Local Impact Fund

Local Impact Fund

Organization: Jewish Federation of Greater Houston

Purpose: A programmatic grants fund that allows the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston to address important and/or unmet needs in the Greater Houston Jewish community. The fund supports initiatives that respond to community interests and needs, seed and grow impactful programs, build collaboration, and enhance the culture of the community.

Geographic Scope: Greater Houston Jewish community

Eligibility:

501(c)(3) organizations or nonprofits with a fiscal sponsor

Organizations that directly serve the Greater Houston Jewish community

Programs that are new (0-2 years in existence) or expanding

Programs must have at least one collaborative partner

Organizations may receive other funding sources from the Federation

Funding Criteria:

Funding tied to a particular project or program

Measurable impact required

Must have a collaborative partner

Maximum of 3 years of funding for a particular project/program

Renewal in years 2 and 3 based on program outcomes, community needs, and financial stability

Site visits required

Annual reports required

Priority Areas for 2026:
1. Engagement: Fostering Jewish community and building Jewish identity (socially and spiritually) in an innovative way
- Innovative and collaborative programming for elementary and middle school age children (grades K-5 and 6-8) and their families
- Adults across ages and stages
- Jewish community partnerships across religious practices
- Community-wide initiatives for broadest audience across Greater Houston

2. Education: Innovative programming for Jewish education (any age/stage)
- Combating antisemitism
- Fostering support for Israel
- Building bridges between Jewish and non-Jewish communities
- Service learning and volunteer opportunities

3. Accessibility & Belonging: Programs that engage and support populations to ensure accessibility and belonging
- Youth and adults with special needs
- LGBTQIA+
- Interfaith families
- Mixed heritage and Jews of color
- Greater Houston neighborhoods outside the central core Jewish area

What They Fund:

New or expanding programs serving the Jewish community

Collaborative initiatives with broad community impact

Innovation and inclusion of various Jewish practices

Contact: Sara Sandhaus, Senior Manager, Community Impact and Partnerships