Eligibility

JWF supports programs, projects, and initiatives that advance social change by expanding opportunities for Jewish women, their families, and community. We consider requests for single-year funding on a year-to-year basis, with a maximum grant amount of $30,000.

The Local JWF Grant Cycle will open on January 2, 2025.  This Grant Cycle is for Local (Michigan) Grants only. If there are immediate needs please contact Mara Moss at Moss@jfmd.org. To be eligible for a grant, your organization must be recognized as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or use a fiscal agent with an IRS 501(c)(3) designation. We do not provide support directly to individuals, political organizations, or units of government; nor for loans, scholarships to individuals, capital campaigns, general operating support, or fundraising events.

Organizations may apply for consecutive grants for the same program for up to three years. The third and final year must be a 1:1 challenge grant. Previous funding for a program does not guarantee continued support.

Fit

The JWF funds with a gender lens and a Jewish lens. Successful proposals demonstrate improved outcomes for women and girls and benefit the Jewish community; however, applications are not limited to programs that exclusively serve Jewish women.

Our 2025 Grants Cycle is designed to respond to current needs. We will give special consideration to programs that:

• Increase women’s economic security through childcare, pay equity, leadership development, or other systemic approaches;
• Respond to or prevent domestic abuse;
• Improve women’s mental well-being; and
• Specifically address the needs of underserved and/or vulnerable populations.

We understand that overhead and staffing costs are critical for success and will consider support for those costs as part of a larger program. In addition to discrete programs, we will offer infrastructure and/or capacity building support when it is aligned with JWF’s mission and values. When evaluating proposals, we will also consider the extent to which Jewish women and girls hold board, staff, and advisory positions in the requesting organization.

Application Instructions

All applications must be submitted online through JWF’s grants portal. Applicants will be asked to provide:

• An organizational overview;
• A narrative describing the proposed project, who it serves, why it is important, and how it provides or expands opportunities for Jewish women and girls, their families, and their communities; and
• A project budget and budget narrative.

2025 Timeline

The JWF Grant Cycle will begin in January 2025 and is a Local Grant Cycle Only. Grant applications will open on January 2, 2025 and JWF will continue to accept applications through January 27, 2025.

Applicants review grant guidelines and submit a proposal describing their organization, proposed program, and fit with JWF’s mission.

All proposals must be submitted online through JWF’s grants portal; email and paper submissions will not be accepted.

JWF trustees meet to determine which proposals to advance to the next round of consideration. All applicants will be notified as to the next step in the process after submission of the application.

Questions

If you have any questions on the JWF grants process or wish to discuss your application, please e-mail Mara Moss, JWF director.