The Program Development Fund for Jewish Education (PDF) of the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies has allocated $1,175,000 for grants to schools in support of Jewish education in Greater New York in 1977/78, it was announced by Sanford Solender, executive vice-president. In the furtherance of this program, the PDF has received a $450,000 contribution from Joseph Gruss, a prominent businessman and philanthropist, enabling Federation to achieve this new level of funding for Jewish schools.
By the end of this year, monies distributed to Jewish schools through the PDF since its inception in 1972 will total more than $4,330,000, including more than $2 million contributed by Gruss, Solender reported. The PDF was initiated with the aid of a $1 million contribution by Gruss, which was then matched by other contributors. Gruss’s current gift also requires the raising of matching funds from the community by Federation.
This year, more than 2500 students in 161 yeshivot and day schools, and 700 students in 109 supplementary schools received PDF scholarships totaling $745,000. One hundred and seven yeshivot and day schools received building renovation grants totaling $255,000 to repair health and safety hazards. In addition, $175,000 in grams for quality education programs will be distributed. “The dramatic increase in this year’s level of funding is evidence of Federation’s growing commitment to the future of Jewish education,” said Solomon Litt, PDF chairman.
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