As part of Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s (Federation) commitment to strengthening the Jewish community through innovation, the non-profit organization announced that the application period is open for the ninth annual Propel Grants, an innovation fund for organizations that are reimagining Jewish life in Atlanta.

“We’re looking for visionary leaders with the drive and commitment to launch transformative, creative, scalable, and community-driven projects for social good,” says Russell Gottschalk, manager of Federation Innovation, an initiative of Federation to accelerate community ideas. “This early-stage, significant investment opportunity will help turn ambitious dreams into reality.” 

Intrapreneurs interested in driving change within existing Jewish organizations and entrepreneurs with big ideas to transform Jewish life in Atlanta are encouraged to apply until March 1, 2021, with available awards up to $60,000. Some recipients may qualify for multi-year grants to support the organization’s plans for sustainability and longer-term goals.

In addition to Atlanta-based organizations, national organizations with plans to bring something new to enhance Jewish life in Atlanta should apply for the grant.

“This is your opportunity to demonstrate your passion for a project that can spark long-term systemic change and social good in Jewish Atlanta,” says Gottschalk. “Our goal is to expand access to Jewish experiences--in our homes, around the table, and within the community. The Propel Grant helps make that possible for everyone.”

In 2020, Federation Innovation awarded $182,000 in Propel Innovation Renewal Grants, supporting organizations, ideas, and people reimagining Jewish life in Atlanta. Grant renewals went to seven organizations that were originally awarded innovation funds in June 2019. 

Due to the unique conditions brought about by the pandemic, this past year many grants supported mobilizing volunteers to serve in communities (Repair the World), broader access to mental health and substance abuse services (The Blue Dove Foundation), and a different delivery system for aging services (AgeWell Atlanta). Additionally, many recipients included organizations and entrepreneurs serving Jews who are school-aged through older adulthood. Many of the selected initiatives are focused on supporting underserved populations in the Jewish community, including people with disabilities, people of color, and the LGBTQ community.

Another Propel Grant recipient is a film premiering at the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival 2021 later this month.The film, “Atlanta: The City Too Busy to Wait,” will highlight and document the unique history of the Jewish community in Atlanta During COVID-19 times. The film was created in collaboration with the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival and The Breman Museum.

To apply for a Propel Grant, interested leaders will find the form here.