The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) is offering incubator grants to member congregations. Grants are meant to encourage congregations to experiment with new ways to further engage current members and attract new members.

Up to 20 projects will be funded up to $5,000 for one year.

URJ is looking for proposals for innovative projects that reach people who do not regularly participate in congregational activities, or who have not been engaged in many years. URJ is collecting details on the experiments and will share noteworthy practices with member congregations at the 2011 URJ Biennial in Maryland.

Applicant congregations must be URJ members in good standing; be creative and bold in imagining ways to jumpstart congregation’s engagement efforts; have volunteers dedicated to the project; commit to sending an interim project update; keep and submit accurate financial records; and submit a final evaluation report.

Applications must be received by Dec. 23, 2010. More information is available here.