Best Grants for Jewish Nonprofits

The Lisa and Douglas Goldman Fund, a private foundation established in 1992, is dedicated to enhancing the Jewish community by awarding grants that foster inclusivity and vibrancy. The fund invites proposals from organizations committed to combating antisemitism and supporting progressive initiatives such as climate action and reproductive rights. Eligible applicants must hold 501(c)(3) status and can submit one request per year, focusing on projects in the San Francisco Bay Area or nationally.

The Jewish Foundation Professional Development Grants for Jewish Educators aim to enhance the skills of educators in local Jewish schools. Funded by the Judith A. Kaye Fund, these grants support attendance at workshops and conferences. Eligible participants include classroom educators from day schools, preschools, and synagogue schools in Greater New Haven. The initiative promotes professional development opportunities, fostering a community of skilled educators dedicated to Jewish education.

The Wexner Davidson Fellowship (WDF) is a transformative leadership development program designed for Jewish communal professionals in North America aged 26-36. Over three years, Fellows engage in cohort-based learning at biannual institutes, receive coaching, and deepen their Jewish knowledge while building a strong professional network. This initiative fosters personal and professional growth, equipping the next generation of leaders to serve their communities effectively and connect with a global alumni network.

The Nathalie and Gladys Dalkowitz Charitable Trust Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations in the San Antonio area, focusing on arts, culture, education, and ecumenical programs. Established in memory of sisters Nathalie and Gladys Dalkowitz, the trust honors their legacy of philanthropy and community support. Grants typically range from $3,000 to $10,000, encouraging initiatives that enrich the cultural and educational landscape of Bexar County, Texas.

The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater MetroWest NJ (JCF) is offering one-year grants aimed at enhancing and transforming local community programs. These grants support a variety of impactful initiatives, including care for the elderly, Jewish education programming, and assistance for those in need. With funding opportunities ranging from $10,000 to $20,000, JCF seeks to empower organizations that can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families in our community.

The Zera Foundation Grant, established in 2011, supports nonprofit organizations in Oregon aimed at enhancing quality of life. With a focus on poverty, youth, animals, and Jewish-based initiatives, the Foundation seeks to fund new programs that help existing organizations achieve their mission. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities and can only receive one grant per year, ensuring a concentrated impact in their communities.

The Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven offers a Programmatic Grant to support local 501(c)(3) nonprofits, synagogues, and Jewish organizations. This grant aims to address community priorities such as combating antisemitism, Israel advocacy, and Jewish programming for youth. The initiative seeks to unite the Jewish community, empower individuals through learning, maximize collaborative impact, and enhance the quality of life for all members, fostering a vibrant and inclusive Jewish community in Greater New Haven.

The Crane Family Foundation Grant supports Jewish education and violence prevention programs in Baltimore, Maryland. Established in 1991, the Foundation allocates 70-80% of its funds to Jewish education and 20-30% for violence prevention initiatives aimed at local youth. Organizations based in Maryland are eligible to apply, with specific deadlines for submissions. This funding opportunity reflects the Foundation's commitment to enhancing community welfare and educational opportunities.

The Circle of Service Foundation offers grants to enhance community well-being, focusing on areas such as Education, Jewish Community, Medical Research, and Community Services in Cook and Lake Counties, Illinois. The foundation emphasizes challenge grants and invites applications for specific programs or general operating support. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to raising funds and fulfilling the foundation's mission, while also being classified as public charities under the Internal Revenue Code.

The Jaclyn Ehrlich Travel Experience Award, established by the Wolf Family in memory of Jaclyn Lydia Ehrlich, offers financial assistance to Southern New Jersey students pursuing social action trips or educational programs in Israel. Open to Jewish students aged 13 and above from Camden, Gloucester, and Burlington Counties, this scholarship supports those engaging with Israel through travel or study. Applicants must demonstrate their connection and intentions regarding their experiences in Israel to qualify for this award.

Foundation for Cincinnati Jewish Seniors

Goal

By year-end 2028, we will have funded successful programs and services with measurable impact on the lives of Greater Cincinnati's Jewish seniors.

Mission

To improve the quality of life of Greater Cincinnati Jewish seniors by investing in impactful services and programs.

Vision

For every Jewish senior in our region to age with connection, dignity, and purpose.

Strategic Focus Areas for Priority Funding

• Reducing Social Isolation
• Supporting Caregivers
• Intergenerational Connections
• Food Insecurity and/or Access to Kosher Food
• Transportation
• Affordable Housing
• Health and Wellness/Healthy Living Longer
• Improving Awareness of Available Services for Seniors
• Engaging the Skills and Talents of Older Adults in the Community (including as volunteers)
• Jewish Engagement and Connection
• Innovation in programs, services or delivery

The Furer-Barag-Wolf Post 126 Jewish War Veterans Scholarship Award supports children or grandchildren of JWV Post 126 members, providing merit-based assistance for college or vocational education. Eligible applicants must reside in specific counties in New Jersey or be related to a JWV member. The scholarship covers tuition, books, and living expenses and is open for reapplication annually. This initiative by the Jewish Community Foundation fosters educational opportunities for deserving students.

The Colonel David Marcus Memorial Scholarship Award supports students from Burlington, Camden, or Gloucester Counties pursuing post-high school education, particularly in military programs. Established by the Jewish Community Foundation, this scholarship prioritizes candidates who embody Col. Marcus's ideals. Eligible applicants must be high school seniors and may apply for multiple awards. The fund has a strong community leadership background, managing over $35 million in assets to support educational initiatives.

The Freda and Sam Yacker Israel Experience Award, established by the South Jersey Hebrew Association, provides financial assistance to Jewish students aged 18-25 from Camden, Gloucester, or Burlington Counties. This award supports participation in college programs or recognized summer experiences in Israel. Applicants must articulate their engagement with Israel in an essay. Preference is given to those whose education begins after June 30. The scholarship encourages deeper connections with Israel through educational experiences.

The Ed & Stacey Rivkin Aspiration Award supports Jewish students pursuing post-high school education with demonstrated financial need. Established to honor Ed and Stacey's contributions to the Jewish community, this award assists recipients in covering educational costs such as tuition, books, and room and board. Eligible applicants must reside in specific New Jersey counties and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. The award aims to empower future leaders by facilitating access to higher education.

The Branfman Family Scholarship Award, offered by the Jewish Community Foundation, supports students of all faiths from Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester Counties pursuing post-high school education. Eligible candidates, including graduating seniors and undergraduates, must have a minimum GPA of 2.5. Awards can be used for tuition, books, and living expenses, ensuring vital financial assistance for students. This initiative highlights the Foundation's commitment to community support and educational access.

The Benjamin Asbell Youth Award, presented by the Jewish Community Foundation, recognizes outstanding Jewish youth in high school who demonstrate leadership and serve as role models within their communities. Open to members of Jewish congregational youth groups, this award aims to inspire recipients to engage in Jewish communal life and promote the continuity of Jewish identity among peers. Nominations must be submitted by a youth group advisor or rabbi, supporting the development of future leaders.

About JCF

• Extensive History: Founded in 1979 as the Bequest & Endowment Society of the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey, the Jewish Community Foundation, Inc. is a separately-incorporated 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
• Community Leadership: With upwards of $35 million in funds under management, and with an estimated $40 million in future expected endowment assets, the JCF has grown into the leading community foundation in South Jersey.

JCF Scholarship Awards are available for all students pursuing post-high school education and who are enrolled (or plan to enroll) in full-time studies for the Fall 2026 school year or for experiential travel in the upcoming year.

Who May Apply for JCF Scholarship Awards?

• Local Residents: An applicant's home residence must be in Burlington, Camden, or Gloucester County ("B/C/G County) in Southern New Jersey, but noting the following exceptions:
  • Stuart & Marylee Alperin Jewish Communal Service Professional Development Award: Must be a B/C/G County resident OR reside elsewhere in Southern New Jersey;
  • Jewish War Veterans Post 126 Award: Applicant may live outside the B/C/G County area, but is a child or grandchild of a JWV Post 126 member in good standing;
  • Col. David Marcus Memorial Award: Priority will be given to B/C/G County residents

• Candidates Who Qualify Based on Award Criteria: To determine which award(s) to apply for, a prospective applicant should review each award's criteria, and apply accordingly. Note that criteria can vary per award based on such requirements as an applicant's age, merit vs. financial need, gender, etc. Most, but not all, awards are for applicants of Jewish faith. An applicant may apply to multiple awards each year.
• Reapplying: Each award is for a one-year time period. Applicants may reapply in subsequent years to any JCF award for which they qualify.

Valerie Gladfelter Scholarship Award

The Valerie Gladfelter Scholarship Award is for Jewish girls and women residing in Burlington, Camden or Gloucester Counties who plan to enroll or are currently enrolled in a college or university degree-related program.

The Pittsburgh Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four–year universities, graduate schools, and career/technical schools.

Samuel J. Goldstein, Esquire, Scholarship Fund

The Samuel J. Goldstein, Esquire, Scholarship Fund was established at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships to benefit students from Allegheny County and contiguous counties who are planning to attend or already attend law school in Pennsylvania.

• Award varies
• Award Type: Single Year. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.

The Nathan & Sarah Chesin and Bernard & Mollie Steuer Fellowships, established by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) in 2019, support scholars in graduate, post-doctoral, or independent research in the JDC Archives. With a rich collection documenting modern Jewish history, the fellowship encourages innovative research in humanitarian assistance and related fields. Each year, one fellowship is awarded, culminating in a public presentation by the recipient, fostering a greater understanding of the Jewish experience.

The Irving and Gloria Schlossberg Family Fund Grants aim to support local nonprofit organizations in Dutchess County, focusing on preserving Jewish culture and heritage. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations that significantly impact the community. The fund encourages collaborative programs that educate the public about Jewish history, customs, and arts, and gives priority to initiatives appealing to the broader community. This initiative promotes diversity, equity, and inclusiveness in community life.

Foundation for Cincinnati Jewish Seniors

Goal

By year-end 2028, we will have funded successful programs and services with measurable impact on the lives of Greater Cincinnati's Jewish seniors.

Mission

To improve the quality of life of Greater Cincinnati Jewish seniors by investing in impactful services and programs.

Vision

For every Jewish senior in our region to age with connection, dignity, and purpose.

Strategic Focus Areas for Priority Funding

• Reducing Social Isolation
• Supporting Caregivers
• Intergenerational Connections
• Food Insecurity and/or Access to Kosher Food
• Transportation
• Affordable Housing
• Health and Wellness/Healthy Living Longer
• Improving Awareness of Available Services for Seniors
• Engaging the Skills and Talents of Older Adults in the Community (including as volunteers)
• Jewish Engagement and Connection
• Innovation in programs, services or delivery

Chortek Weisman Family FundThe Chortek Weisman Family Fund seeks to make an impact on Jewish life, identity, and engagement in San Diego County. Believing that the future lies with our youth, the mission is to strengthen Jewish life, identity, and engagement by supporting innovative programs and initiatives that inspire youth to lead meaningful Jewish lives and contribute to the continuity of the Jewish people. The goal of this grant is to cultivate knowledgeable, compassionate, and engaged community members who embody Jewish values, serve as ambassadors for the Jewish community, and are prepared to confront antisemitism with confidence and pride. Applications should clearly articulate program goals, anticipated outcomes, methods for measuring success, and the impact the funding will have on participants and the broader Jewish community.

The Community Capital Fund

The Klarman Family Foundation is committed to expanding access to critical services and enrichment opportunities that help make Massachusetts communities stronger, healthier, and more vibrant. We recognize that community-based organizations of all sizes and across a variety of mission areas play crucial roles in strengthening the fabric of neighborhoods. 

Community-based organizations often struggle to raise funds to support critical investments in physical assets (e.g., facilities and open space). These investments are necessary so they may deliver and sustain high-quality operations and advance their vision and mission. 

The Foundation believes that investments in physical assets help create a permanence that benefits the broader community. The Community Capital Fund (CCF) provides funding to support the development, improvement, or ownership of physical assets. This funding initiative aims to counter disparities in access to funding across Massachusetts and prioritizes organizations operating in the Boston neighborhoods of Dorchester, East Boston, Mattapan, and Roxbury, as well as the cities of Brockton, Lawrence, Lynn, New Bedford, and Springfield.

The Community Capital Fund supports facilities or land acquisition; construction; renovation; repair; preservation and major equipment. In some cases, funding will also support technical assistance to help organizations develop or assess the feasibility of a project, or engage expertise necessary to execute the project successfully.

Through this funding initiative, The Klarman Family Foundation hopes community-based organizations will be better positioned to make their space and neighborhoods more vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive. At the same time, The Klarman Family Foundation seeks to deepen and expand its relationships within, and knowledge of more communities throughout Boston and Massachusetts. We know we do not have all the answers and expect our funding approach to evolve over time based on what we learn.

Our work in this area is guided by the following principles:

• Staying locally informed: We prioritize funding for organizations and projects rooted in their neighborhoods.
• Addressing barriers to capital: We prioritize funding to communities that have limited access to philanthropy.
• Looking for bold approaches: We are ready to take risks as an early or leading funder.
• Creating lasting benefit: We invest in projects that address community needs in meaningful, sustainable ways.
• Knowing one size doesn’t fit all: We are flexible and adapt our support based on the size, type and urgency of need.

JFO Music & Cultural Arts Programs

This scholarship opportunity is available year-round.

The current program requirements include the following:

• Scholarships are awarded on a financial-need basis.
• Scholarships are available only to Jewish residents of the Omaha metropolitan area.

Jewish Federation of Omaha

Our Mission is to build and sustain a strong and vibrant Omaha Jewish community and to support Jews in Israel and around the world

The Jewish Federation of Omaha is a full-service organization serving the Jewish and Omaha communities. We provide services and programs for all ages from early childhood education to a long-term, skilled care nursing home. We also have the finest fitness center in Omaha that features indoor and outdoor aquatic centers, youth programming, a newly-renovated theater and learning commons, a public art gallery, a weekly newspaper, meals on wheels, counseling services, and community advocacy.

Our core values of Judaism, collective responsibility, community, education, health and well-being, integrity, leadership, and stewardship inspire us to, as a community, develop innovative responses to critical issues.

Scholarships

The Jewish Federation of Omaha administers a wide variety of scholarship and grant funds that provide financial assistance for preschool, Jewish residential camps, JCC day camp, Israel trips, youth group activities, Friedel Jewish Academy, undergraduate, graduate, vocational, technical, yeshiva and professional studies. Scholarships are awarded on a financial-need basis. 

Youth Group Program Scholarship

The current program requirements include the following:

• Scholarships are available only to Jewish residents of the Omaha metropolitan area.
• Applications must be submitted a minimum of two weeks before the event.

Award notifications will be sent to parents and the youth group director via email.

JFS–David Rubenstein Memorial Scholarship

The JFS–David Rubenstein Memorial Scholarship, established by Dr. Robert Rubenstein and Marie Raftery, honors the memory of Dr. Robert’s son, David. The program provides financial support to students from San Diego’s Jewish community pursuing college or vocational education, and encourages them to cultivate intellectual curiosity, reflect on Jewish values, and give back to their community.

Scholarships of up to $10,000 will be awarded based on academic achievement, community involvement, and financial need.

Students are eligible to receive up to a total of four (4) years of JFS-David Rubenstein Memorial Scholarship funding, and the funding years do not have to be consecutive. Scholarships are made on a year-to-year basis and are not automatically renewed. Scholarship recipients must submit a new application and the required documentation in compliance with the application deadlines, stated herein, for each year that they seek funding.

Scholarship funds will be sent directly to the academic institution the student is attending solely for use toward qualifying academic expenses, including tuition, school-provided housing, books, school fees, or required academic supplies/equipment. Should the recipient not matriculate college by the date listed in the award, he or she agrees to forfeit the scholarship award.