Grant Criteria and Process

• We are seeking projects that meaningfully enhance LGBTQ Jews’ ability to thrive.
• We are particularly interested in new approaches to the Jewish LGBTQ community.

• Without funding from the Network, the project wouldn’t happen or wouldn’t be able to scale.
• Organization does not have current access to significant support from established funders (Federations, foundations, etc.)
• Project has a reasonable plan for sustainability going forward.

•  We prioritize new initiatives over established, in-place programs.

• Project leadership must be able to demonstrate capacity and capability of working with the LGBTQ Jewish community or a track record of working with the LGBTQ Jewish community.
• The project will be implemented by proven leaders or individuals with leadership potential.

• Project could benefit from additional collaboration with the Network and its members beyond just financial support (for example: mentorship, program advice, or specific skills-based help).

• Funding request is between $5K and $50K for one to three years.
• Project has tax-exempt status or is affiliated with a fiscal sponsor.
• Funding is requested for a specific project; no unrestricted operating requests will be considered at this time.
• We currently prioritize projects in North America and Israel but will consider requests for projects from other countries on a case-by-case basis.
• If the project is new, it must commence within one year of funding.

The funding process starts with a concept paper, which we review on a rolling basis. Those who are invited to move forward will be invited to complete a formal proposal.

Before starting on your concept paper, please thoroughly review the funding criteria above to ensure your program/organization is a good fit and reference the criteria as you’re preparing your concept paper.

We’re trying to make the concept paper stage a relatively light lift for you so that we can determine if it makes sense to ask you to complete a full proposal.

Here are some guidelines we ask you to follow for your concept paper:

• Please limit your concept paper to one page.
• If there is background information on your website, please include links to relevant pages so we can take a look at those.

In your concept paper, please:

• Identify the project/program you think is a fit with the Network’s criteria.
• Identify how much funding you’re requesting.
• Explain how the program enhances the lives of LGBTQ Jews.
• Explain how funding from the Network is filling a “must have” rather than “nice to have” need for resources.
• Briefly address how the project/program is new or early stage, its leadership, and any partnership opportunities with the Network that might be valuable in addition to funding.
• When in doubt, refer to the criteria and explain how the project/program fits with them.

Submit your concept paper to Neil Spears at neil@jewishlgbtqdonornetwork.org. Submissions in PDF format are preferred.

If you have questions, please reach out to Neil Spears.