The JDC Europe Community Initiative Fund
The JDC Europe Community Initiative Fund is a project of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) – the world’s leading Jewish humanitarian aid organization working to alleviate poverty and strengthen Jewish life in more than 70 countries around the world.
Through partnerships with communities and organizations around the world, JDC serves as a catalyst for the development of Jewish communities, fostering self-sustainability and paving the path for future generations. The JDC Europe Community Initiative Fund is designed to stimulate Jewish community development in Europe by supporting innovation and key programmatic efforts through the provision of grants.
About us
The JDC Europe Community Initiative Fund encourages Jewish communities and communal organizations to pilot new initiatives or advance key programmatic expansions. In certain cases, the Fund may support existing programs in their current scope.
Through this Fund, JDC also hopes to strengthen relationships with communities that have had limited connections with JDC.
Mission
The mission of the JDC Europe Community Initiative Fund is to invigorate community life by encouraging new and grassroots programming, as well as support key programmatic expansion and development.
Program Areas
To achieve its mission, the JDC Europe Community Initiative Fund invests in initiatives that bolster community development. Grants are especially geared towards the promotion of grassroots community initiatives, while placing a particular value on programs that promote inclusive, pluralist and resilient Jewish communities.
Grants will focus on the following program areas:
1. Volunteerism and engagement
2. Providing Jewish content to community members
3. Leadership development
4. Community outreach
5. Resilience
6. Community planning
Grant Applications and Management
To apply for a grant from the JDC Europe Community Initiative Fund, a simple form must be completed and submitted electronically.
The application form must include the following information:
- Goals of the program
- Need for program & relevance of program in the community
- Description of target population & number of participants to be reached
- Budget, partners, and specific designations of the requested funds
- Expected outcomes
- Program evaluation and/or plans for collecting feedback
Grants of $5,000 to $20,000 per program can be requested per year. Repeat funding will be considered for up to two years.
Funding will be available to existing and registered organizations. Informal associations will need to apply via an established organization.