Polinger Family Foundation Grants - Jewish Life

Polinger Family Foundation Grants - Jewish Life

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Howard and Geraldine Polinger Family Foundation
Last Updated: September 30, 2025

Summary

The Polinger Family Foundation supports innovative projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life for families and communities through Jewish life engagement. They focus on fostering Jewish identity among young adults and strengthening Jewish life in emerging communities. Although they are not currently accepting unsolicited applications, organizations that align with their mission may send a brief program description for consideration. Their grants prioritize long-term impact and organizational sustainability.

Overview

NOTE: The Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications or letters of inquiry. We prefer to develop projects in collaboration with organizations aligned with our mission and funding priorities. However, if you believe your program or project would be a good fit with the Foundation’s funding priorities, please email a brief one-page description of your program. Our Mission To improve the quality of life for families and their communities through support of innovative projects and successful ongoing programs. Engaging Individuals, Families, and Communities in Jewish Life The Foundation seeks to build and sustain vibrant Jewish life and connected communities which are welcoming to all and inspire Jews to explore the richness Judaism offers. This strategic funding area supports both innovative ideas and historic institutions in two primary ways: Fostering Jewish Identity Funding innovative programs that bring together Jews in their 20s and 30s to explore their Jewish identities and form meaningful communities and expanding resources and opportunities that engage families with young children in Jewish life in creative and dynamic ways. Building & Strengthening Jewish Life in Emerging Communities Supporting programs that build internal leadership and developing programs that deepen Jewish identity in Central and Eastern Europe. (We are currently phasing down funding and no longer accepting inquiries for organizations and programs aligned with this area.) Types of Grants Available Grants are available for general operating and project support, especially for innovative approaches and new initiatives. We are particularly interested in emphasizing long-term impact, encouraging organizational sustainability, and investing in systems-building to strengthen fields. Requests for capital and endowment grants are generally not accepted, but the Trustees may initiate such grants at their discretion.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The Foundation supports 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that have developed innovative approaches and new programs, as well as those that have ongoing programs with proven records of success in addressing needs within the Foundation’s areas of interest.

Ineligibility

Please note that we are currently engaged in a strategic planning process and not accepting inquiries for organizations and programs aligned with the following areas:Fostering Jewish Identity for Jews in their 20s and 30sBuilding & Strengthening Jewish Life in Emerging CommunitiesEngagement, Appreciation, & the Pursuit of Excellence in the Performing ArtsPromoting Behavioral Health ServicesPromoting School ReadinessCreating a More Civil SocietyGrants are also not available for:Organizations and programs in or about IsraelLegacy Fund giftsCapital campaignsIndividuals