“Your gift has provided a cutting-edge outdoor learning space for the young members of our community.”  The Jewish Life Center – Chabad Denver North Alef Academy

“We were able to gather valuable data through candid conversations with Jewish families of color about what could be done to make participation in the Jewish community more positive.” Moving Traditions

These are just some of the comments organizations have sent JEWISHcolorado documenting the impact of the most recent “Anything Grants™.” These grants, funded by the Staenberg Family Foundation and administered by JEWISHcolorado, support projects, infrastructure, and programs of local Jewish organizations.

True to their name, the grants can be for “anything,” provided the project fulfills the grant criteria. They are awarded to Jewish nonprofit agencies, organizations, and synagogues in Colorado seeking to fund operations, a specific project, or, in some cases, a program.

These one-time matching grants are $5,000, accounting for 50 percent of the project budget. The application process for 2023 grantmaking is now open. The application deadline is April 21, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.

2022 Anything Grants™

Last year’s Anything Grants™ were awarded to a variety of projects that might seem small in size but have had far-reaching impact.

Congregation Bonai Shalom in Boulder, Colo., purchased a tent to hold outdoor services during the pandemic so that elderly, immunocompromised, and young families could celebrate milestones, mourn loss, and gather for ritual and spiritual strength in the midst of a health crisis.  “Maintaining community connections and traditions is crucial in this time of uncertainty,” they wrote to JEWISHcolorado. “While the tent may be small, it means we can do a lot more as a community.”

With their Anything Grant™, Boulder Chevra Kadisha was able to create content and select teachers to host workshops and classes about end-of-life issues. “Having the opportunity to work directly with chevrah kadisha members and individuals who care so deeply about transforming how the Jewish community responds to end-of-life has been powerful and fruitful,” they wrote. “Thank you for this opportunity!”

With its grant, Moving Traditions brought Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice consultant Deitra Reiser, PhD, on board to conduct focus groups with teens and their parents. Moving Traditions communicated the results of their conversations to JEWISHcolorado and Rose Community Foundation “in the hope this will help shape our offerings and develop opportunities for Jews of Color, Sephardi, and Mizrachi (JOCSM) youth to thrive.”

What are the goals of Anything Grants™?

In 2005, Michael Staenberg established the Staenberg Family Foundation to mobilize resources needed to preserve and enhance Jewish life in the United States and around the world. The Staenberg Family Foundation believes that Anything Grants™ will:

• Contribute to local agencies that help create a thriving community;
• Leave a lasting legacy by spreading tangible acts of goodwill throughout the Colorado Jewish community;
• Encourage others in the Jewish community to support important initiatives, projects, and organizations.

Anything Grants™ may be available for programs, but since this may be a one-time grant, we encourage applications for specific one-time needs rather than ongoing programs. In past years, Anything Grants have been used for a variety of projects including:

• Hiring a nonprofit consultant;
• Purchasing technology or upgrading technology;
• Offering Staff/Board professional development;
• Beautifying or improving a building;
• Developing a mental health awareness program;
• Purchasing and installing playground equipment.

All applicants for Anything Grants™ must have a 501(c)3 tax status. Applications will only be accepted via the online form. Please email grants@jewishcolorado.org for more information.