Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford
/OVERVIEW: This funder supports Jewish learning, Jewish community outreach, seniors, and nonprofit capacity building within the state of Connecticut.
FUNDING AREAS: Jewish learning, Jewish community outreach, seniors, capacity building
IP TAKE: The best opportunities for secular groups with this funder are in arts and culture and human services. JCF accepts grant proposals on a rolling basis, but the applicant process for unrestricted community funds remains rigorous.
PROFILE: Established in 1972, the Jewish Community Foundation (JCF) is based in West Hartford, Connecticut. Today it manages over 1,150 charitable funds. JCF seeks to unlock “the transformative power of individual and collective philanthropy to solve problems, strengthen community organizations, and provide permanent support for [the] Jewish community.” JCF invests its grantmaking in the Jewish community, senior services and capacity building.
The bulk of JCF giving derives from donor-advised funds (45 percent); however, unrestricted fund grantmaking accounts for 28 percent of grantmaking while designated fund grantmaking makes up about 25 percent of overall commitments.
Grants are up to $10,000 and prioritize community building, followed by education and human services. This is a funder that provides seed funding for new programs, capacity building support, and funding for one-time programs (up to $10,000). However, it does not typically fund general operating support and restricts its giving to Connecticut, where it remains one of the state's largest funders. A majority of the grants support Jewish organizations in the Greater Hartford area. Current foundation financial information can be viewed here. Past grantees include the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, Playhouse Theater Group, the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, 10,000 Degrees, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Hebrew Home and Hospital, and the Seniors Job Bank.
Applicants can expect a response with a decision within three to six months of submission, as the grants committee usually meets four or five times per year. The grant proposal deadlines fall in the first week of August, November, January, March, and May. In addition to grants, the foundation also provides scholarships, support for nonprofit endowments and custodial funds, and training and capacity building education. Applicants can direct general questions to the foundation staff at info@jcfhartford.org or 860-523-7460. Questions about the grant application process should be sent to grants@jcfhartford.org. Keep up with foundation happenings and interests on the JCF blog.
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