Mack Ness Fund - General Grants Program (Israel)

Mack Ness Fund - General Grants Program

Geographic Scope: Negev region of Israel

Focus Areas: Economic and demographic development of the Negev, including:

Culture and arts

Entrepreneurship

Agriculture

Settlement and development

Economics

Social and economic initiatives

Background

The Mack Ness Fund was established in 2005 through a unique bequest from Mack Ness, a special Jewish farmer from New Jersey. The fund was created to assist with economic and demographic development of the Negev region, particularly among young populations.

Mission

The fund sees the Negev as the most significant reserve for the State of Israel and aims to take a significant role in the demographic and economic development of the Negev.

Eligible Applicants

Annual grants are awarded for social and economic initiatives operated by:
• Private entrepreneurs
• Non-profit organizations and amutot
• Local and regional authorities (through economic companies)
• Youth centers, sports centers (matkos), communities, and similar organizations

Application Process

Each year in September, the Mack Ness Fund publishes a call for support applications ("Kol Kora"). The call is published on social media and on their website.

Initial Stage: Applicants submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) describing the main principles of the initiative according to criteria specified in the call.

Second Stage: Initiatives passing the initial screening are required to submit a full project card including:

Detailed budget

Additional resources

Measurement goals

Proof of initiative viability and sustainability

Final Stage: Initiatives reaching the final stage are invited to meet with board members who visit Israel annually in February. Presenters must deliver a detailed presentation in English and answer questions.

Decision: Final decisions on grant distribution are made after the board presentations.

Additional Opportunities

Mack Ness Loan Fund: In parallel with the grants program, the fund operates a loan fund for small and medium businesses in partnership with the Jewish Agency and the Miami Federation. The loan fund provides financial solutions through loans up to 400,000 ILS on preferred terms. Loan applications are accepted year-round.

For loan fund details, contact:
Tamar Da'ei
Phone: 054-5826097
Email: TamarD@jafi.org

Contact Information

Rini Carolina Grant Management Director for Strategic Entrepreneurship Initiatives MetroWest Federation, New Jersey Email: RCarniol@jfedgmw.org

Odelia Karoutchi
Mack Ness Fund Director (Israel)
Phone: 054-6112275
Email: odelia@jfedgmw.org.il