The Jim Joseph, Righteous Persons and Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family foundations have announced the launch of the Jewish New Media Innovation Fund, a collaborative program offering a total of $500,000 in grants for digital media projects.

The Jewish New Media Innovation Fund (Fund) is seeking proposals for projects that leverage new media tools – including video, digital communications, social networks and more – to empower Jews to interact with, share, build and explore Jewish life. The Fund is looking to better understand how digital media can help preserve Jewish history, renew Jewish traditions and revitalize Jewish institutions. Additionally, this collaborative initiative of three independent foundations, is the only effort of its kind in the Jewish philanthropic community with plans to share what they learn with the broader Jewish community and philanthropic world.

The partnership between the three foundations is built on the shared belief that new media innovations represent a tremendous opportunity to help maintain and strengthen Jewish identity, inspire new kinds of activity in Jewish life, spark conversations that invite new participants and create forums that facilitate new Jewish ventures.

In this pilot year, the Fund is offering grants to individuals, non-profits, social enterprises and for-profit groups. Funding is available for both start-ups and established projects, where the grant will ensure the launch of an existing concept or take an established project to the next level.

“By partnering with these two highly accomplished and respected foundations, we believe we can leverage the power of philanthropy, technology and social networking to engage young people in leading richer, more meaningful Jewish lives,” said Sandy Cardin, president of the Schusterman Family Foundation.

An Advisory Board, consisting of experts in the fields of digital media, Jewish life and youth engagement will select the winning proposals. Interested parties must apply online.

Proposals are due November 22, 2010 with the announcement of awardees expected in February 2011.

For more information on the Jewish New Media Innovation Fund visit jewishnewmedia.org.