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Goal

Memphis Jewish Federation’s Ignite Grants are designed to stimulate and incentivize creative, bold ideas that address service delivery or programming gaps within the greater Memphis Jewish community.

 

Description

Reimbursement grants up to $25,000 per funding year are available to support new and innovative programs, projects, or initiatives that serve the Memphis Jewish community and demonstrate the potential for sustained significant impact. Programs that fall under regular agency operations or standalone programs such as speakers, scholars-in-residence, concerts, etc. will not be considered.

Proposals should articulate a clear outcome goal and either:

  • Reach a significant number of Greater Memphis Jews, or
  • Serve a smaller, targeted population that is currently underserved or has the potential to engage a broader segment of the community.

Pilot programs that were discontinued due to lack of funding may apply, provided the program has not taken place for at least five years. Existing programs may be considered if they are substantially redesigned or expanded, demonstrating meaningful qualitative and/or quantitative growth to increase impact.

 

Funding Priorities

Preference will be given to programs addressing the following priority areas, though other proposals are welcome for consideration:

  • Jewish engagement programs serving Jews living outside the East Memphis/Germantown corridor and/or those not affiliated with a congregation;
  • Jewish engagement programs for parents of children and teens under age 18;
  • Mental health initiatives across all demographics;
  • Recruitment and retention efforts to strengthen Jewish Memphis.

 

Eligibility

Ignite Grants are open to all 501(c)(3) Jewish agencies, congregations, schools, and youth groups. Other organizations or individuals may apply with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor.

  • Applicants must include a clear plan for collecting program feedback from participants in addition to reporting evaluation data from the organization. Federation can assist in developing assessment plans.
  • Funding is awarded for one year; funded programs may reapply for up to two additional years.

 

Grant Preferences

Preference will be given to programs that:

  • Demonstrate strong potential for meaningful impact;
  • Encourage collaboration among agencies, congregations, schools, and youth groups;
  • Include a plan for long-term sustainability.

 

Responsibilities of Grant Awardees

  • Acknowledge Memphis Jewish Federation in all print and digital program materials;
  • Submit an impact report, documented expenses, and feedback data in order to receive reimbursement.

 

Grants Process & Timeline

  • Applicants will first submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) to be reviewed by the Ignite Grants Committee. If the LOI is accepted, applicants will be invited to submit a full application and to present to the committee.
  • Ignite Grants applications will be reviewed twice a year in June and November.
  • 2026 timeline for programs taking place in FY26-27 (July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027):

 

Round #1:

  • Letter of Intent: Due Tuesday, June 2, 2026
  • Notification of invitation to submit full application: June 9, 2026
  • Application: Due June 23, 2026
  • Presentations: Week of June 29, 2026
  • Notifications of Grant Awards: Early July

Round #2:

  • Letter of Intent: Due Monday, November 2, 2026
  • Notification of invitation to submit full application: November 9, 2026
  • Application: Due November 23, 2026
  • Presentations: Week of November 30
  • Notifications of Grant Awards: Early December