Youth Board grants program: antisemitism and pollution – Feb 15

Posted by Morris J. & Betty Kaplun Foundation on January 30, 2024

Morris J. & Betty Kaplun Foundation invites applications for Youth Board grants program

The Kaplun Foundation Youth Board is an initiative of the Morris J. & Betty Kaplun Foundation. Established in 2019, the initiative enables high school and first-year college students to learn about concepts of Jewish philanthropy, explore Jewish values, dive into grantmaking, and review and analyze grant proposals during a series of online board meetings over a school year. Each year, a new youth board develops its mission statement, requests proposals, and determines how to distribute $5,000 of the foundation’s funds to one or more nonprofit organizations.

The two cohorts of the 2023-24 Youth Board invite eligible nonprofit organizations to submit grant proposals that align with their missions—one in the area of antisemitism and the other in the area of pollution, waste, and resource insecurity. Each Youth Board cohort will award $5,000 in total to one or more organizations doing work in their mission area.

Cohort One Mission Statement: Through the values of community and lovingkindness, the Kaplun Youth Board seeks to support organizations that educate the general public through school and other institutions such as social media to empower them to be comfortable addressing antisemitism and the spread of misinformation. As a youth board, we are inspired most by organizations that provide safe spaces to anyone who wants to learn. We hope to encourage change through advocacy and education.

Cohort Two Mission Statement: Through the values of progress and human dignity, the Kaplun Youth Board seeks to support organizations that provide responsibly gathered resources for people in need. Through redistributing materials to underprivileged communities, our mission is to assist and empower them to combat and spread awareness on pollution, waste, and resource insecurity.

Applicants must be a nonprofit organization with a 501(c)(3) status or international equivalent and be able to accept funds following IRS rules. Organizations should generally have an annual budget of less than $3 million. The Youth Board may consider proposals from larger organizations for distinct projects or divisions with smaller budgets. Religious congregations (synagogues, churches, Hillels, etc.) may not apply, unless for a project that is aligned with the board’s mission and distinct from any religious activities or programming.

For complete program guidelines and application instructions, see the Morris J. & Betty Kaplun Foundation website.

Deadline: February 15, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. PT