HGF: Teen Education Grants

The Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF) offers the Teen Education Grants to support Jewish organizations in engaging teens through creative and informal educational programs. These grants cover up to 70% of a program's cost, with a maximum of $10,000. Targeting organizations in Western Massachusetts and Southern Vermont, the funding aims to fill the gap in post-bar or bat mitzvah programming to foster meaningful Jewish experiences for teens.

Historically, there’s been a gap in terms of stimulating Jewish programming for teens. After a child’s bar or bat mitzvah, there was nothing designed to appeal to young people during these important, formative years. We want to encourage community organizations to implement programs that will engage teens in fun and meaningful ways.
The Teen Education Grant funds eligible Jewish organizations the provide informal, creative Jewish education and experiential learning programs to engage teens.
What funding is available?
Organizations may apply for up to 70% of the total cost of the program, up to $10,000. Any staff or specialists involved must have direct responsibility for the program.
The following costs are not included in the calculation of the grant amount:

• Payroll Taxes
• Bonuses
• Benefits

Eligibility

Organizations mustBe Jewish organizations serving teens such as synagogues, day schools, or nonprofit organizationsBe a charitable organization exempt from federal income tax further classified as a 509 (a)(1) or 509(a)(2)Be located in Western Massachusetts (Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties ) or Southern Vermont (Bennington and Windham counties)Offer Jewish education programs for teensHave a formal system of tracking program attendancePrograms must:Hold at least four unique events or several recurring events during the grant periodOffer creative Jewish education or experiential learning eventsFocus on Jewish themes such asTikkun Olam
Spirituality
IsraelProgramming should not be limited to an organization’s religious school.

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.Organizations cannot use Rekindle Shabbat or Jewish Community grants for any of the programming listed in the application.The following costs are not included in the calculation of the grant amount:Payroll TaxesBonusesBenefits