NCEJ Funds Programs Worldwide That Welcome New People to Judaism
NCEJ gives grants to synagogues and other Jewish organizations sponsoring programs that attract more new people to Judaism from all walks of life and backgrounds. We fund programs that help individuals and families celebrate holidays, build a Jewish home, and connect with others with similar backgrounds and experiences.
NCEJ funds programs worldwide to engage, educate, and connect interfaith couples, people interested in conversion, and others who want to explore becoming part of the Jewish community.
Our grants cover marketing, program materials, security, and related expenses for both single events and multi-session programs, traditional classes and experiential learning. For more details see our Grant Process page. For more details on our funding guidelines see our What We Fund page.
Chanukah Boxes of Warmth – The Beri Foundation, Ukraine
Apply Anytime — And Hear Back Within 30 Days!
We accept applications year-round. It’s easy to apply, and questions are encouraged. Have an idea for a program but not sure it meets our guidelines? Reach out to us at 301-802-4254, contact Ellen Gerecht, Executive Director, or complete our Proposal Form.
Apply Now!
Recently Awarded Grants
“Introduction to Judaism” – Temple Beth El, Jersey City, NJ
Temple Beth El in Jersey City, NJ sponsors a 20-session Introduction to Judaism class, using the Union for Reform Judaism curriculum. It includes 2 dinners and invitations to numerous social, communal, and religious events. Students are encouraged to craft their own practices and perspectives. Adding to the intimacy of the group, participants occasionally meet in people’s homes, in addition to the synagogue.
“Because of this program, Temple Beth-El now has many members and member families who have gone through the program and are now active members. Many have converted and there is a social cadre of young people who call Judaism and our Temple home.”– Rabbi Leana Moritt
For more information contact Rabbi Morritt.
“Judaism Behind the Scenes” – Temple B’nai Torah, Bellevue, WA
Temple B’nai Torah is offering a 10-session holiday program, “Judaism Behind the Scenes,” designed for families that are new to Judaism, but open to everyone. It is a monthly gathering to help participants experience the foods, songs, and rituals of upcoming holidays. Families will cook/bake food related to the upcoming holiday; and then, while eating the meal, they will learn about the meaning of the holiday. Each gathering will take place 3-4 weeks before the actual holiday so that participants can use the skills/ information learned to be able to celebrate the holiday at home with family and friends.
“Our synagogue has become known in the Puget Sound area as an ‘entryway’ to Judaism for folks interested in exploring Jewish life.”– Rabbi Mollie Wiesel
For more information contact Rabbi Mollie Weisel.
“Stepping into the Seasons: Introduction to the Jewish Holidays” – Mittleman JCC/PJ Library, Portland, OR
This 4-session program series, sponsored by the Mittleman JCC/PJ Library, invites interfaith families to explore Jewish holiday traditions. Each 90-minute event, held on a weekday evening, will offer an opportunity for families to learn and engage together. Each session parents will learn about a specific holiday and discover ways to incorporate these traditions into their own family lives. Children will enjoy a craft activity directly related to the holiday being celebrated.
For more information contact Lisa Katon, Donor Relations/Grants Specialist.
Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism – Tu Bshvat
See Examples of Recently Funded Grants
Check out our resource pages, containing descriptions of recently funded grants for Judaism 101, holiday, and interfaith engagement programs. Scroll through for program ideas, marketing suggestions, and advice on what worked well.
Our program profile pages are chock-full of examples of recently-funded projects, ranging from Judaism 101 classes to holiday workshops for interfaith families. To get ideas that you can use in your community see our profile pages:
Fostering a Welcoming & Educational Pathway to Judaism
Introduction to Jewish Traditions
Celebrating and Connecting Newcomers to Jewish Life
Holiday Programming
Connecting Interfaith Families to Judaism
Interfaith/Intercultural Engagement
Our grants can help you connect new people to Judaism and your organization.
Recently Awarded Grants
- Or Ahavah, FL – “Rosh Hoshanah Blessing Seder”
- Hillel Poland – “My First Chanukah”
- Hillel Ukraine – “Succot Project”
- Intro Phoenix – “URJ Introduction to Judaism”
- Temple Sinai Las Vegas – Adult Hebrew
- Schechter Institute Midreshet Schechter Ukraine – conversion seminar
- Congregation Gemiluth Chassodim, LA – Introduction to Judaism/conversion
- Keneseth Israel, PA – Taste of Judaism ®
- Temple Brith Achim, PA – “Fam Jam Shabbat”
- Syracuse Community Hebrew School, NY – “Light Up Shabbat”
- Sutton Place Synagogue, NY – “Living Judaism”
Apply Now for Funding
Have a question about what we might fund? Drop us a note. We welcome inquiries and offer a variety of ways to get in touch with us:
Complete our application
Fill out the proposal form
Sign Up For Our Grants Letter Today
Keep abreast of new funding opportunities by signing up for our newsletter: sign up for our newsletter.
Chag Sameach!
Top photo – Mishkan Chicago: celebration held at Shabbat for all the people welcomed into Judaism.