Jewish Community Grants

Jewish Community Grants is sponsored by Harold Grinspoon Foundation. Supports innovative programs connecting under-engaged individuals and families to the Jewish community in Western Massachusetts and Southern Vermont.

Western Massachusetts | HGF Local Jewish Support Our local community is rich in opportunities for people to engage in vibrant, enriching Jewish community programs. Our grants support individuals and organizations in making such opportunities available. Whether it’s a large concert featuring Israeli singers or a celebration of women in the rabbinate, we aim to encourage programs that are relevant, innovative, and engaging.

Programs must be held in Western Massachusetts (Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties) or Southern Vermont (Bennington and Windham counties). Applications may be submitted by organizations or individuals, such as artists, educators, project organizers, and volunteers.

Organizations that have and maintain status as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended (the "Code") and be classified under sections 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2) of the Code What type of proposals are considered? Proposals must describe how a program brings meaning and impact to a community.

Priority is given to proposals that: Connect individuals and families who are under-engaged in the Jewish community Are designed and executed collaboratively by multiple organizations/individuals in order to share resources, maximize publicity, and reach a diverse constituency If applying for the Jewish Community Grant for individuals, the individual must be the sole organizer and the event cannot be advertised as an event for an organization (though organizations may sponsor the event).

Applications must be submitted at least 5 weeks prior to the event. Proposals will be reviewed based on the following criteria: Anticipated participation This is a competitive grant program. Receipts may be requested following the event.

Individuals can apply for up to 2 per year, and organizations can apply for up to 3 per year. Both can apply for up to 50% of total costs with a maximum reimbursement of $2,500. Organizations collaborating on an event can receive 50% of the total cost up to $7,500 (not to exceed $2,500 per organization) This grant is very competitive and not guaranteed.

The approved grant amount is not the final grant amount. All final grant payments are contingent on the submission and approval of a Final Report which will be evaluated based on the same criteria as the original application. How do I receive funding?

Applicants are encouraged to submit applications as early as possible. Completed applications must be submitted at least five weeks prior to the start of the program. Late applications will not be accepted.

Please allow for at least three to four weeks for applications to be reviewed and processed. The approved grant amount is not the final grant amount. The Jewish Community Grant is a reimbursement grant.

Within 30 days of completing a project, grantees must submit a Final Report which includes a brief narrative and budget. All final grant payments are contingent on final reports, which will be evaluated based on the following criteria: For individual applicants, a W-9 form must be completed to be eligible for the grant. For questions about the Jewish Community Grant or the online grant system, please email grants@hgf.

org . Please note that the Harold Grinspoon Foundation reserves the right to decline any application for any reason.