Grant-Making Focus Areas

The Jewish Women’s Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago has identified three areas that funding is needed to improve the lives of Jewish women and girls. Grant prospects are invited to submit project and program proposals that relate to these targeted areas.

1. Economic Security/Legal Reform for Women and Girls: 

The JWF will review projects addressing the economic and legal status of Jewish women and girls locally, nationally, and internationally.  Although, each focus area targets issues of advocacy in their particular area, this subcommittee will focus on projects that approach advocacy at the level of legal reform, political reform, etc.  Topics that may be considered include: economic empowerment, financial literacy, legal advocacy, professional development, business development, and micro-enterprise, among others.

2. Health & Well-Being for Women and Girls: 

The JWF will review projects addressing the health and well-being of Jewish women and girls locally, nationally, and internationally.   Projects related to protecting, promoting and educating about health will all be considered on this docket.   In addition, issues that will be considered may include: domestic violence, violence against women, health education, screening and prevention programs, among others. 

3. Education/Leadership Development for Women and Girls:
 

The JWF will review projects addressing education and opportunities for Jewish women and girls to have leadership roles and develop leadership skills such as negotiation and advocating.  Projects regarding Jewish women's spirituality will also be reviewed by this subcommittee.  This focus area will address these issues locally, nationally, and internationally.  Projects that may be considered include: teen mentoring, advocacy and leadership programs, community empowerment, and service-learning, among others.

View the list of grants awarded for examples of programs funded in these areas.

Jewish Women’s Foundation Multiyear Grant Initiative Funding Guidelines and Request for Proposals 2011: As part of JWF’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the lives and status of Jewish women and girls in the Chicago area, JWF is launching a new multiyear grant initiative to address an area of ongoing and unmet need in our community.  In 2011, financial literacy programs targeting Jewish girls, young women, adult women, and/or older adult women in the Chicago metropolitan area will be considered for funding under this initiative.