Mack Ness Fund - Stanley Stone Me'oravut Hevratit (Social Involvement) Award

Mack Ness Fund - Stanley Stone Special Grant

Geographic Scope: Negev region, Israel

Background: The Mack Ness Fund was established in 2005 through a bequest from Mack Ness, a Jewish farmer from New Jersey. Before his death, he requested that the Jewish Community Foundation help him direct his funds to support Israel and rural areas. The fund aims to support economic and demographic development of the Negev, particularly among young populations.

Focus Areas:

• Social and economic problem-solving in the Negev
• Innovative and creative solutions to Negev-specific challenges
• Collaborative initiatives involving multiple organizations
• Youth-led projects with strong organizational partnerships
• Small business development and loans (separate loan program)

Eligibility:

• Outstanding Negev residents
• Must be associated with an NGO or amuta (registered Israeli nonprofit)
• Must conduct research and design innovative solutions to social or economic problems
• Must demonstrate collaborative efforts among organizations
• Must show strong lead young individual involvement
• Must describe efforts to connect with and attract additional funders
• All organizations must be registered amuta in Israel with Nihul Takin status with the Registrar of NGOs (Rasham HaAmutot)

Award Distribution: Funds are awarded to the organization for the benefit of the recipient to support development of the solution.

Contact Information:

• Odelia Karutchi, Director, Mack Ness Fund
• Phone: 054-6112275
• Email: odelia@jfedgmw.org.il

Additional Program: The Mack Ness Fund also operates a Loan Fund for Small and Medium Businesses in partnership with the Jewish Agency and Miami Federation. Provides loans up to 400,000 ₪ under preferential terms. Applications accepted year-round. Contact: Tamar Da'ei, Phone: 054-5826097, Email: TamarD@jafi.org

Application Process

Submission Requirements:
Submit the following information in no more than two pages in English, plus attachments:

Required Information:

1. Applicant Information
   • Name and email of applicant
2. Innovator Idea
   • What is the problem or challenge you seek to address?
   • What are your short-term and long-term visions for the success of your idea or project?
   • Have you created any similar projects?
3. Geographic Focus
   • Which cities/towns/regional councils will be targeted?
4. Partnership
   • Do you plan to have partner organizations on this project?
   • Describe the current and proposed role of the partners
5. Timeline
   • What is the timeline of operation for this program?
6. Budget
   • What is the program's overall (full) budget?
   • Specific request from the Mack Ness Fund amount
   • Potentially leveraged funds (if relevant)
   • List any other known or potential partners for funding
7. Organization Information
   • Organization name and address
   • Amuta status in Israel and renewal date

Required Attachments:

1. Recommendation letters (no more than three)
2. Current resume with:
   • Short paragraph about yourself and your journey
   • Explanation of why the problem you seek to address is important to you

Submission Method: Email to odelia@jfedgmw.org.il