Morris J. & Betty Kaplun Foundation Grant

The Morris J. and Betty Kaplun Foundation Grant supports small organizations that work with middle-school youth to foster empathy and cross-cultural understanding. Established by Holocaust survivors, the Foundation seeks to counter rising polarization and disinformation through programs that equip young people with critical thinking skills. It prioritizes deep, impactful programming over broad reach, aiming to develop ambassadors for mutual respect among diverse communities.

Established in 1955, the Morris J. and Betty Kaplun Foundation, is a non-profit philanthropic organization underscoring the eleemosynary, humanitarian and Jewish concerns of its founders, Morris J. and Betty Kaplun. The Kapluns, who were refugees from Nazi persecution, dedicated their lives to a variety of philanthropic causes. The Foundation endeavors to continue their good work.
The Kaplun Foundation seeks proposals from small, localized organizations that work with middle-school-age youth to build empathy and cross-cultural understanding at a time of rising polarization, hate speech, and disinformation targeting American youth. We are interested in organizations/programs that give young people experience and skills to critically assess narratives and disinformation, particularly those spread through social media, AI tools, or ideologically driven platforms, enabling them to interact with those whose life experiences differ.
We seek deep impact more than broad reach - a program that makes a lasting impact for a handful of youth is of at least as much interest to us as one that reaches 100 youth for a one-time hour-long program.

Eligibility

501(c)(3) organizations operating anywhere in the United States and with annual budgets of up to $500,000 that serve middle-school-age children may apply.

Ineligibility

Religious congregations (synagogues, churches, Hillels, etc.) may not apply, unless for a project that is aligned with the board’s mission and distinct from any religious activities or programming.