R.I. Foundation offers $35,000 to Jewish groups

PROVIDENCE – Jewish community charitable organizations, synagogues and day schools from Barrington to East Greenwich have until June 9 to apply for more than $35,000 in grants through the Bliss, Gross, Horowitz Fund at the Rhode Island Foundation.

 “We are pleased to offer Jewish charitable organizations serving the greater Providence community additional support,” said Ricky Bogert, grant programs officer at the Foundation. “We look forward to working with eligible nonprofits in their vital work addressing the needs of all Rhode Islanders.” 

The Bliss, Gross, Horowitz Fund awards grants to proposals that develop connections between the Jewish community and greater Rhode Island, deepen the understanding of Jewish life and culture through scholarship and historic preservation or provide for basic human needs such as food and housing. In addition, Jewish charitable organizations that provide these 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 only for project support, and their proposals must be non-sectarian in nature and designed to reach beyond their own constituents. Capital requests are not eligible for funding under this grant program.  

 Grants typically range from $5,000 to $10,000. Priority will be given to proposals that have clearly stated goals and objectives, measurable outcomes and a clear sustainability plan. The Foundation has awarded more than $237,000 in grants since 2010.

Organizations that received funding last year include the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, which documented the history and experiences of Jewish students at Providence College; Temple Emanu-El, which brought singers from throughout Rhode Island together for “Singing the Dream,” a musical tribute to the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; and Camp JORI, which built stronger connections with the interfaith and unaffiliated Jewish communities by encouraging them to send their children to its summer camp.

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. In 2016, the Foundation awarded a record $45 million in grants 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 for a Bliss, Gross, Horowitz Fund grant, visit rifoundation.org.

Submitted by the Rhode Island Foundation