Organizational Change for Racial Diversity, Equity and Inclusion of Jews of Color

Background and Purpose:

Guided by Jewish values of tzedek (pursuing justice) and tikkun olam (building a better world), and amplified by voices calling for racial justice and equity in Jewish spaces, the Federation is pleased to offer grants of up to $25,000 to Jewish organizations in the Bay Area committed to creating deep and meaningful change. The purpose of these grants is to make progress toward making Bay Area Jewish communities more racially diverse, inclusive, equitable environments where Jews of Color are thriving. 

This vision requires both investing deeply in Jews of Color, as well as building cultural competence to understand diversity, recognize biases, and develop anti-racist practices. We celebrate existing efforts to reach, connect, and engage the diversity of our Jewish community and recognize the need for more. While the specific efforts required of every organization vary based on identity, purpose, and experience, we believe that the deep work of culture shift will lead to stronger and more resilient organizations and communities, where everyone is seen, heard, and respected. 

The Portrait of Bay Area Jewish Life and Communities indicates that 25% of Jewish households in the Bay Area include someone who identifies as a race or ethnicity other than white. And, the 2019 Leading Edge Employee Experience Survey found that while 70% of the employees surveyed believed that their organizations valued diversity, only 53% actually built diverse teams. Despite valuing diversity, our community has not yet fully cultivated or supported the inclusion of Jews of Color as participants or leaders.

Concurrent to this grant program, the Federation has made a commitment to auditing our own processes implementing activities that will shift the culture, mindsets, and behaviors in order to advance racial diversity and inclusion. Learn more about how we are reflecting and guiding donors. We look forward to supporting partner organizations on this journey through grant funding and capacity building.

Proposal Guidelines:

The goals of these grants are to:

1. Address barriers and support inclusion of Jews of Color by building racial equity competence within organizations;
2. Embed just, equitable and inclusive practices into the fabric of organizational culture; and/or
3. Build and support the leadership of Jews of Color in the Bay Area. 

This grantmaking pilot is intended to drive cultural change through activities including but not limited to:

• Assessments of internal organizational systems and culture.
• Development and implementation of new policies, accountability measures, and actionable plans for change.
• Development of leadership by Jews of Color within Jewish organizations and communities.
• Anti-racism training for staff, board, and/or volunteer leaders.
• Education for constituents and community members to address issues of racial bias, Jewish history including JoC history, power, and privilege.
• Projects to create or deepen relationships and accountability with People of Color who are, or may become, organizational stakeholders.

Grants Offered:

Grants of up to $25,000 will be awarded to support capacity building and organizational change.

Funds may be used to hire consultants, dedicate staff time, convene stakeholders, conduct training, or other activities in alignment with the guidelines above. 

Eligibility and Criteria:

• Jewish organizations that are registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or have fiscal sponsorship, located within the Federation’s service area.
• Readiness for organizational change, demonstrated by previous investments in diversity and inclusion, and an articulated commitment by professional and volunteer leadership to make racial justice and inclusion an ongoing priority. 
• Dedicated senior-level staff, volunteer leaders, and organizational resources to drive a change process.
• Alignment with the Federation’s mission and funding policy on Israel-related programming.
• Commitment to partnering with the Federation and other grantees to harness learnings for the field. 

Additional Information:

This work requires intentionality and purpose. In addition to funding, grantees will participate in a Community of Practice facilitated by The Jewish Social Justice Roundtable to allow for support, exchange of ideas, collaborative problem solving, shared learning, and potential cross-organizational collaboration. This work will be grounded in JSJR’s Racial Justice Framework, developed by JSJR Racial Justice Director April Baskin, as a tool to help guide collective efforts around racial justice and build the capacities of Jewish organizations to be more racially and ethnically diverse, inclusive, equitable and just. The Community of Practice will aim to be a supportive and nourishing resource for all grantees, whom we expect to represent a range of racial backgrounds and experience levels in racial justice work. It will meet 3-4 times, facilitated by JSJR San Francisco Bay Area Coordinator Annie-Rose London, with at least one session facilitated by April Baskin.

A committee comprised of at least 50% of Jews of Color will be responsible for reviewing applications and recommending grants.

Measures of Success:

• Increased knowledge and understanding of issues related to racial justice, racism, diversity in the Jewish community, and barriers to inclusion.
• Development of actionable plans for culture change, ongoing education, leadership development, staffing, and/or inclusion of Jewish People of Color.
• Development of new organizational policies and procedures.
• Alignment of professional staff and volunteer leaders on the priority of racial justice, equity, and inclusion.
• Progress towards achieving the obligations for Jewish organizations outlined in the Not Free to Desist Covenant.  
• Increased level of racial diversity within the organization over time.

Apply Here

Applicants are strongly encouraged to participate in the Information Webinar, and to contact Roxanne Cohen, Managing Director of Community Impact, for guidance or to answer questions before applying. 

For more information, visit the FAQ page.