More than $21 million was awarded in new grants during summer 2016 by the Jim Joseph Foundation to support effective Jewish learning experiences and to build the capacity of organizations that make them possible.

Grants from summer 2016 include:

Keshet: Institutional Change Initiatives (2016-2019)

Up to $1,200,000 to expand its work with Jewish institutions and their professional teams, and with Jewish teens, to bring greater inclusivity of LGBTQ youth and teens into Jewish life by 1) expanding the Keshet Leadership Project by leveraging partnerships with key national and regional organizations, and 2) working directly with teens and expanding LGBTQ & Ally Shabbatonim.

Birthright Israel Foundation (BRIF): Trip Support (2016-2018)

Up to $10,000,000 to subsidize Birthright Israel experiences for young adults from North America, as BRIF continues to increase the breadth and depth of the Birthright Israel educational experience. More than 45,000 North American young adults are expected to participate in Birthright Israel next year, which will bring the total number of participants to more than half a million since 2000.

Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston: Renewal of B’Yadenu Project (September 2016 – August 2019)

Up to $474,955 to further develop, document, and disseminate the B’Yadenu Model, a “whole” school approach to help Jewish day schools better serve diverse learners.

The Shalom Hartman Institute of North America: iEngage on Campus (2016-2019)

Up to $1 million to expand iEngage on Campus activities at as many as 10 West Coast universities, through existing and new initiatives for campus professionals, academics, and undergraduate students on up to ten campuses, that will provide intensive training and education programs on Jewish peoplehood and the relationship of the Jewish people to the State of Israel.

American Friends of The Reut Institute: Tikkun Olam Makers (TOM) (2016-2017)

Up to $250,000 to reach and engage young Jewish leaders, Jewish high schools, and college communities in Reut Group’s Tikkun Olam Maker’s (TOM) assistive technology workshops known as Makeathons. A collaboration between Israeli specialists, local engineers, coders, designers and differently-abled individuals to serve Jewish and non-Jewish people around the world who are differently-abled. This grant will fund five new Makeathons (at three colleges and two Jewish high schools) in the United States, a leadership seminar training for student and young professional leaders organizing TOM events over the next two years, and the establishment of a Makeathon tutorial guide. 

Based in San Francisco, the Foundation is in its eleventh year of grantmaking and has awarded more than $440 million to support Jewish education primarily for youth, teens, and young adults in the United States.