Los Angeles, September 12, 2012 – The Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles (The Foundation) today announced a deadline of Nov. 21, 2012, to apply for its Cutting Edge Grants Initiative. Awards of up to $250,000 are available for up to three years to fund innovative programs that address important, substantiated needs in the Los Angeles Jewish community.

Nonprofit organizations or social entrepreneurs may receive funding for:

• Untested ground-breaking programs;
• Successful Los Angeles pilot programs ready for community-wide implementation;
• Local adaptations of high-impact initiatives proven outside of Los Angeles, or;
• Programs designed by social entrepreneurs to create new nonprofit organizations.

In 2012, The Foundation awarded $1.1 million in Cutting Edge Grants to five recipients. Since establishing the Cutting Edge Grants Initiative in 2006, The Foundation has provided financial support of nearly $8.5 million to launch 52 ground-breaking programs.

Organizations or individuals interested in applying for a Cutting Edge Grant can learn more about the process by visiting www.jewishfoundationla.org/CEGI and registering for the Grantseekers Webinar to be held on Oct. 17, 2012. Information will include selection criteria and tips on writing a competitive concept paper. Advance registration is required.