Hesed Foundation Grant

The Hesed Foundation Grant supports charitable initiatives that promote social justice through Tzedakah and gemilut hasadim, which emphasize justice and loving kindness. This private foundation focuses on enhancing the welfare of underrepresented communities, particularly in the Boston area, NYC, and Northern California. Grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, and the foundation prioritizes projects related to youth, education, health, and community building.

Within Judaism, there are two different but interrelated concepts or moral action and behavior – Tzedakah (sacred practice of charity) and gemilut hasadim (sacred practice of loving kindness). Jewish tradition distinguishes between them in several ways. The essential difference is already evident in the roots of the words: Tzedakah derives fromtzedek (justice, righteousness), and gemilut hasadim derives from hesed (loving kindness, grace, steadfast love.) The Hesed Foundation believes tzedakah to be a core component of social justice. According to the Talmud, the most virtuous form of giving comes through the promotion of self-sufficiency by offering employment and assisting a person in need; in short, the improvement of the human condition.
About the Hesed Foundation
The Hesed Foundation is dedicated to the improvement and enhancement of human life and the strengthening of communities. Hesed seeks to achieve these goals by supporting programs that enhance the lives and welfare of all people, particularly those in underrepresented populations and communities. Specifically we fund programs relating to youth and education, health, and community building. In addition we reserve a percentage of our annual giving for discretionary projects of interest to the board.

Eligibility

Grants are typically made only to nonprofit organizations with tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code.The foundation generally funds projects in the Boston area, the seacoast of NH, NYC, and selected areas in Northern California.

Ineligibility

The Hesed Foundation does not fund individuals or political organizations.