HGF: Jewish Community Grants

The Harold Grinspoon Foundation offers Jewish Community Grants aimed at enriching Jewish life in Western Massachusetts and Southern Vermont. These grants support innovative and engaging programs that connect under-engaged individuals and families to the Jewish community. Applications are competitive, with individuals eligible for up to $2,500 and organizations for up to $7,500. Collaborative proposals are encouraged to maximize resources and reach a diverse audience, fostering community engagement and meaningful experiences.

NOTE: Applications must be submitted at least 5 weeks prior to the event. The Jewish Community Grant is a reimbursement grant.
Our local community is rich in opportunities for people to engage in vibrant, enriching Jewish community programs. Our grants support individuals and organizations in making such opportunities available. Whether it’s a large concert featuring Israeli singers or a celebration of women in the rabbinate, we aim to encourage programs that are relevant, innovative, and engaging.
What type of proposals are considered?
Proposals must describe how a program brings meaning and impact to a community. Priority is given to proposals that
Connect individuals and families who are under-engaged in the Jewish community.Are designed and executed collaboratively by multiple organizations/individuals in order to share resources, maximize publicity, and reach a diverse constituency.
What funding is available?
Individuals can apply for up to 2 per year, and organizations can apply for up to 3 per year. Both can apply for up to 50% of total costs with a maximum reimbursement of $2,500.
Organizations collaborating on an event can receive 50% of the total cost up to $7,500 (not to exceed $2,500 per organization)
This grant is very competitive and not guaranteed. The approved grant amount is not the final grant amount. All final grant payments are contingent on the submission and approval of a Final Report which will be evaluated based on the same criteria as the original application.

Eligibility

Who qualifies?Programs must be held in Western Massachusetts (Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties) or Southern Vermont (Bennington and Windham counties).If applying for the Jewish Community Grant for individuals, the individual must be the sole organizer and the event cannot be advertised as an event for an organization (though organizations may sponsor the event).Applications may be submitted by organizations or individuals, such as artists, educators, project organizers, and volunteers.Organizations that have and maintain status as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended (the "Code") and be classified under sections 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2) of the Code

Ineligibility

Please note that the Harold Grinspoon Foundation does not support recreational or entertainment based programs or events and reserves the right to decline any application for any reason.