Abstract
This article discusses methodological challenges to the study of Jewish philanthropy. Based on a study of US Jewish-founded grant-making organizations between 2000 and 2015, the article examines existing and recently developed methods used in research about the philanthropic organizations of the Jewish community and the structure of their philanthropic activity. The authors discuss methodological dilemmas concerning the inclusion and exclusion of data and the double-counting of grants, and explore the methodological implications of the growing importance of donor advised funds. The article proposes a new methodological approach for the study of Jewish institutional philanthropy, emphasizing the identities and backgrounds of the funders in identifying Jewish philanthropies rather than limiting the definition of Jewish philanthropy based on the goals and activities of the recipient organizations.