Jewish Federation Announces Small and Simple Grants

The Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle today announced $36,500 in grants to sixteen organizations throughout the greater Puget Sound region. The grants will help fund Jewish initiatives that met at least one of three criteria: new and innovative programs, expansion of service delivery or one-time projects that are not of a capital nature.

The Small and Simple Grants were funded through the Special Initiatives Endowment Fund of the Jewish Federation, which was created to provide support to important activities in the Jewish community. "We are very pleased to be able to fund these activities," said Richard Fruchter, President & CEO of the Jewish Federation. "It is vital to have creative ideas and innovative activities that help build relationships and support health and education within both the Jewish and broader communities."

The organizations receiving funding this year are:
American Jewish Committee; BBYO, Bikur Cholim Machzikay Hadath; Chabad at the University of Washington; Friendship Circle of Washington; Hillel – University of Washington; a partnership of Jewish Family Service/Stroum Jewish Community Center/Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle; Kadima; Kavana; National Association of Temple Educators; National Council of Jewish Women; Seattle Hebrew Academy; Whidbey Island Jewish Community; Washington State Holocaust Education Resource Center.

The funds will provide support for programs such as expansion of summer day camp for pre-school age children; support/play group for siblings of disabled children; two breast cancer awareness and education events; curriculum development for Jewish education; and mattresses for transitional housing for women and children who have been victims of domestic violence.

"We are proud of our Jewish community supporters who make possible these important grants. Their impact will be felt throughout the community, and we invite others to participate by contributing to the fund," said Ron Leibsohn, Board Chair of the Jewish Federation's Board of Directors. "We received 40 applications for grants this year, all for very worthwhile projects. Each was reviewed carefully according to detailed criteria, with the most cost effective and innovative programs receiving grants this year. With so many needs in our community, it is gratifying to be able to make these 'small and simple grants' to ensure our Jewish community thrives."