Community Grants

Geographic Scope: Greater Hartford, Connecticut area

Eligibility: Qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits with programs serving the needs of Greater Hartford's Jewish community

Funding Focus:

• Seed funding for innovative programs
• Programs that fill a need or service gap in the community
• Capacity building support
• Strategic capital in limited circumstances
• One-time programs (maximum $10,000)

What They Do NOT Fund:

• Ongoing operations

Key Requirements:

• Only one grant application per organization per grant cycle
• Prior consultation with Foundation's grants department required before applying
• Focus on strategic impact and alignment with long-term program goals
• Must demonstrate clear need and comprehensive understanding of the "why" behind the proposal
• Cannot apply for projects to which organization has already committed
• Grant decisions typically shared within 3-6 months of submission
• Grants Committee meets 4 times per year
• Foundation reserves the right to fund at whatever level deemed appropriate

Background: Since 1972, the Foundation and its donors have made grants to programs and charitable institutions, both Jewish and in the community-at-large. In fiscal year 2025, the Foundation awarded $6.8 million in grants, including $4.6 million to local Jewish organizations.

Grant Application Process

1. Pre-Application Consultation (Required)
   • Contact the Foundation's grants department before submitting a full proposal
   • Executive Director or chief staff person should reach out to: grants@jcfhartford.org
2. Submission
   • Write a brief description of your grant request
   • Submit to: grants@jcfhartford.org
3. Review Process
   • Proposals accepted on a rolling basis
   • Reviewed by Foundation staff and Grants Committee (comprised of volunteer community members)
   • Approved by the Foundation's Board of Trustees
   • Grants Committee meets 4 times per year
   • Decisions typically shared within 3-6 months of submission

Application Considerations

• One application per cycle: Only one grant application from an organization will be considered each grant cycle
• Strategic focus: Emphasize the strategic impact and alignment with long-term program/project goals
• Address the "why": Grant reviewers require comprehensive understanding of the reasoning behind the proposal, not just the activities
• Clarity for unfamiliar reviewers: Write as if committee members are unfamiliar with your program; anticipate and address potential questions
• No pre-committed projects: Do not apply for projects to which your organization has already committed
• Short and long-term goals: Include information about both

Additional Support

For information about endowment and custodial funds for nonprofits and synagogues, contact: Michael Elfenbaum, VP of Community Engagement, melfenbaum@jcfhartford.org