The Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles (The Foundation) has announced $1.85 million in grants for nine new local Jewish initiatives focused on meeting the needs of underserved populations, re-envisioning the roles of synagogues and religious leaders, and embracing technology and art to reach broader audiences.

Established by The Foundation in 2006, its Cutting Edge Grants award up to $250,000 over three years to creative thinkers, social entrepreneurs, and innovative organizations to develop and implement transformative programs of high visibility and impact in the Los Angeles Jewish community.

The $1.85 million given in the current grantmaking cycle – the largest aggregate total in Cutting Edge Grant history – reflects a 23 percent increase from $1.5 million awarded last year and is 54 percent higher than $1.2 million distributed two years ago, according to The Foundation.

Recipients of 2015 Cutting Edge Grants include:

• Beit T’Shuvah for the Elaine Breslow Institute for Jewish Clergy and Educators;
• Chai Lifeline for I-Shine;
• Custom and Craft for Custom and Craft Los Angeles Studios;
• The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles for Edah-A Rabbinic Fellowship for Our Future;
• Jewish Los Angeles Special Needs Trust;
• Shalom Hartman Institute of North America for Hartman Los Angeles: Building Jewish Community;
• Shalom Institute for Shemesh Organic Farm Employment Internship Program for Adults with Developmental Disabilities;
• Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills in partnership with Temple Isaiah and Congregation Kol Ami for The Synagogue Village: Meeting the Needs of the Jewish Future; and
• Theatre Dybbuk.