Professional Development Grants


Professional Development Grants provide support in order to strengthen local Jewish schools and organizations. Our hope is that through these grants, Jewish educators and employees will gain new tools and knowledge to help improve their organizations.

Who qualifies?

  • Employees or Board members attending a program on behalf of a qualifying Jewish Organization
  • Organizations that have and maintain status as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended (the "Code") and be classified under sections 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2) of the Code
  • Organizations that serve Western MA (Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties) or Southern VT (Windham or Bennington counties) are hosting onsite training for their staff

What event qualifies?

Programs must be hosted by approved Jewish institutions, educational institutions, or independent consultants. The program must help participants develop skills that will improve the organization. The Harold Grinspoon Foundation is focused on helping organizations develop better outreach, marketing, and fundraising as well as professional development for educators.

Examples of qualifying programs include:

  • Training to develop skills for outreach, fundraising, or marketing
  • Onsite programs conducted by a guest educator/trainer to train in groups or one-on-one sessions
  • Programs targeted directly to educators
  • Online classes for employees to develop and enhance job-related skills

Programs such as CPR/AED, security, and ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate) trainings do not qualify for the grant.
 

What funding is available?

HGF will fund up to 50% of the total reported program costs (may include travel and lodging costs) up to $2,500 per year. The Professional Development Grant is a reimbursement grant. Grantees must submit a brief report at the conclusion of the program.
Leadership at each organization is responsible for deciding how to use the funds. All grants are competitive, and funding is not guaranteed. The organization’s director must review professional development applications for individuals before submission.

Eligible costs include:
  • Registration costs
  • Standard accommodations
  • Travel costs
  • Food and concessions
The following costs are not eligible:
  • Luxury accommodations
  • Gratuities and donations
  • Souvenirs

​How do I receive funding?

Completed applications must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the start of the program. Late applications will not be accepted.

If approved for a Professional Development Grant, a check will be issued to the sponsoring organization after the Final Report has been approved.
 

Need Help?

For questions about the Professional Development Grant or the online grant system, please email grants@hgf.org.

Disclaimer

Please note that the Harold Grinspoon Foundation reserves the right to decline any application for any reason.
 

Apply Here