Click here to apply by Monday, December 2, 2019.

Download the informational PDF flyer.

Do you have a cutting-edge programming idea or solution to a pressing community need? An idea that could draw and engage adults and their families? A way to bring our Jewish community closer together?

The Jewish Community Board of Akron (JCBA) is calling all Jewish social-entrepreneurs in Summit County to apply for its Community Innovation Grants, driving innovative, leading-edge initiatives that meet our community’s most critical needs. The grants are supported by funds raised through JCBA's annual campaign.

JCBA Todd Polikoff said, “Community Innovation Grants will give the best, new ideas the right momentum to become a reality and power innovators to help drive community change.” 

The grants will offer up to $15,000 in funding for the 2019-2020 fiscal year for the best ideas in young family engagement, Israel and Jewry connections, and community volunteerism. These priority areas were identified as crucial needs by a cross-section of the Jewish community.

By making grants that focus on a pressing community need, through this new approach, the JCBA will make substantial grants to social entrepreneurs within the first year of program funding of up to $5,000.

In “Shark Tank” style, the Community Innovation Grants Committee will collectively select grantees and work with them to set goals that will result in a big impact for our community.

“Our hope is that through this process, we will bolster these big ideas and empower individuals to bring them to fruition for the benefit of our collective community. This is a way to bring together and support our community’s innovators out-of-the-box and early-stage efforts that utilize new methods to improve and preserve the Jewish values that bind us together" said Polikoff.

Your investment in JCBA’s annual campaign powers the best ideas for growing and strengthening the Akron Jewish community. Please give at www.jewishakron.org.