National Center to Encourage
The National Center to Encourage Judaism (NCEJ) is a private foundation based in Kensington, Maryland, established in 1981. It operates as a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to funding programs that welcome new people to Judaism, with a particular focus on interfaith couples, individuals interested in conversion, and others exploring Judaism.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$2.7M
-6.2% YoY
Annual Giving
$380K
+22.5% YoY
Grant Count
40
+14.3% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$9K
+7.2% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
NCEJ's mission centers on welcoming new people to Judaism and addressing the challenge of Jewish population decline through outreach and education. The foundation operates from the belief that Judaism must actively reach out to non-Jews and Jews alike, making efforts to "welcome the stranger into our midst" and clearly communicating what Judaism has to offer.
The foundation funds three primary program categories:
- Introduction to Jewish Beliefs & Traditions — Fostering welcoming and educational pathways to Judaism
- Interfaith/Intercultural Engagement — Connecting interfaith individuals to Judaism
- Holiday Programming — Celebrating and connecting newcomers to Jewish life
Grantmaking
NCEJ funds programs worldwide that engage, educate, and connect interfaith couples, people interested in conversion, and others exploring Judaism.
Review Cycle
- Questions are encouraged during the application process
How to Apply
uses a straightforward one-page form
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
NCEJ funds programs worldwide, with particular activity in the United States.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of December 2024:
- Total Assets: $2,687,177
- Total Revenues: $313,142
- Total Expenses: $478,635
- Investment Income and Dividends: $148,372
- Net Gain from Sale of Non-Inventory Assets: $164,770
As of December 2023:
- Total Assets: $2.87M
- Revenue: $248,000
- Expenses: $394,000
- Total Liabilities: $0
The foundation has no employees and operates as a grantmaking organization.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $2,687,177 | $2,865,827 | $3,016,556 |
| Revenue | $313,142 | $248,149 | $155,226 |
| Expenses | $478,635 | $393,730 | $349,843 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $478,635 | $393,730 | $349,843 |
| Net Investment Income | $148,372 | $145,741 | $133,479 |
| Distributable Amount | $344,370 | $290,091 | $297,256 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
161 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELLEN GERECHT | PRESIDENT | 10 | $36,000 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
NCEJ is actively expanding its funding efforts. The foundation is increasing funding for interfaith engagement programs in 2026 and is looking to expand the number of new applicants it funds as well as the size of awards depending on program nature. The foundation encourages proposals for introductory courses of varying lengths and costs, drop-in classes, and innovative programming designed to reach broader audiences beyond existing congregation members.
NCEJ is Increasing Funding for Interfaith Engagement Programs in 2026 - NationalRelated Funders
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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