HGF: Professional Development Grants

HGF: Professional Development Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Harold Grinspoon Foundation
Amount: Up to US $2,500
Last Updated: November 10, 2025

Summary

The Harold Grinspoon Foundation offers Professional Development Grants aimed at enhancing local Jewish schools and organizations. These grants support Jewish educators and employees in acquiring new skills and knowledge to improve their organizations. Eligible programs include training in outreach, fundraising, and marketing, hosted by approved Jewish institutions. HGF covers up to 50% of program costs, up to $2,500 annually, emphasizing competitive funding for qualified applicants.

Overview

NOTE: Completed applications must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the start of the program.  Late applications will not be accepted. About the Foundation The Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF) creates opportunities to connect with Judaism and the Jewish community at key life moments. In addition to flagship programs that are active across North America and around the world, the HGF invests in Jewish life at home in Western Massachusetts. Everything the HGF does is in partnership. By leveraging philanthropy, the HGF encourages others to invest in Jewish life. Professional Development Grants Professional Development Grants provide support in order to strengthen local Jewish schools and organizations. Our hope is that through these grants, Jewish educators and employees will gain new tools and knowledge to help improve their organizations. What event qualifies? Programs must be hosted by approved Jewish institutions, educational institutions, or independent consultants. The program must help participants develop skills that will improve the organization. The Harold Grinspoon Foundation is focused on helping organizations develop better outreach, marketing, and fundraising as well as professional development for educators. Examples of qualifying programs include Training to develop skills for outreach, fundraising, or marketingOnsite programs conducted by a guest educator/trainer to train in groups or one-on-one sessions.Programs targeted directly to educatorsOnline classes for employees to develop and enhance job-related skills What funding is available? HGF will fund up to 50% of the total reported program costs (may include travel and lodging costs) up to $2,500 per year. The Professional Development Grant is a reimbursement grant. Grantees must submit a brief report at the conclusion of the program. Leadership at each organization is responsible for deciding how to use the funds. All grants are competitive, and funding is not guaranteed. The organization’s director must review professional development applications for individuals before submission.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Who qualifies?Employees or Board members attending a program on behalf of a qualifying Jewish OrganizationOrganizations 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 CodeOrganizations that serve Western MA (Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties) or Southern VT (Windham or Bennington counties) are hosting onsite training for their staffEligible costs includeRegistration costsStandard accommodationsTravel costsFood and concessions

Ineligibility

Programs such as CPR/AED, security, and ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate) trainings do not qualify for the grant.Non-eligible cost includeLuxury accommodationsGratuities and donationsSouvenirsPlease 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.