We want to create a vibrant community where families have multiple opportunities to engage in Jewish activities. We ask Jewish organizations that know their families to create programs that will speak to their constituents.

Family Education Grants fund eligible Jewish organizations that provide informal, creative, Jewish education and experiential learning programs to engage families.

Who qualifies?

To be eligible for the Family Education Grant, an organization must

• Be a Jewish organization serving families such as synagogues, day schools, Jewish early childhood centers, 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 families

• 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

• Engage a) families or b) parents through parent education programs

• Offer creative Jewish education or experiential learning events

• Focus on Jewish themes such as

  • Tikkun Olam

  • Tzedakah

  • Jewish holidays

  • Jewish rituals

  • Culture

  • Spirituality

  • Israel

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.