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2026-2027 Capacity Grant Program - Overview

Thank you for your interest in securing a Jewish LearningWorks Capacity Grant. Jewish LearningWorks is committed to elevating the field of Jewish education by nurturing educators, inspiring innovation, and building Jewish literacy. Through the capacity grant initiative we invest in innovative projects that foster cultures of experimentation and collaborative learning.

To reach these goals, Jewish LearningWorks will:
  • Offer grants and determine eligibility based on grant selection criteria.
  • Create an opportunity for recipients to report on and share their success and learning.
  • Conduct mid-year check-ins with each grant recipient.
  • Celebrate the work of grant recipients.
Applicants who have received prior grants from Jewish LearningWorks may re-apply to extend or expand their initial project for an additional two cycles (three grants total).

Grant applications will be reviewed starting August 17, 2026. Please direct any questions about the Jewish LearningWorks Capacity Grant Program to Ellen Lefkowitz, Ellen@JewishLearning.Works
Capacity Grant Overview
  • How Much: Each grant award will be no greater than $8,000.00
  • When: Application process will open in July 2026. Funds are available on a rolling basis; grant review begins August 17. Grant projects must be completed by June 30, 2027.
  • Who: Open to Bay Area Jewish educational programs serving children ages 0-18. Institutions may apply for more than one grant if the grants will support different programs/age groups, e.g., preschool and afterschool.

Grant Selection Criteria
In alignment with Jewish LearningWorks strategic priorities, successful grant projects will establish or extend experimental initiatives in the areas of spiritual education, nurturing a caring teaching community, and/or creating more inclusive classrooms. In particular, we are looking for projects that will:
  1. Support staff in enriching their teaching practice through ongoing professional development, community building experiences, reflective supervision or mentorship.
  2. Extend learning through existing professional development, curriculum development, or a community of practice.
  3. Create a sustainable project which can be implemented beyond the initial capacity grant time frame.
Grant funds will not be awarded for: infrastructure costs (i.e. furniture, supplies, materials for revamping physical spaces, etc); non-specific professional development learning; gifts for staff.

Applicants who have received prior grants from Jewish LearningWorks may re-apply to extend or expand their initial project for an additional two cycles (three grants total).