The Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor is accepting proposals for funding through the Jewish Community Engagement Fund and the Zelma Weisfeld Fund for Culture & Education. 

Jewish Community Engagement Fund 

Purpose

The Jewish Community Engagement Fund grants are intended to encourage organizations and individuals to work collaboratively on innovative initiatives to cultivate a strong, engaged, connected, caring, vibrant and enduring Jewish community in Washtenaw County. The funding is intended to incentivize creation of programming and initiatives that focus on bringing the community together. 

Amount Available

Grant requests of up to $5000 will be considered and must be submitted by a formal or informal partnership of three or more collaborators (as defined below).  

Jewish Community Engagement Fund applications will be accepted twice a year. The next deadline for submissions is August 15, 2024. Decisions will be made within one month of the grant deadline.

Applicants are asked to submit a brief letter of intent to apply by July 29, 2024 to info@jewishannarbor.org.

Zelma Weisfeld Fund for Culture & Education 

Purpose

The Zelma Weisfeld Fund for Culture & Education was established by the estate of Ms. Weisfeld to support Jewish cultural and educational programming. Applications must be specifically for Jewish cultural or educational programs.

Amount Available

Grant requests of up to $3750 will be considered and must be submitted by a formal or informal partnership of three or more collaborators, as defined below.

Deadline

Zelma Weisfeld Fund applications will be accepted once a year. The deadline for 2024 grant submissions was March 15, 2024. A deadline for 2025 will be posted by January 2025.

Application Requirements for Both Grants

Eligibility

• Applications must be made by a formal or informal partnership of at least three collaborators. Collaborators may be individuals, organizations, groups or a combination. 
• Proposals must foster collaboration and innovation to cultivate a strong, engaged, connected, caring, vibrant and enduring Jewish community in Washtenaw County. 
• Applications must be for projects that are consistent with the mission of the Federation.
• Proposals should be for one-time programs. If the program is intended to continue beyond an initial funding cycle, applicants should explain their plans for financial sustainability. 
• Funds may not be used for any other program or for other organizational operating expenses without prior approval from the grant selection committee or its designee. 

Grant expectations

• Following award of a grant, any changes to the approved program beyond what has been described in the grant application must be approved by the grant committee.
• Grants are conditioned on the Grant recipients filing a report with the grant committee describing the impact and success of their project within 90 days of conclusion of the project funded by the grant.
• Grant recipients must acknowledge the Federation and the specific fund from which they received support in all publicity surrounding the program funded by this initiative.
• It is intended that projects receiving funding will be implemented within one year of approval. The committee will consider extensions. To apply for an extension, a grant applicant must submit a request to the committee describing the need for the extension and a revised project timeline. 
• Funds will be distributed based on receipts submitted up to the limit of the grant. In some cases, based on a showing of need and after approval by the grant selection committee or its designee, funds may be distributed in advance.
  

Determination of Awards

• A volunteer committee will evaluate proposals received.
  
• Applicants must demonstrate in the grant application how they will measure impact and success.
• The grant selection committee will evaluate proposals according to the extent to which they adhere to the guiding principles of cross communal collaboration, creativity & innovation, and joy & connectivity.
• For programs that are intended to extend beyond the funding period of the grant, the applicants must demonstrate in the grant application how the program will be sustainable financially following the end of the grant period.
• Preference will be given to new ideas and one-time programs. If applying for an existing program, please contact the committee before submitting the grant application to determine if the project will be considered. The committee can be reached by contacting Eileen Freed at eileenfreed@jewishannarbor.org or 734-773-3537.
• Funding decisions will be made within one month of the application deadline.

Questions

For questions or guidance, contact Eileen Freed at (734) 773-3537 or eileenfreed@jewishannarbor.org.