Best Grants for Jewish Nonprofits in Connecticut

Jewish communal professionals ages 26–36 working full-time for 501(c)(3) or registered-charity Jewish organizations in Connecticut and across North America can apply for the Wexner Davidson Fellowship. This three-year program offers intensive leadership training, Jewish learning, coaching, professional development funds, and access to a global network of Jewish communal leaders.

Jewish-based 501(c)(3) public charities in Connecticut working on Judaism or Jewish culture may be eligible for Zera Foundation support to improve quality and equality of life. The foundation prioritizes programs addressing poverty, youth, animals, and direct services, especially new initiatives that help existing organizations better achieve their missions.

Connecticut Jewish nonprofits, community organizations, businesses, and individuals with charitable projects can access funding through I Could Do Great Things Foundation to turn innovative ideas into reality. Proposals must have a clear, charitable purpose and concrete plan; education, community, and Jewish causes receive priority consideration, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with minimal paperwork.

Nonprofit organizations working within the Jewish community on women’s and girls’ leadership and gender equity, including those serving Connecticut, can apply for Hadassah Foundation’s core grants of up to US $80,000. With a mission to advance women and girls in Jewish life, it funds program-based or unrestricted work that strengthens leadership and addresses key challenges.

Jewish schools, synagogues, and classroom educators in Connecticut can receive funding for Jewish education professional development, including registration, standard accommodations, and travel to workshops or conferences. Focused on strengthening Jewish education, the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven also supports community programs that provide training opportunities for local Jewish educators and instructors.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations can seek funding to support programs for Jewish women, girls, and their families in Greater New Haven and Israel. The Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven’s Women of Vision Society backs initiatives that enhance Jewish life, build community among Jewish women, and advance Jewish values such as Tikkun Olam.

Jewish nonprofits and other 501(c)(3) organizations in Connecticut serving Jewish older adults can seek support for programs and projects benefiting Jewish elderly in greater New Haven. Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven funding can enhance quality of life, launch innovative services, foster collaboration among Jewish organizations, and expand outreach to isolated or frail seniors.

Eligible 501(c)(3) Jewish institutions in Connecticut can apply for the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven’s Community Security Grants, awarding up to US $5,000 to enhance facility security. Synagogues, the JCC, Camp Laurelwood, Ezra Academy, and Southern Connecticut Hebrew Academy in the greater New Haven area may benefit from this support.

Jewish religious school programs in Connecticut serving K–12 students with individualized learning or special needs can receive funding to enhance their Jewish education services. The Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven supports added services, staffing, or materials so children with IEPs or 504 plans can better benefit from supplementary religious school programs.

Jewish and secular organizations serving Judaism or Jewish culture projects in the Mahoning and Shenango Valleys, or Israel’s Akko and Matte Asher region, can seek program or capital support, including multi-year requests, from the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation. With a mission to advance Jewish life, it provides US $1,500 - US $22,000 to eligible applicants.

Nonprofits and educational institutions in Connecticut working on Holocaust education, dialogue, or anti-discrimination initiatives can apply for grants from the Jewish Federation of St. Louis. The Rubin and Gloria Feldman Family Educational Institute supports educational and artistic projects that use Holocaust history to reject hatred, promote understanding, and inspire social and ethical reflection; funding is available across the U.S.

Jewish educational institutions and nonprofits in Connecticut can seek funding for innovative Jewish education and cultural programs through the Covenant Foundation’s Signature & Ignition Grants, with awards up to US $35,000. Grants support creative, adaptable approaches in settings like schools, JCCs, camps, and museums; projects must be tax-exempt and based in North America.

Jewish organizations and nonprofits supporting Jewish causes, youth with disabilities, or related social services can apply for Oklahoma City Community Foundation’s Kirschner Trusts grants, awarding up to US $40,000. Nationally focused groups, including those in Connecticut, may be eligible if their work reflects the Muskogee-area philanthropic priorities important to the Kirschner family.

Jewish nonprofits and other 501(c)(3) organizations in Connecticut and across the U.S. can seek support for programs that strengthen Jewish life, protect and nurture children, and address hunger or substance abuse. Focused on Jewish life in the U.S. and Israel, the Lillian and Larry Goodman Foundation invites aligned organizations to submit an online inquiry form.

Jewish-focused 501(c)(3) public charities, or those with a fiscal sponsor, in Connecticut and nationwide can apply for the Lisa & Douglas Goldman Fund’s Jewish Community support to enhance a vibrant, inclusive, and safe Jewish community. Eligible projects may address antisemitism, civic engagement, climate, gun violence, reproductive rights, or innovative experiential Jewish life.

Grants from Charles H. Revson Foundation help Connecticut Jewish nonprofits and other registered 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. address social and spiritual needs. Organizations working in Judaism, Jewish culture, civic engagement, or urban planning may submit a letter of inquiry; invited applicants then receive full application instructions. Funding also supports related work in Israel.

US-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children through secular youth development, mentorship, or educational programs can apply for Kars4Kids’ small grants, typically around US $5,000. Connecticut organizations with Jewish roots or leadership that run non-religious programs for kids and families may be eligible if their primary mission is supporting America’s children.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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 Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund

The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund is a Princeton, New Jersey-based endowment fund providing grants to individuals, young adults who volunteer or intern for progressive social action projects or programs in an area of their interest and commitment. The Amy Adina Fund also sponsors a lecture each year on a relevant and timely topic related to its educational mission.

The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund was started in 1987 one year after Amy Adina, 20, died suddenly while a student and activist at Rutgers University. It is a realization of her family and her communities’ desire to celebrate her life, to fulfill her dreams and her potential. Since its inception, almost 1,500 grants have been awarded for work in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and the United States—nearly $1,000,000 in total. The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

About Our Grants

Small grants (depending on length of service), are awarded to as many applicants as possible rather than giving larger amounts to fewer individuals. The number of awards has grown each year thanks to annual contributions as well as to gifts sent to the Fund to honor special occasions and life cycle events.

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 Harry Kramer Memorial Fund Grant supports U.S. charitable organizations that assist individuals and institutions in Israel, focusing on welfare, healthcare for the sick and aged, and education in South Florida. Founded by Harry A. Kramer, a successful entrepreneur and veteran, the fund reflects his deep commitment to charitable causes. Organizations must qualify under Section 501(c)(3) and meet specific eligibility criteria to apply for funding, ensuring that aid reaches those in need.