Innovation Fund

The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta is pleased to announce the fourth cycle of the Jewish Continuity Innovation Fund. The fund arose from the recognition that several Jewish “start-ups” have emerged both nationally and in Atlanta to address unmet or underserved needs in the area of Jewish Continuity. The fund, which will be distributing a maximum of $30,000 in grants, is intended to give financial support to organizations or programs that focus on the following outcomes related to Jewish continuity: Jewish Education, Jewish Communal Engagement, and Jewish Leadership Development.

The fund is seeking proposals from organizations or programs that meet the following criteria:

• Has been in operation in Atlanta for five years or less. Note that national organizations with an Atlanta operation are eligible to apply, so long as the local Atlanta presence has been in operation for five years or less;
• Has been operating and serving a demonstrated community demand, rather than an idea or a business plan for a new organization or program;
• Classified as a 501(c)(3) status or has a fiscal sponsor that is a 501(c)(3);
• Has at least one full-time paid or volunteer employee; and
• Has independent budget authority for the project.

Additionally, synagogues and congregations in Atlanta are invited to submit a proposal for consideration. Successful proposals may describe requests for programs or initiatives that: 

• Meet the above criteria;
• Are more comprehensive than a one-off/one-day program;
• Extend beyond the congregation's existing membership base; and
• Embrace a lens of Jewish continuity, providing opportunity for ongoing impact and ability for follow up.

Funding Details:

• Typical grants will be $2,000 - $6,000 with the largest grant anticipated at $10,000.
• Grants are for 1 year, and we anticipate encouraging grantees to apply for a second year of funding, pending availability of funds.
• The Fund has a stated bias toward organizations who are NOT already recipients of Federation annual campaign funds. A new program within an existing institution is eligible to apply so long as the program has been in operation in Atlanta for five years or less AND serves the community at large, not just members of the institution.
• Funds granted must be used during the project’s specified timeframe.
• Funds may not be used for any other project or for other organizational operating expenses.
• Any unused funds shall be returned to the Federation.
• Any prospective changes to the project grant must be discussed with Federation prior to any changes from the application as submitted.

Interested organizations or programs are invited to submit a full grant proposal that will provide the Jewish Continuity Innovation Fund Committee with additional information about the program or organization for which they are seeking funding.

The final full proposal is due by noon Eastern Time on Friday, November 13. Please submit the proposal and attachments electronically in Microsoft Word Format or PDF by email to Meredith Lefkoff at mlefkoff@jewishatlanta.org. All applicants will receive confirmation of application being received. If confirmation is not received, please call 404.870.7693 to confirm our receipt of the proposal. Email submissions must include all attachments; any attachments that cannot be transmitted via email must be provided by hard copy no later than noon on Friday, November 13.

Proposals will be reviewed by the Fund’s committee according to the following schedule:

2015 Innovation Fund Grant Cycle Schedule

Please feel free to contact Community Impact Senior Associate, Meredith Lefkoff, at 404.870.7693 or mlefkoff@jewishatlanta.org, should you have any questions regarding these instructions.

Click here to download the Innovation Fund Grant Application

Click here to download the Innovation Fund Budget Form