Western Massachusetts/Southern Vermont
2011-2012 Guidelines

What We Fund

Project grants are available to eligible individuals and organizations for innovative community-based Jewish programs and projects that are open to the public, widely publicized, and creatively presenting aspects of Jewish life: history, culture, values, contemporary issues, spirituality, social activism, etc. 

Submit your application on or before any of four deadlines (see below), at least 60 days before your proposed project begins.  A maximum of 70% of the project's cost is eligible for funding.  Applicants must raise at least 30% of project costs in cash from other sources (not including in-kind contributions).

We prioritize funding projects that a) connect individuals and families not currently engaged with the organized Jewish community through inclusive and meaningful activities; b) are located outside of Jewish institutions in "neutral" venues in order to make programs welcoming to the widest range of participants; and c) are designed and carried out collaboratively between multiple organizations/ individuals as a way to share resources, maximize publicity, and reach a more diverse constituency. This grants program is jointly administered by the Jewish Arts & Culture Initiative and Family & Teen Education Initiative.

Who is Eligible

Jewish organizations, secular community groups and individuals in western Massachusetts (Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire & Hampden counties) and southern Vermont are eligible to apply.  Certain requirements apply to organizations participating in the HGF Family Education or Teen Initiative programs.  These sites may apply only if proposing a new program (separate from already funded activities) that is collaboratively planned and implemented.

Criteria for Selection

Criteria include quality, impact, target audience, applicant ability to successfully carry out the project, nature of the collaboration, educational and cultural value (see below for examples of previously funded projects).

How and When to Apply

Funding is available year-round, and we review proposals four times a year. Awards are made as long as funds are available and given to those requests best fitting the program's priorities. HGF will notify you of the results of your application within two weeks of the deadline.

1. Review your program idea with HGF staff at least two weeks prior to application submission. Send a brief description (who, what, when, where) plus an estimated budget to Dyan Wiley at dyan@hgf.org, or call 413-439-1941. This review is required.
2. Prepare your project budget, using the form provided (link on the right), and save it to your computer. You will need a completed budget to attach to your application.
3. Fill out the application using the APPLY FOR A GRANT link on the right. Applications are only accepted online.

We strongly recommend that you print out the application form and prepare all the answers you need before filling it out.  You will not be "timed out" while completing the form BUT you cannot save the form and come back to it at another time. Consider writing your answers to the questions in a text document so you can copy and paste them into the application when you are ready to fill it out.  The questions are also listed below.

What We Expect from Grantees

• In most cases, programs are expected to take place in "neutral venues" (not synagogues or day schools, unless it's a program that will take place in multiple institutions with multiple partners involved and benefit multiple constituencies/audiences).
• All grant recipients are required to promote the availability of www.JewishCultureConnect.com website and e-mail newsletter to your program participants.
• Grant recipients are expected to acknowledge funding by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation in their program publicity.  Print quality logo files are available on the right.

How to Request Funds

• A maximum of 70% of the project's cost is eligible for funding.  Applicants must raise at least 30% of the project costs in cash from other sources (not including in-kind contributions).
• Funds are paid on a reimbursement basis once the grantee submits the Final Report and the Payment Request Form with expense documentation (copies of invoices, receipts, or other documentation of project costs). 

  - Download the Final Report Form (DOC)
  
  - Download the Payment Request Form (DOC)

  Eligible expenses include staff time to coordinate, project supplies, artist/scholar/ presenter fees, or marketing-related costs. 
  
  Individuals who are grantees must also submit a W-9 form. Do not e-mail the W-9 form. Instead, submit it by mail or fax to:

  Dyan Wiley
  Fast-Track Grants 
  Harold Grinspoon Foundation,
  380 Union St., Suite 200
  W. Springfield, MA 01089
  
  Fax:  413-732-2632. 

Examples of Funded Projects

• Regional teen gathering organized around a Jewish comedy night event
• Series of Jewish environmental lectures/demonstrations as part of a community festival
• Joint brochure to market a Jewish spirituality study series co-sponsored by three synagogues
• Israel education series for families in a local library and community park/common
• Social action project for groups of teens across the region
• Exhibit and workshop series organized by area artists at three local venues
• Tourism-oriented publicity for a regional music festival
• Scholar in residence shared by 2 synagogues including a public talk at the local library

Application Questions

• Description -- Describe the program/project (what, when, where, how it will be carried out). What's the target audience/main beneficiary?   What Jewish concepts, issues, and/or practices are involved?  Additionally, for marketing enhancement requests, describe the marketing need and what specifically do you intend to do.
  
• Planning -- As collaboration is a priority, outline the specifics of your planning process including the organizations/individuals involved and the nature of their collaboration.  
  
• Personnel -- If relevant describe the qualifications of key artists, scholars, educators, or organizations leading the cultural component of the project.  Include resumes as needed.
  
• Marketing /Media/Outreach -- What is your publicity/ marketing plan?  How will you attract and involve new audiences/participants including unaffiliated individuals and/or families? What specific strategies will you use to make your program welcoming? 
  
• Evaluation -- To obtain participant & collaborator feedback, what tools will you use for evaluating the quality of your programs?
  
• Budget -- Prepare a simple budget that itemizes projected expenses and income in the categories that apply.  Be sure total expenses equal total income.