OVERVIEW
The JFRE Fund is seeking qualified funding opportunities to support the Jewish communities in the Greater Philadelphia region and our partner regions in Southern Israel. You can view a full list of the questions here: JFRE FY26 Funding Request Questions
Focus Area for FY26: Security Infrastructure
The JFRE Fund provides grants to Jewish-focused non-profits specifically for real estate and capital improvement needs. For FY26, JFRE is prioritizing grants for security-related projects aimed at enhancing the safety of those utilizing the funded properties. Examples include the installation of security cameras and related technology, reinforced windows, doors, and points of access, and the construction of guard stations, fencing, or other security-related capital improvements. While security is the FY26 focus, JFRE will consider grants to fund non-security related projects.
Funding Considerations:
- Grants will be provided exclusively for real estate and capital improvement projects; funding will not be provided to support security personnel, security training, or operational deficits.
- Projects where the JFRE grant positively impacts the largest number and serves the most at-risk populations will be priorities.
- JFRE seeks to support projects where the non-profit is leveraging a JFRE grant to secure additional internal and/or external funding and to facilitate or encourage further investment/improvement in the immediate area by others.
- Projects must not be eligible for, or have been unsuccessful in obtaining, other sources of funding including government grants.
ELIGIBILITY:
- Geographic Eligibility: Projects must be based in one of the five counties of Greater Philadelphia (Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Montgomery, or Delaware) or in the Poconos region. Israel projects must be located within our partnership region of Netivot and Sdot Negev. Israel projects outside of our partnership region will be considered on a limited basis and only under extenuating circumstances.
- The grant amounts will range between $10,000 and $50,000 for a one-year grant; however, larger grants are possible.
- Project Duration: The JFRE Fund invests in one-time, non-recurring projects. However, if the project takes several years to complete, JFRE can issue multi year grants.
- Project Readiness: Funds from JFRE can be used as seed capital to attract further grants, but projects must be ready to commence within six months of the JFRE grant being awarded.
- Organizational Requirements: Organizations in Greater Philadelphia must have its own IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt designation. Organizations in Israel must be registered Amuta with Rasham Ha’amotot and maintain its Malkar status.
- Security Review: If the project is security related, Philadelphia-based organizations must have completed a security review with one of the Jewish Federation’s SCN Security Officers, Scott Kerns or Cortney Voorhees, prior to the grant being issued. JFRE will rely on the security review to determine eligibility.
FY2026 (Sept 2025 - Aug 2026) INFORMATION:
- All grantees must use funds only as detailed in the grant agreement. In addition, at the completion of the project all grantees must submit an actual budget, receipts or invoices and any photos, videos, or media releases (articles, etc) about the project's completion or impact.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
- Organizational Overview
- Scope of Work
- Timeline & Benchmarks for Completion
- Funding already secured and plans for support outside of Federation
- Budget including an itemized list
- Architectural drawings, if applicable
- Audit or latest Financial Review
TIMELINE:
| November - December: |
Application is open Monday, November 11th.
Application Closes Sunday December 15th at 11:59 PM.
JFGP Staff will follow up with your organizations for any clarifying information.
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| January - March: |
JFRE Allocations Subcommittee meets in late January/late-February
JFRE Executive Committee meet in March for review and to make final determinations.
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| June: |
Organizations will be notified as to whether their application was awarded or declined.
All US-based awarded organizations must submit proof of Liability Insurance.
Organizations must additionally submit proof of Workers Compensation Insurance if located in the United States.
Grantees must complete grant agreements and may be asked to submit updated budgets or evaluation plans.
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