Best Grants for Jewish Nonprofits in District of Columbia

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Jewish nonprofits and related 501(c)(3) public charities, including those in the District of Columbia, can apply for Zera Foundation’s grants supporting programs that improve quality and equality of life. Funding priorities include poverty, youth, animals, and Jewish-based organizations, with interest in new, volunteer-leveraged direct service programs.

Jewish communal professionals ages 26–36 working full-time for 501(c)(3) or registered charity Jewish organizations in North America can access leadership development support through the Wexner Davidson Fellowship. District of Columbia Jewish nonprofits may encourage eligible staff to apply for this three-year cohort program offering institutes, coaching, Jewish learning, and professional development funds.

District of Columbia Jewish nonprofits and community groups with innovative, charitable projects can access funding through the I Could Do Great Things Foundation to turn concrete ideas into reality. Individuals, businesses, and organizations with education, community, or Jewish-focused initiatives may be eligible, though the foundation will not fund organizational overhead or profit-making ventures.

Jewish community nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, including those in District of Columbia, can receive up to US $80,000 to strengthen the leadership of self-identifying women and girls and advance gender equity. Hadassah Foundation funds program-based or, for fully gender-focused groups, unrestricted work addressing leadership, financial security, mental health, safety, and women’s rights.

Natan's Jewish Connections Grants empower innovative initiatives connecting diverse individuals to Jewish culture and practices. Aimed at organizations with budgets under $1.5 million, these grants foster inclusivity and creativity within Jewish communities in North America. By supporting emerging leaders and new methodologies, Natan strives to create systemic change and engage populations historically overlooked by mainstream Jewish organizations. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $30,000, promoting a collaborative approach to philanthropy.

Background

Natan’s Confronting Poverty committee requests proposals from organizations that are addressing poverty in their communities across the United States. This grant area is primarily focused on new models of direct services focused on Jewish poverty.

We understand that most social service organizations serve a diverse audience, but we anticipate that most of the funding will go towards organizations that have a special and particular interest in serving the Jewish community, in addition to other audiences.

We are particularly interested in;

• New models of direct services within existing agencies that address food insecurity, housing, job training, health and older adult care;
• New models of education, communications and awareness building around poverty
• New organizations and start ups that bring a fresh lens and voice to these matters

Natan seeks to sponsor or catalyze the creation of innovative, grassroots, and scalable strategies that address poverty and the factors that contribute to these challenges. This RFP targets both early-stage organizations and early-stage projects within larger institutions.

Natan anticipates awarding up to five grants of $30,000 - $35,000. The selected programs may be eligible for second year funding. Grant recipients will have the opportunity to work with a consultant to develop measures of success and evaluation plans.

Natan’s Confronting Poverty initiative is in partnership with The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation with the goal of surfacing new ideas in the Jewish anti-poverty space. Consideration will be given to applicants that incorporate voices of those with lived experience in their program development.

Jewish and community-focused organizations serving Judaism and Jewish culture may be eligible for this funding, including those connected to the Mahoning and Shenango Valleys. Focused on Jewish life and values, the Thomases Family Endowment of Youngstown Area Jewish Federation offers US $1,500 - US $22,000 for projects that reflect tzedakah and strengthen Jewish presence.

Nonprofits and educational institutions developing Holocaust-focused educational or artistic programs, including those in District of Columbia, can apply for support from the Rubin and Gloria Feldman Family Educational Institute. Grants from Jewish Federation of St. Louis fund projects that explore Holocaust history, foster ethical reflection, encourage interfaith dialogue, and combat antisemitism and other forms of discrimination.

Jewish educational nonprofits in the District of Columbia can seek funding for innovative programs and projects that strengthen Jewish identity, continuity, and heritage. The Covenant Foundation supports tax-exempt organizations in North America with Signature and Ignition Grants, offering up to US $35,000 for one-year Ignition projects in diverse Jewish education settings.

US-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children through youth development, mentorship, or education programs can apply for Kars4Kids’ small grants, typically around US $5,000. With a mission to support educational and mentoring opportunities, Kars4Kids provides funding that may benefit Jewish nonprofits in District of Columbia whose secular programs focus on America’s children.

District of Columbia Jewish nonprofits and related civic organizations can access funding through the Charles H. Revson Foundation to support Jewish life, culture, and community-focused initiatives. Registered nonprofits in the U.S. and Israel may be eligible, particularly those addressing social and spiritual needs in multi-faith, multi-ethnic, and public settings through leadership, chaplaincy, or civic-sector work.

Focused on strengthening the Jewish community, eligible 501(c)(3) public charities can seek support for programs in the San Francisco Bay Area or national initiatives that benefit Jewish life. The Lisa & Douglas Goldman Fund backs projects combating antisemitism, advancing civic and social justice engagement, and offering innovative, experiential Jewish programming that District of Columbia organizations may implement nationally.

District of Columbia Jewish nonprofits and related cultural organizations can access funding through Oklahoma City Community Foundation to support programs in Judaism, Jewish culture, youth services, disability services, education, health, and social services. Grants up to US $40,000 are available to organizations whose work reflects priorities important to the Kirschner family trusts.

Jewish-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S., including those in the District of Columbia, can apply for Lillian and Larry Goodman Foundation support for programs that strengthen Jewish life and nurture children. Eligible work may include cultural, educational, social welfare, food security, or mental health and substance abuse initiatives. Awards support organizations in the U.S. and Israel.

Scholars in graduate, post-doctoral, or independent study researching twentieth century Jewish history or humanitarian assistance can receive US $2,500 to work in the JDC Archives. With a mission to aid vulnerable people globally, American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) provides access to extensive archival collections that may benefit Jewish-focused organizations in District of Columbia through stronger scholarship and programming.

Jewish and other 501(c)(3) organizations in the District of Columbia working on Israel-focused aid, care for the sick or aged, South Florida education, or religiously supported services can apply for Harry Kramer Memorial Fund grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $25,000. Funding supports general welfare, health, education, and faith-connected community programs.

Jewish and other nonprofit organizations working in education, children’s welfare, medical care or research, or Jewish philanthropic endeavors in the U.S., including District of Columbia, may be eligible for this program. Grants from Slomo and Cindy Silvian Foundation are by invitation only, with new prospects submitting a brief online Preliminary Inquiry for consideration.

Teens in grades 8–12 seeking to join multi-day Jewish youth programs can receive up to US $500 to reduce tuition costs, including for retreats, conventions, Shabbatons, or qualifying summer programs. With a mission to expand access to Jewish teen experiences, Jewish United Fund supports first-time participants in programs run by approved Jewish nonprofits.

High school seniors pursuing post-high school education, especially those entering U.S. military academies or programs, can receive scholarship support for tuition, room and board, books, and related expenses. With a mission to serve Jewish communities, Jewish Community Foundation provides students connected to Jewish life with aid that may benefit those from District of Columbia pursuing Jewish cultural or educational paths.

Jewish professionals working full-time in North American Jewish communal organizations can access leadership development, coaching, and professional growth funds through the Wexner Field Fellowship. With a mission to strengthen Jewish leadership, Wexner Family Charitable Fund provides intensive three-year cohort-based training that District of Columbia Jewish nonprofits’ staff may be eligible to join; awards approximately US $5,000 annually for development.

District of Columbia Jewish nonprofits preserving heritage and culture can access funding for museums, cultural programs, and educational efforts that strengthen Jewish identity and Peoplehood. Additional 501(c)(3) organizations across the U.S. working on rare disease research, elder care, climate change, or intellectual freedom may also be eligible under the Mike & Sofia Segal Foundation’s priorities.

Students connected to Jewish War Veterans Post 126 pursuing undergraduate, vocational, technical, business, or arts education can apply for the Furer-Barag-Wolf Post 126 Jewish War Veterans Scholarship Award from Jewish Community Foundation. Merit-based support covers tuition, books, and room and board, and may benefit Jewish families in District of Columbia with qualifying JWV Post 126 ties.

The Seymour Siegel Youth Achievement Award, offered by the Jewish Community Foundation, provides financial support for high school students pursuing post-secondary education or vocational training. Open to applicants of the Jewish faith, this award prioritizes those from single-parent households, orphans, or foster children. Interested candidates must submit a personal narrative detailing their qualifications. The foundation, established in 1979, is a leading community resource in South Jersey, managing over $35 million in assets.

The Patrice Faye Cohen Memorial Scholarship Award supports high school women from Southern New Jersey who are pursuing college education with a focus on entrepreneurship. Established in memory of Patrice Faye Cohen, a successful business owner, this scholarship aims to empower women to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams. Eligible candidates must demonstrate a commitment to their studies and entrepreneurial aspirations, with financial support available for tuition and related expenses.

The Mildred Soefer Scholarship Fund Award offers financial support to Jewish students from Burlington, Camden, or Gloucester Counties who are pursuing higher education or vocational training. Applicants are required to have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate financial need. The scholarship may cover tuition, books, and living expenses. This fund aims to foster educational growth within the community and encourages applicants to apply for multiple awards they may qualify for.

The Chaim Schwartz Foundation Grant supports initiatives that preserve and enrich Yiddish language, culture, theater, and art. Established in memory of Sandra Schwartz Tangri, the foundation aims to continue the rich social justice heritage of Yiddishkeit. Proposals can be project-specific or for general support, with grant amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000, and the application process is designed to be straightforward for non-profit organizations.