Deadline for local Jewish groups to apply for $60,000 in grants is extended until July 11

The deadline for Jewish community, religious, charitable and educational organizations to apply for $60,000 in grants from the Rhode Island Foundation has been extended to July 11.

Proposals for funding from the Foundation's the Bliss, Gross, Horowitz Fund must serve Greater Providence.

“This assistance can be the springboard to expanding or improving your services to the community. We’ve made it easy for you to bring us your priorities,” said Daniel Kertzner, the Foundation’s vice president for grant programs.

The proposals must facilitate community engagement and foster, strengthen or expand community connections;  or provide for basic human needs. In addition, organizations that offer those services can apply for funding to support capacity building activities such as board development, strategic planning, nonprofit business development, fundraising or program evaluation.

Synagogues and day schools are eligible to apply for project support only, and their proposals must be non-sectarian in nature and designed to reach beyond their own congregations.  Capital requests are not eligible. 

The Foundation will give priority to proposals that have clearly stated goals, objectives and measurable outcomes and a clear sustainability plan. The maximum grant is $25,000. Applicants must submit a description of the proposal, a pro forma and an audited financial report for requests over $10,000.

Last year’s recipients included the Jewish Seniors Agency of Rhode Island for the Louis and Goldie Chester Full Plate Kosher Food Pantry, which feeds more than 100 households a month; the Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association, to preserve hundreds of audio tapes documenting Jewish history in the Ocean State; and Jewish Alliance of Greater Providence to convene a community effort to re-vitalize an historic synagogue at 688 Broad St., Providence.

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. In 2013, the Foundation made grants of more than $31 million to organizations addressing the state’s most pressing issues and needs of diverse communities. Through leadership, fundraising and grant making activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential.

For more information about applying to the Bliss, Gross, Horowitz Fund, contact Kertzner at (401) 427-4014 or dkertzner@rifoundation.org.