The Incentive Grants programs of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation are available for residents of Western Massachusetts who wish to take part in Jewish activities locally, nationally, and internationally. The goal of the grants program is to make these valuable Jewish experiences as financially accessible as possible. The incentive grants are distributed without regard to financial need.
Campership Incentive Program --> As a first time Jewish overnight camper, you are eligible to apply for 50% of the cost of the camp up to $1,500. To attend a Jewish overnight camp as a returning camper, you are eligible to apply for 50% of the cost of the camp up to $1,000.
Applications must be received at least four weeks prior to the departure to camp.
Year Round Youth Experiences --> Teens who are residents of Western Massachusetts, ages 13-18 are eligible to apply for 50% the cost of membership dues for any Jewish youth group in Western Massachusetts. Teens may also apply for 50% of the cost of a Jewish youth group event up to $500 for any Jewish youth group program which takes place outside of Western MA. Applications must be received at least three to four weeks prior to the date of the event.
Jewish Experience Fund for Adults -- > Adults (ages 21+) who are residents of Western Massachusetts and want to participate in Jewish programs sponsored or under the auspices of local or national Jewish organization (i.e. retreats, shabbatons, and multi-day conferences) are eligible to apply for up to 50% of the cost of the program to a maximum of $500 per program.
Tuition Incentive Program (TIP) --> Residents of Western Massachusetts are eligible to apply for $2,500 to attend a Jewish day school in Western Massachusetts. Contact your local day school for program guidelines:
Heritage Academy, Sinai Academy of the Berkshires, Lubavitcher Yeshiva Academy and The Solomon Schechter Day School of the Pioneer Valley.
Tuition Subsidy for Hebrew High School of New England --> Residents of Western Massachusetts are eligible to apply for $3,500 to attend the Hebrew High School of New England (HHNE) if you are from the greater Springfield area. Contact HHNE for program guidelines.
Reimbursement Grants to Israel:
Travel and Study Grants to Israel are administered on a reimbursement basis:
- Grantees are required to submit an application and attach a copy of the itinerary including detailed costs of the trip.
- Applications must arrive at the HGF office prior to the departure to Israel for initial approval. The grantee will receive written confirmation of the initial approval.
- To receive funding; the grantee must submit a letter to the HGF within four weeks of the grantees return, detailing what the grantee will do to benefit the Western Massachusetts Jewish community.
Teen Trips to Israel --> Teens who are residents of Western Massachusetts ages 13-18 are eligible to apply for 50% of the cost up to $3,000 to travel to Israel with a Jewish youth group, a Jewish overnight camp, or on an approved Jewish organized group trip.
College Student Study in Israel --> College students who are residents of Western Massachusetts are eligible to apply for 50% of the cost of the tuition up to $1,500 to study in Israel for one semester. College students who are residents of Western Massachusetts are eligible to apply for 50% of the cost of the tuition up to $2,500 to study for one year in Israel.
College Student Travel to Israel --> College students who are residents of Western Massachusetts are eligible to apply for 50% of the cost up to $900 for participation in accredited programs in Israel during the summer and semester break.
Adults Travel to Israel --> Adults who are residents of Western Massachusetts are eligible to apply for 50% of the cost up to $1,000 to travel or study in Israel for a minimum of one week. Adults who are residents of Western Massachusetts who are doing and extended study in Israel (at least four months) are eligible to apply for 50% of the cost up to $2,500.
Family Travel to Israel --> Families who are residents of Western Massachusetts are eligible to apply for 50% of the cost of a trip (up to $1000 per traveling family member) through an approved Jewish program, organization, or synagogue.
