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JSON AWARDS: The Jewish Coalition for Service Launches New Seed Grant Program with Two Initial Grants of Up to $5,000 Each
Grants will be awarded to Jewish service alumni for innovative and pioneering projects that promote social justice and social action.
New York – July 18, 2007 – Alumni of Jewish service programs can apply for seed grants to start or expand social justice projects. Projects must demonstrate authentic impact on social issues related to lack of material resources, natural disasters, influences of totalitarian and/or genocidal regimes, sustainable use of the environment, and problems related to mental or physical disability will be considered for seed grants.
“This is a great opportunity for Alumni to explore concrete ways to turn their values into action and make positive change in the world,” said Ruth Messinger, President of American Jewish World Service.
Submissions will be judged based on the significance of the stated problem and the projects’ realistic potential to demonstrate measurable impact. Secondly, they will be judged on genuine sustainability after the initial seed grant ends. Finally, the projects’ potential to engage and encourage participants in the exploration and articulation of Jewish values from various and diverse perspectives will be considered.
“The Jewish Coalition of Service is really pleased to offer JSoN Awards, said Simha Rosenberg, the Coalition’s Executive Director. We’ve believed for a long time that alumni of our programs are an untapped resource for innovative ideas and creative new ways to have an impact on social problems. Now we’re going to be able to give them some support to put their ideas into action.”
Michelle Lackie, Director of Weinberg Tzedek Hillel, .agrees stating, “Offering seed grants to students gives them the opportunity to pursue creative solutions to social problems while enabling them to participate in the time-honored Jewish tradition of tikkun olam, repairing the world.”
Applicants must have their Jewish service alumni profile on www.JSoNLive.com, send a concept paper (at most two pages) to [email protected], and put JSoN Award Application as the subject line. Applications are due by August 17, 2007.
Finalists will be asked to prepare project budgets and timelines. Winners will be asked to report the results of their projects and publish photos, videos, and blogs about their projects on JSoN.
JSoN Awards are sponsored by The Jewish Coalition for Service: The mission of the Coalition is to inspire everyone in the Jewish community to dedicate a part of their lives to full-time, hands-on volunteer work. JSoN is an Online Network that puts cutting-edge web-based tools in the hands of thousands of members who are concerned about Jewish service and social justice. JSoN connects alumni from global Jewish service programs, educates the public, and makes it possible for anyone to discover information and resources that are not found anywhere else.
For additional information please email [email protected] or visit www.JSoNLive.com.
JSoN is supported by a generous three-year grant from the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Foundation.

I scoff at their “Online Network,” but this is a good initiative and they’re a good organization nonetheless.