Seth Merrin at a Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village Graduation. Photo courtesy of Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village
For Seth Merrin, philanthropy isn’t just an activity—it’s a lifelong mission deeply rooted in his family values, personal experiences, and a desire to make a tangible impact on the world. As an accomplished entrepreneur and dedicated philanthropist, Seth’s journey has been shaped by a strong commitment to tikkun olam—the Jewish value of repairing the world. Through his donor advised fund with the Jewish Communal Fund (JCF), Seth continues to streamline his giving while staying focused on causes close to his heart.
From Activism to Strategic Philanthropy
Seth’s philanthropic journey began long before he found professional success. Growing up, his parents instilled a strong sense of social responsibility, and his involvement in Young Judaea during his teenage years further cemented this foundation. “It wasn’t just about giving money,” Seth recalls. “It was about activism—protesting for Soviet Jews, participating in the Israeli Day Parade, and raising awareness for causes that mattered.”
As his career flourished—spanning fintech, biotech, solar, and more—Seth transitioned from activism to strategic philanthropy. Inspired by his late wife and guided by mentors like Jeffrey Solomon, he approached giving with the same thoughtful precision that fueled his business ventures. “Philanthropy is like running a business,” he explains. “You need a clear mission and a focused strategy to maximize impact.”
Why JCF? Simplifying Philanthropy with a Donor Advised Fund
When it came to managing his charitable giving, Seth faced a pivotal decision: establish a private foundation or utilize a donor advised fund. For him, the choice was clear. “Creating a private foundation comes with a heavy administrative burden, and frankly, it wasn’t worth it for us,” he shares. “With JCF, we have all the benefits of a foundation without the hassle.”
JCF’s donor advised fund provided Seth with the flexibility, efficiency, and Jewish community connection he was looking for. “It was simple to get started, and JCF handles all the back-office work—accounting, compliance, and administration. It’s a no-brainer,” he says. Beyond the practical benefits, JCF’s alignment with Jewish values made it the perfect partner for Seth’s philanthropic endeavors.
Adapting Philanthropy in Response to Global Events
The events of October 7th had a profound impact on Seth’s philanthropic focus. “I’ve redirected much of our giving toward mental health services, hospitals, and security in Israel,” he explains. “There are new, urgent needs, and it’s essential to adapt our philanthropy to meet them.” Despite shifting priorities, his commitment to strategic, mission-driven giving remains steadfast.
In addition to supporting causes in Israel, Seth’s engagement with global initiatives like OLAM showcases his dedication to tikkun olam on a broader scale. Initially concerned that OLAM was “just another umbrella organization,” Seth quickly recognized the organization’s transformative power under the leadership of Dyonna Ginsburg. “Dyonna punches far above her weight—she’s accomplished so much that now Jews not only understand what tikkun olam means but also how to do it,” he says.
OLAM’s mission resonated deeply with Seth: fostering a global network of Jewish change-makers committed to addressing global challenges through Jewish values. “They bring people together to share ideas, magnify their impact, and show that tikkun olam isn’t just an abstract concept—it’s a valued, actionable part of Jewish identity,” Seth explains. He recalls participating in an OLAM conference panel, where all five participants had each found their way to philanthropic work in Africa through their association with Seth’s late wife, Anne Heyman, the founder of Agahozo Shalom Youth Village in Rwanda. “That’s the power of organizations like OLAM—to amplify our efforts and make global Jewish philanthropy part of the mainstream.”
Photo courtesy of Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village
Focused Giving: Investing in Jewish Continuity and Global Impact
Seth’s philanthropy reflects a balance between supporting Jewish continuity and addressing global challenges. His work with Young Judaea and initiatives like Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village in Rwanda highlight his belief in nurturing the next generation of Jewish leaders while promoting a positive Jewish image worldwide.
“Tikkun olam is a universal Jewish value,” Seth emphasizes. “Whether you’re religious or secular, it binds us together. But our responsibility doesn’t stop with our immediate community—it extends to the broader world.” This philosophy led Seth to support initiatives in Africa, such as promoting solar energy and agricultural innovation, demonstrating how Jewish values can drive global change.
Advice for Aspiring Philanthropists: Find Your Passion and Focus
For those just beginning their philanthropic journey, Seth offers simple yet powerful advice: “Figure out what you’re passionate about and focus on that. Avoid ‘checkbook philanthropy.’ Get involved, bring your ideas to the table, and make sure your giving aligns with a clear mission.”
Seth’s story is a testament to the power of purposeful philanthropy. Through his donor advised fund with JCF, he’s able to amplify his impact, support causes that matter, and uphold the Jewish values that have guided him throughout his life.
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