As Executive Director of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Washington, Sara Brenner is building a culture of giving that’s collective, values-driven, and deeply personal.

“I want this to be a place where people can realize their dreams and connect to their Judaism more deeply,” Sara says. “Our role is to help donors amplify their impact, deepen the connection between their Jewish values and philanthropy, and advance their goals with deeper purpose, in whatever ways feel most meaningful to them.”

A Jewish Journey of Learning and Connection

Sara grew up in a New Jersey town where Jews were few and far between. Her synagogue became her second home. “I started Hebrew school in kindergarten and went through 12th-grade confirmation. I loved it, it was just in my heart and in my soul.”

She was the friend who encouraged others not to drop out and who rallied them back when they left. Though she didn’t attend day school or Jewish summer camp, that community shaped her Jewish identity. A high school trip on March of the Living, and later a year studying abroad in Israel during the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, deepened her connection.

“I had such a strong will to stay in Israel, even during that time,” she recalls. “It was a very difficult period, but it only strengthened my connection.”

Her lifelong love of Jewish learning led her to minor in Jewish Studies and, later, to weave her Jewish values into her professional life.

Bringing Her Values to Work

Before joining Federation, Sara spent more than 25 years helping communities across the country thrive—strengthening education, housing, workforce, and health systems, while advising philanthropists and community foundations on how to invest for long-term impact.

“I always felt my Judaism showed up in my work,” she explains. “Repairing the world is part of who I am.”

When the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington launched the Jewish Community Foundation, Sara saw a chance to bring her professional expertise home. “I had been helping community foundations across the country shift toward more impact-focused work. This was an opportunity to do that in a community I lived in and loved for more than 20 years.”

A New Model of Jewish Philanthropy

Under Sara’s leadership, the Foundation is creating more accessible, collaborative, and intergenerational ways to give. She is particularly proud of programs that help families explore their philanthropic goals together. “We’re creating opportunities for younger generations to be part of the conversation,” she explains. “People can give together, learn together, and amplify their impact together.”

Today, the Foundation supports several collaborative giving funds focused on shared priorities like Jewish education, disability and inclusion, women’s empowerment, and Jewish talent and leadership. “When we give collectively, we can do so much more,” Sara explains. “It’s how we move from fragmented giving to systemic change.”

For newer or younger donors, she’s made sure there are inclusive ways to participate. “You don’t need $10,000 to get started,” she says. “Kol Yahad, our Next Gen collaborative fund, let’s people give at lower levels and still be part of something powerful.”

Guiding with Compassion After October 7

The events of October 7 reshaped both Sara’s outlook and the Foundation’s role. “Israel became the focus of so much of our work. In the past two years, more than five million dollars went out through donor-advised funds for rebuilding and relief.”

But this moment isn’t just about emergency response.

“After October 7, many people wanted to re-engage (or engage for the first time) in their Judaism,” she says. “I find myself listening more, helping people reconnect to their Jewish identity, and guiding them to make meaning through their giving.”

Sara has also prioritized deepening relationships with allies outside the Jewish community. “Our integration with the broader world, not isolation, is vital,” she says. “I’ve doubled down on those relationships. It’s hard work, but it matters.”

Looking Ahead, Building Together

Nearly three decades after moving to DC, Sara continues to find inspiration in the diversity and vibrancy of Jewish life here. “This is such an incredible community,” she says. “The culture, the learning, the opportunities to connect, and the chance to be part of something that’s making a difference locally, nationally, and globally.”

Through the Jewish Community Foundation, she and her team are helping donors bring greater intention and clarity to their giving. “It’s not about changing what inspires you. It’s about helping you achieve your goals in the most thoughtful, effective way.”

Whether she’s guiding families through legacy giving, launching new collaborative funds, or welcoming first-time donors, Sara is helping build a Jewish future rooted in connection and purpose. “We’re here to help people bring their values to life. That’s how we strengthen our community. That’s how we build the future together.”

Outside the Office

Sara loves being near water, whether she’s swimming laps or vacationing in a place like St. Lucia, Hawaii, or Fiji. A black Russian bagel with light cream cheese and cucumbers is her go-to Sunday morning. Sushi is her favorite. Her mom’s chicken soup, minus the matzo balls, is magic. When she’s back in DC, you might find her at Planet Word, one of her favorite museums for its celebration of culture and language. And when pressed to pick chocolate or vanilla? “Twist,” she laughs. “Always twist.”

Learn more about the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Washington and explore how your giving can make a lasting impact at jcfgw.org.