Local Impact Fund

Local Impact Fund is sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Greater Houston. Grants for new or expanding programs (0-2 years in existence) that directly serve the Greater Houston Jewish community and fit within priority areas of Engagement (fostering Jewish community and identity), Education (combating antisemitism, fostering support for Israel, building…

Local Impact Fund - Jewish Federation of Greater Houston The Local Impact Fund, a programmatic grants fund, allows the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston to address important and/or unmet needs in our Greater Houston Jewish community and enables Federation funding to be more inclusive of all community organizations.

The fund supports initiatives that will respond to community interests and needs, seed and grow impactful programs, build collaboration, and enhance the culture of the community. All programs or initiatives funded through the Local Impact Fund shall be new (0-2 years in existence) or expanding and serve the Jewish community. The goal is for programs to have the broadest community impact.

Proposals must be collaborative and reach a broad constituency. Additionally, innovation and inclusion of various Jewish practices are value metrics that will be prioritized in the grant process. Funds for this year’s cycle are to be utilized during 2027.

2026 funding cycle is now live! Local Impact Fund Information Fund Priority Areas for 2026 Programs shall fit within at least one of the three following priority areas: Engagement: Fostering Jewish community and building Jewish identity, both socially and spiritually, in an innovative way. Programs must include at least one of the categories below.

Innovative and collaborative programming for elementary and middle school age children (grades K-5 and 6-8) and their families Adults across ages and stages Jewish community partnerships across religious practices Community-wide initiatives or programs for the broadest audience across Greater Houston Education: Innovative programming for Jewish education. Programs must include at least one of the categories below.

Programs may serve any age/stage. Fostering support for Israel Building bridges between the Jewish community and non-Jewish communities Service learning and volunteer opportunities Accessibility & Belonging: Programs that engage and support the following populations to ensure accessibility and belonging within the Jewish community. Programs should focus on at least one of the populations below.

Youth and adults with special needs Mixed heritage and Jews of color Greater Houston neighborhoods outside the central core Jewish area Who is eligible to apply? The fund will be open to any 501(c)(3) or an organization with a nonprofit fiscal sponsor that directly serves the Greater Houston Jewish community, including organizations that receive other sources of funding from the Federation.

Funding must be tied to a particular project or program that fits the Fund’s priorities and has measurable impact. All programs or initiatives must be new (0-2 years in existence) or expanding and serve the Jewish community. All programs or initiatives must have a collaborative partner.

Grants will be awarded up to $30,000. Grantees will be required to participate in site visits and submit annual reports. Grants will be awarded on an annual basis, with a maximum of 3 years of funding for a particular project or program.

Renewal for funding in years 2 and 3 will be based on program outcomes, community needs, and a proven model of financial stability or fundraising. Programs seeking renewed funding will be required to submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) as their first step in the application process to provide updated program and grant request information.

Monday, April 27, 9-11 AM – Information Session and Grant Writing Workshop All organizations are invited to attend the in-person information session and grant writing workshop. Learn more about the Local Impact Fund, enhance your grant writing skills with training from local expert Allison Boyd of Boyd Grants Academy, and have an opportunity to connect with other local organizations to collaborate on new programs for the community.

Letters of Inquiry (LOI) are due. Applicants will be notified about the next round of the process in September. November 4, 2026 – Full Proposal Due Full proposal is due for those invited to complete the process.

Prior to that date, there will be an information session. December 2026 – Awards Announcement Grant awards will be announced. January to December 2027 – Implementation Program implementation, site visits, and impact reporting.

Local Impact In Previous Years Federation awards $198,000 in 2025 Local Impact Fund Grants Federation awards $188,360 in 2024 Local Impact Fund Grants Federation awards $183,000 in 2023 from new Local Impact Fund For questions, contact Sara Sandhaus, Senior Manager, Community Impact and Partnerships.