of the Jewish community, and builds bridges between Israel and the Diaspora,” she says.

Lowy, a passionate philanthropist, has led the foundation in supporting a wide range of causes and organizations, including the Milken School, Jewish film festivals, and Camp Ramah.

Philanthropy in Times of Crisis

In the wake of the October 7th attacks in Israel, the Winkler Lowy Foundation has allocated additional resources to support Israel-based nonprofits. “We’re actively working with a range of organizations on the ground to support Israel and her people,” Lowy says.

Quick-acting philanthropic gifts are critical in times of crisis. Large institutional dollars and governmental programs are complicated to deploy, often resulting in delays despite the urgent need for support.

“There is often a gap between a crisis occurring and access to emergency dollars. The government needs to assess the situation and create policies to release funds,” says Seth Davis, Founder & CEO of the Giving Group Community. “Philanthropy can be a catalyst to get things into motion by addressing immediate needs to fill that gap.”

Winkler Lowy Foundation: A Continued Commitment to Israel

The November 2023 gift, facilitated by the Giving Group Community, helped to ensure that the Oketz Unit can access the critical resources required to carry out its lifesaving work. Oketz is the IDF’s canine unit, which operates with specially trained dogs to execute search and rescue missions and other counter-terrorism efforts.

“Given that we have family who have served in Oketz, I was especially proud to be able to support that specific unit’s incredible work,” Lowy says.

The foundation’s more recent gift has been divided among several organizations. IDSF Habithonistim (Israel Defense and Security Forum) is a Zionist, security-based movement that aims to position Israel’s security as the top national priority. Brothers & Sisters for Israel, currently the country’s largest aid organization, mobilizes critical resources, including food, water, clothing, medical equipment, and aid accommodation for displaced families. Maglan Friends Association supports soldiers in urgent need of life-saving equipment, providing immediate support for defense and recovery.

The Together We Will Win National Emergency Fund, established by JGive and its partners, provides immediate assistance to victims of the October attacks and ensuing war by distributing donations to charities that offer relief services, support for combat units, welfare, equipment, food, and other necessities to the victims of the war and their families.

“More than 20,000 people around the world have donated to this fund,” Lowy says. “This is a testament to the generosity and resilience of the Jewish spirit.”

“We are thankful for Janine Lowy and the entire Winkler Lowy Foundation for their ongoing commitment to combating atrocities perpetrated against the Jewish people,” said Ori Ben Shlomo, CEO of JGive. “In these trying times it is so important to support and empower Israeli causes that are doing outstanding work on the front lines.”

“On October 7th, 2023, the lives of Israelis and Jews around the world were forever changed,” Lowy says. “As a Zionist with deep ties to Israel, I’m honored we can do our part to combat the horrific atrocities occurring against the Jewish people.”

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