Passport to Jewish Life Grants

These grants open doors to meaningful and exciting Jewish educational experiences for Orange County children and teens participating in Jewish summer programs, after-school programs, and other Jewish educational experiences.

Geographic Scope: Orange County, California

Focus Areas:

• Jewish summer camps
• Maccabi experiences
• Peer group Poland-Israel journeys
• Summer yeshivas
• Religious and Hebrew school programs
• Non-profit Jewish summer programs

Eligibility:

• Students entering grades K-12 (specifically grades 3-12 for summer programs)
• Families must reside in Orange County
• For summer programs: students entering grades 3-12 in September

What They Don't Fund:

• Programs subsidized by RootOne are excluded

Funding History:

• Since 2007, over 3,118 Passport grants totaling over $1.8 million have been awarded
• In 2023, 93 students received Passport grants to experience 26 summer programs
• $76,642 dispersed in one year to support students in grades K-12
• $37,717 provided in one cycle to eight congregations and Chabad centers for religious and Hebrew school

Funding Sources:

• Ann Moskowitz Passport to Jewish Life Endowment Fund
• Temple Beth Emet Endowment
• Federation's Annual Campaign

Application Process

1. Access the application through the Federation's website
2. Complete the online application form
3. Submit by the deadline (typically March 15 for summer programs)
4. Submission must be completed by 5:00 p.m. on deadline date

Required Materials:

• Student information
• Parent/family information
• Program details and selection
• Documentation of Orange County residency

Application Details:

• FAQ and guidelines available on website
• Online application portal