Phyllis Bernstein Kuchner Scholarship

The Phyllis Bernstein Kuchner Scholarship is open to our JCC community!

Longtime JCC member, Board member and volunteer Phyllis Bernstein Kuchner (z”l) was passionate, curious and caring.  She was an advocate and champion of all people, a philanthropist and a leader who was guided by her Jewish values.  To have spent time with Phyllis in any way was an honor and always a special experience.

Phyllis believed that being involved was better than being quiet.  She advised others to GO, to LEARN and to DO. The Phyllis Bernstein Kuchner Scholarship, established by her husband, Bob Kuchner, and funded by other generous donors, is intended to encourage emerging leaders to do just that.

The Phyllis Bernstein Kuchner Scholarship awards up to $1,000 to one JCC member each year who presents an opportunity they would like to pursue, and we invite all in our community to apply for this newly created scholarship. 

If you are you interested in taking a class, attending a conference, going on a trip or in some way GOING, LEARNING and DOING, please consider applying for this scholarship. Topics can include, but are not limited to, Israel, arts & culture or Jewish peoplehood.  Like Phyllis’ constant pursuit, your proposed experience should be a platform for becoming more involved.

Phyllis also believed in l’dor v’dor – one generation taking care of the next.  Nothing would have made Phyllis more proud than knowing this scholarship in her honor will help empower our next generation of leaders, volunteers and voices who will serve to strengthen our JCC and Jewish community. 

We are excited to see the breadth and depth of your interests!

2026 Application

Scholarship Review Committee

JCC Past Presidents
Executive Director Mike Goldstein 

• Completed application should be emailed to Mike Goldstein, JCC Executive Director, at [email protected].  The 2026 application is due on April 30, 2026; winners are announced in May 2026.
• This scholarship is awarded annually to a JCC member who presents an opportunity which serves as a platform to become more involved. The award amount is up to $1,000.
• The money is awarded as a reimbursement once the experience is completed. A receipt is necessary for reimbursement.
• The recipient is required to provide a written follow-up within 9 months of completing the experience detailing the impact of the experience.

Interested in making a contribution to the Phyllis Bernstein Kuchner scholarship fund so together we can ensure that this scholarship endures?  Donate here.