New Orange County Jewish Community Study Inspires $42.25 Million Samueli Foundation Investment in Jewish Life

A new community-wide study is providing the most comprehensive portrait ever developed of Jewish life in Orange County—and serving as the catalyst for a landmark philanthropic investment to strengthen the community for generations to come.

Funded by the Samueli Foundation and conducted by the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies at Brandeis University in partnership with NORC at the University of Chicago, the 2024–25 Orange County Jewish Demographic Study examines the size, diversity, experiences, and needs of Orange County's Jewish population. Based on surveys of more than 1,300 households conducted between November 2024 and March 2025, the study estimates that approximately 93,500 Jewish individuals live in Orange County, representing about 3% of the county's population.

The study paints a picture of a vibrant and growing community that is deeply engaged in Jewish life while also facing important challenges. It highlights the diversity of Jewish identity and practice across Orange County and identifies opportunities to expand participation, strengthen community connections, and ensure that Jewish institutions remain responsive to changing needs.

Among the study's most significant findings is the impact of Orange County's high cost of living. While many households report financial stability, a meaningful share face financial pressures that affect their ability to participate fully in Jewish life, access early childhood education, send children to Jewish summer camp, support older family members, and remain connected to the broader community.

In response to the study's findings, the Samueli Foundation announced $42.25 million in grantmaking designed to strengthen Jewish life in Orange County and deepen connections to Israel. The investment includes $36 million to expand opportunities for Jewish engagement across Orange County and $6.25 million to strengthen ties between Orange County, other Jewish communities and Israel.

The Samueli Foundation's investments include:

• $10 million to the Merage Jewish Community Center of Orange County to expand preschool scholarships and subsidize senior memberships, increasing access for young families and older adults.

• $5 million to the Foundation for Jewish Camp to provide scholarships that enable more Orange County children to attend Jewish summer camp.

• $6.25 million to JCC Association of North America to support the return of the JCC Maccabi Games to Israel in 2028, creating meaningful opportunities for young people to strengthen their connection to Israel through sport and shared Jewish identity building experiences.

• $4.5 million to Hillel Orange County to purchase, renovate, and furnish a permanent home that will expand programming and serve Jewish college students throughout the region.

• $1.5 million to Repair the World to support Jewish service and bridge-building opportunities for young adults, fostering leadership, civic engagement, and stronger relationships across diverse communities.

• $5 million to establish a mental health clinic designed to serve the Orange County Jewish community by expanding access to culturally responsive behavioral health services.

• $10 million to the Jewish Community Foundation Orange County to expand local Jewish community grantmaking, providing long-term support for organizations responding to emerging needs and opportunities identified through the study.

Together, these investments translate research into action, addressing the needs identified by the study while building a stronger, more connected, and more resilient Jewish community.

The study represents a milestone for Orange County Jewish life. It provides a shared evidence base that community organizations, philanthropists, congregations, educators, and civic leaders can use to better understand evolving needs, identify service gaps, and make strategic investments that strengthen Jewish life across the region.

The reports are available at www.ocjewishstudy.org, where readers can explore detailed findings and interactive resources.