Dear Friends of DJCF,
Have you ever truly failed at something – spectacularly, publicly, and in a way that made your stomach drop? For many high achievers, admitting failure can feel almost unbearable. Yet our own sacred texts remind us repeatedly that being open to constructive criticism – and acknowledging our shortcomings – is essential to growth. In Hebrews 10:24–25, we are urged to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds… encouraging one another.” And in the Tanakh, Proverbs 27:17 teaches us that “as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Reflection, accountability, and community are not just ideals, they are spiritual imperatives.
With that spirit of sharpening and strengthening in mind, my colleague Risa Gross, Senior Director of Impact and Agency Relations, and I recently attended the 2026 Jewish Funders Network (JFN) conference. One of the most memorable gatherings was a dinner hosted by the Edmond de Rothschild Family Foundation, where attendees were invited to share their biggest failures in philanthropy. The session was facilitated by F*ckup Nights (FUN), a global movement that uses honest conversations about failure to inspire growth. Jewish philanthropic leaders like Laura Lauder, Nicole Ronson, and Elli Booch took the stage to share stories of bold ideas that went sideways… and the wisdom they gained along the way.
Closer to home, our team recently brought together a group of fundholders and partner agencies to sponsor an initiative. Despite our best intentions, the program fell short. I dreaded the follow up meeting with the funders, leaders in our community whose respect I deeply value. As we do after every program, our team conducted a thorough debrief, line by line, identifying what worked and what didn’t. The “didn’t” column was much longer. I felt sick. But when we met with the fundholders, they responded with kindness and encouragement. They expressed no regrets about supporting the effort, even though it had been a disappointment. Instead, they appreciated our transparency, our willingness to learn, and our courage to try something new. One even joked, “Don’t worry, Megan – I’m sure this won’t be the last time you disappoint us.”
In my former for profit roles, feedback was constant: immediate, unfiltered, and sometimes relentless. But it worked. Research consistently shows that constructive feedback strengthens engagement, reduces turnover, and helps people understand not just their weaknesses but how to address them. In a global study of nearly 3,900 people, 74% of those who received negative feedback already knew they had room to improve; what they lacked was clarity on the severity or how to move forward. That’s why feedback must come with solutions, not just kvetching!
In the nonprofit world, where resources are scarce and the stakes feel high, it can be even harder to embrace risk. Yet at the JFN conference, I attended a session on impact networks: ecosystems of philanthropic, corporate, and government partners working together to drive change. These networks rely on trust, clear roles, and honest feedback. Philanthropy often serves as the “risk capital” in these systems, providing flexible funding and patience for long-term ideas to unfold.
Our own community has a long history of taking bold risks. In the early 20th century, Jewish Federations devoted significant campaign dollars to building and sustaining Jewish hospitals that served the entire community. When Medicaid was established in 1965, those funds shifted to new forms of communal support. Today, we see that same spirit of innovation in organizations like Jewish Family Service, which recently opened its new headquarters and Community Health Centers – offering primary care, women’s health, prenatal services, behavioral health, and the social services our community relies on.
Families, too, are finding ways to embrace thoughtful risk-taking in their philanthropy. Mona Allen, Senior Relationships Officer, and I recently worked with a couple who had completed a major estate review and wanted to prepare their adult children for future responsibilities. They worked with us to create intergenerational donor-advised funds (DAFs) to help their children learn the family’s values, evaluate opportunities, and collaborate on shared goals. The parents will match contributions when the siblings align on a cause, while still giving each room to support the issues that matter most to them.
Reflecting on failure reminds me that setbacks are not signs of weakness, they are invitations to grow. They push us to strengthen our community, deepen our relationships, and rely on our faith and one another. Failure does not define us. It refines us. And as an indefatigable optimist, I believe wholeheartedly that when we face our failures with honesty and courage, we pave the way for better days, stronger organizations, and greater impact ahead.
As we approach Passover, we are reminded that this season calls us to reflect honestly on where we are, to sit with discomfort, and to draw strength from one another. The story of Passover teaches us that progress is rarely linear and that perseverance, courage, and community carry us through uncertain times. May this holiday bring moments of connection, meaning, and renewed resolve. From all of us at DJCF, we wish you and your loved ones a meaningful Passover.
Foundation Sponsorships
If you’re interested in supporting our work or learning more about sponsorship opportunities, we’d love to hear from you. Please reach out to Risa Gross, Senior Director of Impact and Agency Relations, at [email protected] to explore ways to partner with DJCF/SWCF and make a meaningful impact in our community.
Israel Independence Day
Celebrate Israel at 78 with a joyful community gathering filled with fun, food, and games for the whole family!
The Aaron Family JCC
7900 Northaven Road I Dallas, TX 75225
Sunday, April 26, 2026
12:30 – 4:00 PM
Scholarship Reception
Please join us for the 34th Annual College Scholarship Reception where we honor scholarship donors and the amazing students who benefit from their generosity. Register in the link below.
The Aaron Family JCC
7900 Northaven Road I Dallas, TX 75225
Sunday, May 17, 2026
3:00 – 4:30 PM
Employee Spotlight: Lexi van Creveld
Social Media
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