NCEJ is Expanding Grant-Giving for Holiday Programming Connecting Interfaith/Intercultural Families 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 provide grants for holiday how-to workshops and experiential programs that help interfaith families and individuals exploring Judaism learn about holiday traditions. Many of our grantees have used the Jewish holidays as a “hook” to connect new people to Judaism. Learn more on our Holiday Page.
We fund marketing, program materials, security, and some staff support. Program materials include arts and crafts supplies, books, handouts, and related items. We also reimburse for the costs of holiday celebration kits, which can enrich participants’ educational experiences and strengthen connections to the sponsoring organizations. (See our Program Kit Page.)
To learn more about NCEJ and the type of programs we fund, see our What We Fund page.
Applications Accepted Year-Round – Apply Anytime!
It’s easy to apply, and questions are encouraged. Apply now and hear back within 30 days. For more details see our Grant Process page.
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!
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.
Recently Awarded Grants
Rosh Hoshanah Blessing Seder Booklet – Funded in part by NCEJ
“Rosh Hoshanah Blessing Seder” – Congregation Or Ahavah, FL
Jewish Renewal Congregation Or Ahavah held a Rosh Hoshanah Blessing Seder in September. The Seder was preceded by participants sharing something about each of the hostages that remained in Gaza at that time. In addition to chicken and brisket, participants feasted on pomegranates, stuffed dates, beets, carrots, and chocolate fish.
View Rosh Hoshanah Blessing Seder Booklet (PDF)
“Our past experience tells us that nothing attracts people more than food and joyous music. Our strategy is to connect everything we do to teaching about Judaism and how what we do is repeatable in their homes and their lives.”
– Rabbi Debrah Shenefelt
Tu B’Shvat activity – “Forest in a jar” terrarium
“ABCs of Judaism” Holiday programming – Hillel Poland
This program was a series of pre-holiday educational meetings designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of key Jewish holidays. The program aimed to ensure that participants not only learned about the holidays intellectually but also connected emotionally and engaged practically with the tradition. Holidays and celebrations included Shabbat, Tu B’Shvat, Purim, Pesach and Shavuot. Programming combined historical and textual learning with hands-on activities, such as challah baking for Shabbat.
“The NCEJ grant was instrumental in establishing a program that provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of key Jewish holidays through the ‘3H’ philosophy – Head, Hand, Heart.”– Magda Dorosz, Director
NEW! Jewish Outreach Podcast
Listen to the Podcast: Episode 04: Welcoming the Curious – Ellen Gerecht and the Case for Jewish Outreach, with Jonathan Argaman, The New Jew Podcast, (recorded: Nov 3, 2025).
In this thought-provoking episode of The New Jew, Rabbi Jon Cutler and Jonathan Argaman sit down with Ellen Gerecht, head of the National Center to Encourage Judaism (NCEJ), to explore a bold and often overlooked strategy for Jewish continuity: actively inviting non-Jews to explore Judaism. Ellen shares the inspiring origin story of NCEJ, founded by her parents over 40 years ago with a simple but radical idea—market Judaism like any meaningful product, highlighting its benefits and welcoming spiritual seekers. Today, NCEJ funds programs across denominations and geographies, from intro-to-Judaism classes to interfaith holiday workshops, helping Jewish organizations reach new audiences.
The New Jew Podcast is to encourage non-Jews to consider becoming Jews and to challenge the Jewish community to rethink about reaching out to non-Jews to convert to Judaism. The podcast is a series of interviews; it is a celebration of faith, resilience, and community.
Check Out Our Resource Pages
Our program profile pages are chock-full of examples of recently-funded projects, ranging from Judaism 101 classes to holiday workshops for interfaith families. Scroll through for program ideas, marketing suggestions, and advice on what worked well. 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.
Apply Now for Spring 2026 Holiday Programming
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.
Top photo – Rosh Hoshanah Blessing Seder – Congregation Or Ahavah, FL.