Best Grants for Jewish Nonprofits in Connecticut

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Slomo and Cindy Silvian Foundation Grant supports a range of subjects including education, children's welfare, medical care, medical research, and Jewish philanthropic endeavors. Established in honor of Cindy Silvian, the foundation has awarded over $30 million since 2008. Applications are by invitation only, and organizations must meet specific eligibility criteria to be considered for funding. This year, the foundation allocated over $2.4 million to more than 110 organizations, highlighting its commitment to impactful philanthropy.

The JUF Springboard Access Grant aims to make Jewish programming more accessible for teens in grades 8-12 in the Chicago area. This grant covers up to 50% of the tuition costs for first-time participants in multi-day programs organized by approved Jewish nonprofits. It encourages teens to engage with their community and explore new interests while ensuring financial barriers are lowered. Eligible teens are expected to share their experiences with the organization after participating.

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.

Connecticut Jewish communal professionals seeking intensive leadership development can access funding and training through the Wexner Field Fellowship. This three-year, cohort-based program offers in-person institutes, coaching, Jewish learning, and approximately US $5,000 annually for approved professional development. Eligible applicants must work full-time for a North American Jewish organization and meet specific experience and age criteria.

Jewish cultural and heritage nonprofits in Connecticut and across the U.S. can seek funding for museums, cultural programs, and educational efforts that preserve and strengthen Jewish identity. Mike & Sofia Segal Foundation also considers 501(c)(3) projects in intellectual freedom, rare disease research, elder care, and climate change that fit its mission and capacity criteria.

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.