$142 million given in just three years

The Jim Joseph Foundation began giving grants in 2006, and to date has earmarked $142 million, of which $41 million has already been sent to organizations across North America.

“I think Jim would be proud. We’ve made a very significant contribution in just three years,” said Chip Edelsberg, the foundation’s director.

Joseph, a Bay Area real estate developer and philanthropist, died in 2003.

Edelsberg said the JJF prides itself on providing grants to some of the most innovative Jewish educational programming.

The foundation has given money to train educators and adults who work with BBYO. Its funding has helped create and sustain programming for Birthright Israel alumni in 15 cities in the United States.

It’s a primary supporter of Reboot, a nonprofit that seeks to connect Jews through art, culture, music and film. It also helps support efforts by San Francisco’s Contemporary Jewish Museum to create programs for children, teens and teachers.

Its $10.7 million grant to Hillel in 2008 to fund expert educators on 10 U.S. campuses was the largest grant in Hillel’s history.

The Jim Joseph Foundation has directed more than $4 million to Bay Area education initiatives for infants, teenagers and young adults.

JJF’s funding helped create a regional consortium of Jewish day schools that works together to improve Israel education.