Teen Education Grants


Historically, there’s been a gap in terms of stimulating Jewish programming for teens. After a child’s bar or bat mitzvah, there was nothing designed to appeal to young people during these important, formative years. We want to encourage community organizations to implement programs that will engage teens in fun and meaningful ways.

The Teen Education Grant funds eligible Jewish organizations the provide informal, creative Jewish education and experiential learning programs to engage teens.
 

What organizations qualify?

Organizations must
  • Be Jewish organizations serving teens such as synagogues, day schools, or nonprofit organizations
  • Be a charitable organization exempt from federal income tax further classified as a 509 (a)(1) or 509(a)(2)
  • Be located in Western Massachusetts (Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties ) or Southern Vermont (Bennington and Windham counties)
  • Offer Jewish education programs for teens
  • Have a formal system of tracking program attendance

What types of programs qualify?

Programs must
  • Hold at least four unique events or several recurring events during the grant period
  • Offer creative Jewish education or experiential learning events
  • Focus on Jewish themes such as
    • Tikkun Olam
    • Tzedakah
    • Jewish holidays
    • Jewish rituals
    • Culture
    • Spirituality
    • Israel
Programming should not be limited to an organization’s religious school.
 

What funding is available?

Organizations may apply for up to 70% of the total cost of the program, up to $10,000. Any staff or specialists involved must have direct responsibility for the program.
 
The following costs are not included in the calculation of the grant amount:
  • Payroll Taxes
  • Bonuses
  • Benefits
Organizations cannot use Rekindle Shabbat or Jewish Community grants for any of the programming listed in the application.
 

How do we receive funding?

An approved organization will receive payments at the beginning and end of the program year. Payments are contingent on the receipt and approval of all required documents. A complete reporting timeline will be communicated upon approval. The submission of a final report is required for an organization’s future grant applications to be considered.

Need help?

For questions about the Teen Education Grant or the online grant system, please email GRANTS@HGF.ORG.

Disclaimer

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

Apply Here