Educator Portfolio Grants (Moral Education)

The Foundation's inaugural grantmaking initiative (launched October 2022) includes an Educator Portfolio supporting programs that foster dialogue connected to moral education grounded in Jewish values. This portfolio honors Elie Wiesel's commitment to education.

Mission & Focus:

• Elevates patient, thoughtful work of moral educators
• Brings Jewish values to life in classroom settings
• Supports emerging leaders in moral leadership development
• Promotes dialogue on moral education
• May include non-Jewish organizations

First Round Recipients (2023):

1. The Witness Institute
- 15-month fellowship program
- Sensitizes and equips emerging leaders with practices developing moral courage
- Fuses Professor Elie Wiesel's teaching methods and published works
- Graduates influence communities and support missions in positive ways

2. Gratz College & United Negro College Fund (UNCF)
- 1-year Fellowship between Black and Jewish college students
- Addresses challenges of racism and antisemitism
- Students visit landmarks important to each culture
- Builds common experiences, mutual support, and advocacy

3. Valley Beit Midrash (VBM)
- The Elie Wiesel Social Action Fellowship
- Online moral education classes taught by renowned scholars/activists worldwide
- Hands-on community volunteer projects
- Combines teaching with action

Selection Process:

• Received 110 applications
• Evaluated by advisory committee of thought leaders

Advisory Committee Members:

• Dr. Mehnaz Afridi (Director of Holocaust, Genocide, and Interfaith Education Center at Manhattan College)
• Sarah Idan (Founding CEO of Humanity Forward, Miss Iraq 2017-2018)
• Mayim Bialik (Neuroscientist, actress, Jeopardy! host, mental health advocate)

Foundation Background:

• Led by Elisha Wiesel (son of Elie Wiesel)
• Previously supported educational centers for Ethiopian Israelis
• Budget: approximately $600,000