Jewish Pathways for Emergent Families
Seed grants to fund new Jewish engagement programs for early-stage families
Background and Purpose:
The Endowment Committee of the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund is pleased to announce this request for proposals (RFP) for seed grants to fund new Jewish engagement programs for early-stage families, from those exploring starting a family to those raising young children through age three.
Endowment seed grants are intended to provide start-up funding for promising projects and pilots -- whether innovations or successful models adapted from elsewhere – launched by nonprofits serving the Bay Area Jewish community.
These two-year grants (to be awarded in December) will focus on Jewish experiences that engage emerging families in exploring Jewish life with others in similar stages. Priority approaches will build peer relationships and a sense of belonging through community, and will connect families to other Jewish opportunities and deeper Jewish engagement.
We know that many new and prospective parents actively seek support, community and meaning as they embark on their new adventure of starting a family, and Judaism offers so many touchpoints – wisdom, ritual, celebration, community – that can enrich family life. Yet in the Bay Area, the vast majority of Jewish families come from diverse backgrounds and faiths, or are disconnected from Jewish life and practice.
While the Federation supports a robust infrastructure for young families to connect Jewishly, from PJ Library to scholarships for school and camp, to intensive family engagement training for Jewish preschools, there is a need for novel approaches to meet early-stage families where they are looking to connect – birthing classes, hospitals and support groups, playgroups and playgrounds, parenting blogs and family resource apps.
Eligibility and Criteria:
Eligible applicants: Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits or organizations with fiscal sponsorship, serving Bay Area Jews, with priority to populations from our Federation area (San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma, and the Peninsula through Mountain View).
Grant size: Range of $25,000 to $100,000 per year for two years. Grant requests should be proportional to the size and capacity of the applicant, with a guideline of no more than 20% of organizational budget (or combined budgets in the case of a collaborative proposal). Partner collaborations are welcome.
Target population: Emergent families (anticipating or raising young children up to age three), interested in exploring Jewish family life and seeking support and connection through Jewish community. Specific groups and areas of focus may include (but not limited to) couples planning families, pregnant or postpartum moms, single parents, adoptive parents, same sex couples, dads, working parents, interfaith families, grandparents and multiple generations, families dealing with specific challenges such as special needs, infertility or pregnancy loss.
Funding focus: Jewish experiences that engage emerging families in exploring Jewish life with others in similar stages. Priority approaches will meet families where they are, build peer relationships and a sense of belonging through community, and connect families to other Jewish opportunities and deeper Jewish engagement.
Suggested success measures: The Federation is interested in working with grantees to develop common indicators of success and measurement tools, and will convene grant recipients to support them in this effort. Examples might include:
- Increased interest and participation in Jewish experiences and learning;
- Movement from passive consumer to active participant, taking initiative for family’s Jewish choices (for example, organizing DIY activities, inviting others).
- Pathways to other Jewish resources and opportunities (for example: subscribing to PJ Library, interest or enrollment in Jewish preschool, participating in Jewish adult education or leadership programs).
- Expanded networks of friends to share Jewish experiences with; reported increase in sense of belonging through community;
- Participation in ongoing programming at the host organization;
- Leadership roles in Jewish life, from hosting/inviting others to serving on boards;
- Financial support of host institution.
Additional criteria:
- Evidence of need, demand or “proof of concept” (for example: successful test or prototype, market research, or success in different community);
- New projects launched within the last year (seed funding is not intended to expand or scale existing programs);
- Exit plan after two-year grant and opportunities to leverage other funding for proposed program;
- Partnerships and connections to other Jewish programs and resources;
- Creative ideas for recruitment and marketing (tapping new networks and accessing secular spaces where Jews are going);
- Strong leadership and financial stability
How to Apply:
This is a two-stage grant proposal process, with a brief online Letter of Inquiry (LOI), followed by a full proposal for invited applicants.
Timeline:
Tuesday, August 8, 1:30-2:30 pm PST Informational webinar*
Wednesday, September 6, 5:00 pm PST LOIs due
Late September Finalists notified
Monday, November 6, 5:00 pm PST Final applications due
Mid December Grants announced
Access LOI application form.
* Please contact Caroline Poland to register for the August 8 informational webinar (live or recorded).
For more information:
Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss this opportunity with their Federation Program Officer Liaison (POL) before applying. POLs serve as a single point of contact for local Jewish organizations, offering guidance and connections to opportunities within Federation. For more information about POLs or seed funding, contact Caroline Poland.
