Synagogues and Organizations Can Apply for Grants for New Programs

The following is a reprint of the JCF's Money Matters column, published in the January 21, 2026, issue of the Jewish Community Voice, titled, "Synagogues and Organizations Can Apply for Grants for New Programs":

Gentle reminder to anyone involved in nonprofits and synagogues that serve Southern New Jersey: The Jewish Community Foundation, Inc. wants to hear about your best ideas for new programs and services to benefit our community.

The Spring 2026 JCF Grants Cycle is open through Friday, Mar. 20 at 4 p.m. for organizations to submit grant requests of up to $5,000. An estimated total of $50,000 will be awarded, thanks to endowment funds established for this meaningful, biannual opportunity. For prospective applicants, please note these important points:

• We have a brand-new online application portal in place, thanks to the financial and administrative support of the Raymond & Gertrude R. Saltzman Foundation. A link to the application and full details about JCF Grants can be found at jcfsnj.org/grants.

• If you are considering applying, we welcome you to join our complimentary, hybrid Grants Workshop on Thursday, January 22 at 9 a.m. Email mstaff@jfedsnj.org to RSVP.

• Lastly, as announced recently, launching this cycle is funding from the Beacon Engagement & Participation Endowment Fund, which will provide additional grant dollars to selected grantees for this and subsequent awards cycles going forward. “Eligible grantees will be Jewish organizations that conceive of and create programs and activities that will appeal to people across all ages and denominational or unaffiliated backgrounds and draw them into direct participation with Jewish life in South Jersey.” In short, consider how your organization can activate more people in our Jewish community, with additional funding available to bring your plans to fruition.

To inspire all of us, including prospective applicants, please enjoy five stories of recently completed JCF grants-in-action that have made a positive impact on SNJ:

• Anne Frank Museum Teen Engagement & Education Initiative: Over the past year, the Katz JCC’s Teen Engagement Department bussed three groups of SNJ teens to New York City’s Center for Jewish History to view “Anne Frank The Exhibition” (a full-scale recreation of the Secret Annex produced by the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam) thanks in part to successive JCF Grants and private funding from the JCF’s Barney & Amy Kaplan Endowment Fund.

• Community-Wide Educator Professional Development: Approximately 125 educators from Congregation Beth El, Congregation Kol Ami, Kellman Brown Academy, Katz JCC, and Temple Beth Sholom gathered for an evening of professional development. There were eight sessions to choose from, with topics ranging from “Having Difficult Conversations with Parents” to “Emotional Regulation.”

• Humans of October 7th—A Photo & Testimony Exhibit: The Jewish Community Relations Council hosted a community-based photo and testimony exhibit focused on remembrance, education, and public dialogue following the October 7 attacks in Israel. The gallery provided an accessible space for reflection and learning and was integrated into multiple community, cultural, and educational programs.

• Israel-USA Rabbinic Exchange Program: Congregation Sons of Israel hosted Rabbi Yuval Mittelman, a visiting rabbi from Israel for Shabbat, while SOI’s Rabbi Michael Davies visited Rabii Mittelman’s Israeli community in return. Both participated in rabbinic conventions together while exploring each other’s communities and making connections between Israel and the Diaspora.

• Project Temple Har Zion: A Commitment to Inclusivity and Community Engagement: To address the critical community need for full accessibility to worship and program participation, Temple Har Zion is adapting its facilities and programs– specifically by purchasing a portable ADA-approved ramp, installing a wall grab bar for the Bima, and modifying one entrance for wheelchair access.

Though each of these JCF grant-funded programs is very different, they all play a direct role in boosting the lives of South Jerseyans.

Thank you to the JCF’s Grants Committee, chaired by Rhona Cohen and Susan Olinsky, for spearheading this important community-wide initiative.