Focus Areas > Social Justice > Jewish Fund for Human Needs > Application Process

JFHN Application Process

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• New Applicant - A first-time applicant to the Jewish Fund
• 2nd Year Renewal Applicant - You received a JFHN allocation last year and this is the second year in a row your agency will be considered
• Revisit Applicant - All others
  

How does the Fund award grants?
The JFHN committee is comprised of five members each from the Rabbinical Association and the Jewish Community Relations Council (public issues arm of the organized St. Louis Jewish community), two representatives from the Jewish Federation (central fundraising and planning organization for the St. Louis Jewish community), and three at-large members. Grants are awarded in the spring and fall of each year after a comprehensive process that includes a written application, telephone interviews, a site visit, and a committee review. Site visits are a key part of this process. The presence of rabbis and Jewish community leaders validates the concern of the Jewish community for the St. Louis community.

JFHN also responds to requests for crisis relief during weather emergencies and natural disasters. These funds have been allocated for heaters, air conditioners, blankets and fans.

The funding philosophy of the JFHN is to award modest grants to a larger number of organizations, rather than large grants to a limited number of agencies. The average size of a grant is $1,000-$2,500.

Application Process
Agencies interested in applying for a JFHN grant should contact JCRC Domestic Issues Director, Marilyn Ratkin, at (314)442-3873 or mratkin@jcrcstl.org

Funding Guidelines
The goal of the JFHN is to provide an organized Jewish presence in non-Jewish, direct relief agencies that address human needs.  It is our aim to provide a balance in types of services and in areas where they are delivered.  The agencies that receive the highest priority from the JFHN committee are those:

• That provide assistance to individuals facing critical human problems such as, but not limited to, hunger, homelessness, abuse, lack of health care and unemployment.
• That provide services on a non-denominational basis.
• Where a JFHN grant can make a meaningful impact.

For more information contact contact JCRC Domestic Issues Director, Marilyn Ratkin, at (314) 442-3873 or mratkin@jcrcstl.org