Macrogrants | Request for Proposals
The Jewish Federation of Cincinnati is pleased to release the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Jewish Innovation Funds, a grants program designed to encourage strategic growth and creative program development in Cincinnati’s Jewish community.
Through this RFP, the Jewish Federation will award up to $120,000 in new grants to social entrepreneurs and organizations addressing the wide array of Cincinnati community needs through a Jewish lens.
The program's investors are pooling resources and will decide together how to allocate these charitable dollars. The focus will be on risk capital that serves as a catalyst for change, encourages initial stage funding innovation and has a positive impact on the Cincinnati community. The funders will engage in a group educational process to fund creative and socially meaningful projects.
This grant can support the establishment of new programs or the enhancement of existing initiatives. Selected grantees will receive a one-time grant between $10,000 - $50,000 that may be used over a one-year period (July 2017 - July 2018). Funding is intended for application towards specific project or program-based costs.
Application Process Timeline:
- Applications accepted: March 6 – April 6 at 5 pm, 2017
- Selected applicants invited to funder presentation (attendance/video presentation is mandatory): June 14, 2017
- Grant Funding Distributed: July 2017
- Grantee Narrative and Report Due: August 1, 2018
Ariel Weiss
Donor Engagement Manager
513-985-1594
aweiss@jfedcin.org
Who is Eligible to Apply:
- Existing nonprofit organizations who possess current 501(c)(3) status.
- Entrepreneurial individuals or emerging organizations who apply with an appropriate fiscal sponsor who has a 501(c)(3) status.
- The Jewish Federation of Cincinnati is open to new projects that do not yet have a 501(c)(3) status. If the project is selected as a finalist, we will work with the group to help find a partnering organization or another solution.
- Applicant organizations from any state may apply, however the proposed project must be for implementation in the Cincinnati area.
- This grant does not fund general operating support, capital improvements, endowments, lobbying, or activities that exclusively benefit the members of sectarian or religious organizations.
- Grantees will agree to display the Jewish Federation’s logo on marketing materials and distribute materials that promote community programs at events.
Preferred Criteria:
- Project identifies a critical need that no one else is filling. The project will fill an important gap.
- Project should have clear impact, create change and have multiplier effect.
- Project should be free standing and ready to begin – community is ready and idea is prepared enough.
- Collaboration preferred – necessary partners exist.
- Project has opportunities for involvement from giving circle members.
If you have any questions about whether your project meets the funding criteria and requirements, please send an email to Ariel Weiss, at aweiss@jfedcin.org with a short summary of the project you have in mind.
Include the following attachments:
- Complete detailed Project Budget – a line item summary of revenue and expenses.
- List of board members/volunteer leadership with affiliation.
- Copy of IRS determination letter indicating organization’s 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status – if applicable.
- The organization’s current operating budget, including expenses and revenues, if applicable.
- Most recent audited financial statement (if not available, attach page one of Form 990) – if applicable.
- Individuals may need to provide additional financial information at a later date.
