Best Grants for Jewish Nonprofits in California

Jewish 501(c)(3) nonprofits in California, especially in the greater San Francisco Bay Area, can apply for the Milton & Sophie Meyer Fund’s US $5,000 - US $10,000 grants to support a wide range of programs. Funding may support arts and culture, education, health, human services, environment, public benefit, and religious activities rooted in Judaism and Jewish culture.

Jewish-focused 501(c)(3) public charities, including those in California, can apply for Zera Foundation grants to support programs that improve quality and equality of life. Funding priorities include Jewish-based organizations, poverty alleviation, youth services, and animal welfare, with an emphasis on direct services, volunteer engagement, and strengthening existing programs.

Jewish communal professionals ages 26–36 working full-time for 501(c)(3) or registered charity Jewish organizations in California and across North America can apply for the Wexner Davidson Fellowship, a three-year leadership and Jewish learning program. Fellows receive biannual institutes, coaching, personalized Jewish study, professional development funds, and access to a global alumni network.

California individuals, businesses, and community organizations with innovative, charitable projects can seek flexible funding that turns concrete plans into reality. Jewish nonprofits and cultural or educational initiatives may be especially competitive, as the I Could Do Great Things Foundation prioritizes education, community, and Jewish causes with a streamlined, low–red-tape application process.

Nonprofit organizations working within the Jewish community to advance women’s and girls’ leadership and gender equity, including those in California, can receive up to US $80,000 in program-based or unrestricted support. With a mission to strengthen women and girls, Hadassah Foundation prioritizes initiatives addressing leadership, financial security, mental health, safety, and women’s rights in the U.S. and Israel.

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 secular organizations working on Judaism or Jewish culture projects that directly serve Israel’s Akko & Matte Asher region or the Mahoning and Shenango Valleys may be eligible for this funding, including California-based groups with a direct tie. With a mission to promote tzedakah, Youngstown Area Jewish Federation provides US $1,500 - US $22,000 for eligible programs.

Nonprofits and educational institutions in California working on Judaism, Jewish culture, or Holocaust education can receive support for projects that reject hatred, promote understanding, and inspire change. The Jewish Federation of St. Louis funds educational or artistic programs that explore Holocaust history, foster ethical dialogue, and combat antisemitism, racism, and related discrimination; individual educators apply through their institutions.

Jewish educational nonprofits and institutions in California can seek funding for innovative Jewish education programs and initiatives. Grants from Covenant Foundation help North American organizations develop, test, or expand creative, adaptable approaches to Jewish learning in schools, community centers, camps, museums, and other settings, with awards up to US $35,000 for Ignition Grants.

US-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children through youth development, mentorship, or educational programs, including those in California, can apply for Kars4Kids’ small grants of US $5,000. Eligible organizations must have a secular, non-religious programmatic focus and provide original, mission-driven services that benefit America’s children and their families.

Nonprofit organizations addressing Jewish life, culture, and related social or spiritual needs can seek funding to support work in multi-faith, multi-ethnic, and public settings in California and beyond. Grants from Charles H. Revson Foundation help Jewish-focused nonprofits, especially those in under-resourced fields or civic-sector initiatives, submit letters of inquiry year-round; full applications are by invitation.

Jewish nonprofits and organizations serving young people with disabilities in California and beyond can apply for Oklahoma City Community Foundation’s Kirschner Trusts grants, offering up to US $40,000 for programs and services. Nationally focused on Judaism, Jewish culture, and related social, health, and youth services, this funding may benefit California-based Jewish organizations.

Jewish-focused 501(c)(3) organizations working in California or elsewhere in the U.S. can seek support for programs that strengthen Jewish life, protect and nurture children, and address community needs. Focused on Judaism and Jewish culture, the Lillian and Larry Goodman Foundation invites aligned nonprofits to submit an online form as an initial inquiry.

Jewish-focused 501(c)(3) public charities in California or those running national projects can apply for the Lisa & Douglas Goldman Fund’s Jewish Community support, which funds education, advocacy, and innovative Jewish experiences. Programs combatting antisemitism, engaging Jews in social justice issues, or enhancing Judaism’s contemporary relevance may be eligible; invitations follow an initial Letter of Inquiry.

California Jewish and other nonprofits working in education, children’s welfare, medical care, medical research, or Jewish philanthropic endeavors can access funding through the Slomo and Cindy Silvian Foundation. U.S.-registered organizations may submit a brief online Preliminary Inquiry, and selected applicants are invited to apply, with specific rules for new and returning grantees.

The Phillips Campership Endowment Fund, established by the Jewish Community Foundation of the West, aims to support Jewish Summer Camps in the greater Sacramento area. This fund focuses on granting financial assistance to eligible Jewish 501(c)(3) organizations running summer camp programs. Since its inception, the Foundation has facilitated scholarships and grants that cater to diverse community needs, ensuring a lasting impact on both Jewish and broader communities.

U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations supporting the general welfare of people in Israel, caring for the sick or aged, or providing education in South Florida can apply for grants of US $10,000 - US $25,000. Harry Kramer Memorial Fund also considers organizations significantly supported by religious institutions, which may include Jewish nonprofits in California working through eligible U.S. charities.

Graduate, post-doctoral, and independent scholars researching twentieth-century Jewish history, general history, or humanitarian assistance using the JDC Archives can apply for American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee fellowships, awarding US $2,500. California-based researchers studying Jewish life or Jewish culture may be especially interested in this annual opportunity, which includes a public presentation of findings.

The Carry Cohn Jewish Education Fund, established by the Jewish Community Foundation of the West, honors Carry Cohn's dedication to Jewish education. This fund supports young adults under 25 in the Sacramento area seeking to enhance their Jewish education and values. By providing scholarships and grants, it aims to foster a commitment to a vibrant Jewish future, benefiting both local and broader communities through educational initiatives.

With a mission to support Jewish education, Jewish Community Foundation provides California Jewish organizations and families with the Colonel David Marcus Memorial Scholarship Award to help high school seniors pursue post-secondary studies. Eligible students must reside in Burlington, Camden, or Gloucester Counties in Southern New Jersey, with priority for those attending U.S. military academies or programs.

The Jewish Community Foundation of the West offers a grant titled 'Transportation Support for the Jewish Elderly,' aimed at facilitating transportation needs for Jewish 501(c)(3) organizations in the Greater Sacramento area. Established in 2000, the Foundation manages over 300 funds, providing scholarships and grants to support both Jewish and broader community initiatives. This fund specifically addresses the challenges faced by the elderly in accessing essential services, ensuring that transportation barriers are minimized.

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.

History

The Jewish Community Foundation of the West was established in 2000 with 3 million dollars from 24 participating organizations and individuals representing communities throughout Northern California who wanted to build stable economic resources to perpetuate Jewish ideals and help sustain the quality of Jewish life.

The Foundation provides these Jewish communities with philanthropic services and the opportunity to create long-term financial stability for their Jewish and secular charities. JCFW works with individuals, families and organizations to create endowments and donor advised funds to best meet their charitable objectives. Today we manage many permanent and quasi endowment funds that support our local Jewish organizations.

All funds are managed by professional investment advisors with oversight from the JCFW Investment Committee and the JCFW Board of Directors to ensure that funds are maintained according to specific investment management strategies and policies. The investment policy is available upon request. JCFW currently manages over 300 funds, which support a wide range of programs and services to meet the continuing financial needs of the community.

Today, the Foundation has expanded to include individuals and congregations in neighboring States that gift generously to charities of their choice domestically and globally, assisted by Merril Lynch as our Institutional Investment Advisors and Philanthropic Solutions team.

Scholarships & Grant-making Is At The Heart Of What We Do

Since 2000, the Jewish Community Foundation of the West and our donors have made scholarships and grants to a wide range of programs and institutions, both Jewish and in the broader community, locally and around the world.

William and Sedell Belson

This fund was founded to support Jewish Summer Camps in the greater Sacramento area. Qualified applicants will be Jewish 501(c​)(3) organizations running summer camp programs.

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 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.