HGF: Rekindle Shabbat Grant

HGF: Rekindle Shabbat Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Harold Grinspoon Foundation
Amount: US $500 - US $2,000
Last Updated: May 20, 2025

Summary

The Harold Grinspoon Foundation offers the Rekindle Shabbat Grant, aimed at fostering community through Shabbat gatherings. This grant supports events that bring people together, whether in-person or remotely, to celebrate Shabbat with meaningful rituals. Eligible participants include residents of Western Massachusetts and Southern Vermont. Grants reimburse up to $18 per individual for meals, encouraging diverse groups to gather and connect over shared traditions. Applications must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event.

Overview

NOTE: Completed applications must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event. 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. Rekindle Shabbat Shabbat is one of the greatest gifts Judaism offers. Connecting ourselves to the generations before us through the rituals of candle lighting, blessing children, Kiddush, challah and Havdalah is meaningful and uplifting. We want to support people coming together to create community and celebrate the joy and meaning of Shabbat. Please note that this is not a grant for simply providing financial support for food and deliveries. It was created to bring people together for Shabbat. This grant will only be approved if the event involves a group gathering together, whether remotely or in-person.. Participants must gather together, whether remotely or in-person. What funding is available? The Harold Grinspoon Foundation reimburses the cost of meals for approved events up to $18 per individual. Examples of qualifying events include A havurah interested in gathering for Friday night dinner or HavdalahFamilies of children with special needsCo-workers or students from a local collegeFamilies of B’nai Mitzvah studentsSunday school families of a local synagogueHouseholds participating in a parent education classGraduate school group

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. To be eligible for Rekindle Shabbat Grants for Individuals, individuals must be residents of Western Massachusetts (Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties) or Southern Vermont (Windham and Bennington counties).To be eligible for Rekindle Shabbat Grants for Organizations, organizations must be Jewish organizations that serve Western Massachusetts (Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties) or Southern Vermont (Windham and Bennington counties).An event qualifies if it is:On ShabbatLocated in Western Massachusetts (Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties) or Southern Vermont (Bennington and Windham counties)Guided by one or more identified leadersRekindle Shabbat for IndividualsMust reside in Western MA (Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties) or Southern VT (Windham and Bennington counties)Individuals may apply for a maximum of $500 per fiscal year. Funding can be used for delivery costs and food.A minimum of eight individuals must gather together for Shabbat, whether remotely or in-person.*May charge for events.Rekindle Shabbat for OrganizationsMust be a Jewish organization that serves Western Massachusetts (Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties) or Southern Vermont (Windham and Bennington counties).Organizations must 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 CodeQualifying organizations will be able to apply for up to a total $2,000 for Rekindle Shabbat funding per fiscal year. Funding can be used for delivery costs and food.The grant only reimburses the cost of food. The grant will not reimburse for a speaker, leader, or other program expenses.Organizations may charge for dinners.

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.