Reimagine Grants for Synagogues

Reimagine Grants are now concluded. Please click here to read more about our Synagogue Reimagine Grant recipients.

What are Synagogue Reimagine Grants?

Synagogue Reimagine Grants came about in response to a listening tour The Foundation team conducted to better understand synagogues’ needs. We learned that synagogues face unique challenges as spiritual, religious, and community institutions and that the pandemic has taken a toll on their staff. Synagogue Reimagine Grants will support professional development, leadership development, and staff wellness strategies responding to the impacts of COVID-19 on synagogue clergy, staff, and lay leadership.

Examples may include trainings, workshops, coaching, consultations, stipends, and other programs that provide education and tools to be successful in the workplace; address the mental health and well-being resulting from the trauma they are experiencing; prevent burnout; and strengthen workplace culture.

What is the grant size and timeline for Reimagine Grants?

Synagogues may apply for a one-year grant of $25,000-$50,000.

The Reimagine Grants selection process spans a five-month period. Awards will be announced in late August or September.

How do I apply?

Attend our Grantseekers' Webinar to learn how to apply for a Reimagine Grant.

Is my synagogue eligible to apply?

Your synagogue is eligible to apply if it meets the following criteria:

  • Synagogue must be located within Los Angeles County and parts of Ventura County, not including Long Beach or the San Gabriel Valley. Please contact us with any questions regarding geographic location.
  • Clergy at synagogues must be affiliated with the Board of Rabbis of Southern California. If applying as part of a consortium, clergy of the lead applicant must be affiliated with the Board of Rabbis.

For questions, please contact Sara Hahn, Senior Program Officer at shahn@jewishfoundationla.org

What criteria will be used to evaluate each proposal?

Proposal must demonstrate:

  1. Need: The synagogue is addressing staff and lay leadership needs that have emerged from or have been exacerbated by the pandemic, specifically as they relate to managing during a crisis and/or health and wellbeing (e.g., staff burnout, low staff morale, need for new skills/tools to help congregants, stipends for childcare). Stakeholder interest in and support of the program are substantiated.
  2. Leadership: The proposal demonstrates that the synagogue’s leadership understands its constituents’ and staff needs and has the experience and qualifications to successfully execute the objectives of the proposal.
  3. Capacity: The synagogue has a minimum of approximately 10 staff that would be eligible to participate in the proposed project or is able to form or join a consortium that has a minimum total number of 10 staff eligible to participate*.
  4. Strength of Request: The request clearly and realistically demonstrates how the synagogue will leverage the grant to achieve its goals.
  5. Impact: Outcomes are well articulated, achievable, and will result in meaningful impact on the synagogue, its staff and/or the community it serves.
  6. Sustainability: The synagogue has long-term programmatic and financial strategies and is in good financial standing with mechanisms in place to ensure sustainability beyond the grant period.
  7. Collaboration: The synagogue is open to working with others and willing to share resources and program models.

*We will consider a smaller number of participating staff on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature of the program.