Best Grants for Jewish Nonprofits in Maine

Nonprofits and educational institutions in Maine and nationwide can seek support for educational or artistic projects that use Holocaust history to challenge hatred and promote understanding. The Jewish Federation of St. Louis prioritizes programs exploring Holocaust legacy, examining ethical and social issues, fostering interfaith dialogue, and combating antisemitism, racism, and other forms of discrimination.

Jewish and secular organizations serving Judaism or Jewish culture with work tied to the Mahoning and Shenango Valleys or the Akko & Matte Asher region can seek project or capital support. With a mission to promote tzedakah, Youngstown Area Jewish Federation provides grants of US $1,500 - US $22,000, including multi-year commitments up to $50,000 per year.

Jewish educational nonprofits and institutions in Maine can seek funding for innovative Jewish education programs through Signature and Ignition Grants, with awards up to US $35,000. Grants from Covenant Foundation help North American Jewish schools, camps, JCCs, museums, and similar organizations develop or disseminate creative, adaptable approaches to Jewish learning and culture.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children through youth development, mentorship, or educational programs can apply for Kars4Kids’ small grants, typically US $5,000. Maine Jewish nonprofits with secular, non-religious programming for youth may be eligible if their primary mission is supporting America’s children through meaningful, mission-driven services.

Jewish and other registered nonprofits in Maine working on Judaism, Jewish culture, civic engagement, or urban planning may be eligible for Jewish Life funding that supports social and spiritual needs. Grants from Charles H. Revson Foundation help organizations in Israel and North America, and interested groups can begin with a Letter of Inquiry.

Jewish-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in Maine or those serving Jewish communities nationally can apply for Lisa & Douglas Goldman Fund support for projects that strengthen a vibrant, inclusive, and safe Jewish community. Funding may support education on Judaism and Israel, civic engagement, climate and gun-violence work, or innovative, experiential Jewish programs.

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.

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.

Jewish-focused 501(c)(3) organizations working in Maine and beyond may be eligible for funding to strengthen Jewish life, support children, and address basic needs. Focused on Judaism and Jewish culture, the Lillian and Larry Goodman Foundation supports programs in the U.S. and Israel, including initiatives around mental health, substance abuse prevention, and food security.

Nonprofit organizations working within the Jewish community to advance women’s and girls’ leadership and gender equity can seek program or unrestricted support, including in Maine. With a mission to strengthen women and girls in Jewish life, Hadassah Foundation provides multi-year grants up to US $80,000 for leadership development and addressing gender-based challenges.

Jewish-based 501(c)(3) public charities working on poverty, youth, animals, or Jewish community life, including those in Maine, can apply for Zera Foundation support. Grants primarily benefit Oregon, but the Board may approve projects elsewhere, so Maine Jewish nonprofits with strong direct-service programs and volunteer engagement may be considered.

Maine Jewish organizations, community groups, businesses, and individuals with innovative, charitable projects can access funding through the I Could Do Great Things Foundation to turn concrete ideas into reality. Proposals with strong plans and commitment, especially in education, community initiatives, or Jewish causes, may be supported; ongoing organizational overhead and profit-making ventures are not funded.

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

Jewish nonprofits and organizations serving young people with disabilities, health, or social service needs in Maine may be eligible for grants up to US $40,000 to support their work. The Oklahoma City Community Foundation’s Kirschner Trusts prioritize Muskogee-area Jewish causes and related community services but consider organizations across the U.S.

Jewish teens in grades 8–12 can receive up to US $500 to reduce tuition for their first multi-day Jewish youth program, retreat, convention, Shabbaton, or qualifying summer experience. Focused on Jewish teen engagement, Jewish United Fund’s Springboard Access Grants support programs run by approved Jewish nonprofits, which may include organizations serving Maine youth who connect with Chicago’s Jewish community.

Jewish nonprofits and other 501(c)(3) organizations in Maine working in education, children’s welfare, medical care or research, or Jewish philanthropic endeavors can access funding through the Slomo and Cindy Silvian Foundation. Grants are by invitation only, with a required online Preliminary Inquiry process and specific eligibility rules for both new and returning grantees.

U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations supporting Jewish communities, health, senior care, education in South Florida, or Israel-focused welfare work may be eligible for funding, including groups in Maine. Harry Kramer Memorial Fund provides Maine Jewish nonprofits with US $10,000 - US $25,000 for programs tied to care of the sick or aged, education, or Israel-related assistance.

The Sam L. Cohen Foundation provides grants to support arts, culture, education, civic engagement, health services, and Jewish cultural initiatives in Maine. The foundation prioritizes organizations that serve underserved populations and promote community engagement. They fund projects up to $50,000, with an average grant size under $15,000. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and other tax-exempt organizations serving Cumberland and York Counties. The foundation seeks to foster creativity, improve quality of life, and enhance educational opportunities.

Scholars engaged in graduate, post-doctoral, or independent research in twentieth-century Jewish history and humanitarian assistance can apply for American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee fellowships, awarding US $2,500 to support work in the JDC Archives. Maine-based researchers and those studying Jewish culture or history may particularly benefit from this opportunity.

High school seniors pursuing post-secondary education, especially military academies or programs, and living in Burlington, Camden, or Gloucester Counties may benefit from this scholarship covering tuition, room and board, books, and related expenses. With a mission to support Jewish education, Jewish Community Foundation provides awards honoring Colonel David Marcus’s ideals; Maine Jewish nonprofits may share this opportunity with eligible families.

Students pursuing full-time post-high school education, who are children or grandchildren of Jewish War Veterans Post 126 members, can receive scholarship support for tuition, books, and room and board. Grants from Jewish Community Foundation help eligible students, including those connected to Maine Jewish communities, attend college or accredited vocational, technical, business, or arts schools based on academic merit and service.

Jewish high school students in Maine pursuing college, university, or vocational, technical, business, or arts education can apply for the Seymour Siegel Youth Achievement Award from Jewish Community Foundation. This academic scholarship gives exclusive consideration to orphans, foster children, or those in single-parent households and requires a personal narrative as part of the application.

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.

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 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.