Signature & Ignition Grants

Signature & Ignition Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Covenant Foundation
Amount: Up to US $35,000
Last Updated: April 02, 2026

Summary

The Covenant Foundation's Signature & Ignition Grants celebrate excellence in Jewish education by funding innovative projects that enhance educational practices. The Foundation supports diverse institutions across North America, inviting applications for creative programs that can adapt and disseminate effective practices. While Signature Grants may reach up to $150,000 over three years, Ignition Grants focus on untested ideas with funding up to $20,000 for one year. One application per cycle is permitted.

Overview

Mission Celebrating Excellence and Innovation in Jewish Education The Covenant Foundation recognizes the diversity of strengths within the field of Jewish education in North America, across all denominations and settings. By honoring outstanding Jewish educators and supporting creative approaches to programming, the Foundation works to strengthen educational endeavors that perpetuate the identity, continuity and heritage of the Jewish people. The Foundation believes those with the creativity and passion to be catalysts for change and innovation in Jewish education are worthy of recognition and support. Consequently, the Foundation accepts unsolicited letters of inquiry. A Program of the Crown Family Philanthropies. Grants The Covenant Foundation grants provide funding to help creative Jewish educators develop and implement significant and financially responsible approaches to Jewish education that are potentially adaptable in other settings. The Covenant Foundation invites applications for innovative programs in Jewish schools, community organizations, and other institutional settings. These grants will provide funding to help creative Jewish educators develop and implement significant and financially responsible approaches to Jewish education that are potentially adaptable in other settings. Covenant Grants may also be awarded for projects whose purpose is to disseminate particularly effective existing programs. About Signature and Ignition Grants The Covenant Foundation has two Grant categories, Signature and Ignition. Applicants may submit a Letter of Inquiry in only one of these categories in any given year. The Covenant Foundation is pleased to announce that, beginning in 2026, it has increased the maximum amount it will accept in a grant request. Signature Grant applicants may now request up to $225,000, with no more than $75,000 per year for up to three years. Ignition Grants are designed to explore new, untested ideas or to determine how established practices can become even more effective. An Ignition Grant is appropriate for an exciting idea that is not yet ready for a multi-year Signature Grant, perhaps because the organization needs time to develop necessary capacity and expertise. As with Signature Grants, beginning in 2026, The Covenant Foundation has increased the maximum amount it will accept in an Ignition Grant request. Ignition Grant applicants may now request up to $35,000 for one year. There is no minimum dollar amount associated with a Covenant Grant.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Any institutions, agencies, or organizations involved in the field of Jewish education (i.e. day schools, congregational schools, central agencies of Jewish education, Jewish community centers, summer camps, or museums) are eligible. Only a tax-exempt, non-profit organization may serve as the sponsoring organization of a Covenant Grant.The Covenant Foundation only funds programming in North America.Organizations may only submit one grant application per cycle.

Ineligibility

Covenant Grants will not be made to support feasibility studies, assessment studies, or basic research in Jewish education, nor will The Covenant Foundation contribute to capital expansion projects, student scholarships, or ongoing operating support.