The Jews of Color initiative recently approved seven grants, totaling $278,650, to support the leadership development of Jews of Color, in response to an RFP launched in October. This round of grants, which was supported by the Weinberg Foundation, will elevate the leadership of Jews of Color at several Jewish nonprofits, including Camp Tawonga in San Francisco, The Joint Distribution Committee’s Entwine fellowship, Avodah, and more.
Here are the seven grants:
18Doors
18Doors, previously Interfaith Families, is supporting coaching and mentorship for the director of professional development, an emerging JoC leader at 18Doors. This JoC leader will receive professional development trainings and courses and executive functioning coaching as preparation for an expanding career.
Ammud: Jews of Color Torah Academy
Ammud will offer professional support for their executive leadership, both of whom are Jewish women of Color, as the organization continues to expand. Funding will support executive coaching and training, with particular attention to managing a virtual platform.
Avodah
Avodah will offer professional development and support for their manager of racial justice initiatives. The manager of racial justice initiatives is responsible for shaping the work and vision of racial justice efforts, contributing to the development of the organization’s strategic plans.
Camp Tawonga
Camp Tawonga hosts a vibrant and diverse staff, with 20-25 JoC summer staff members and a JoC assistant director. Camp Tawonga has received grant funds to support these JoC leaders with coaching, mentorship, and trainings, as well as the continued professional development for returning JoC summer staff.
JDC Entwine
JDC Entwine’s Global Leaders Initiative (GLI) has committed to bringing on 2-3 JoC fellows in each GLI cohort; hiring a JoC consultant to assess issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in their curriculum and program; and providing JoC fellows with Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) mentors.
Reconstructing Judaism
Reconstructing Judaism is creating a new executive leadership role for a JoC rabbi as the new director of racial diversity, equity, and inclusion. Reconstructing Judaism has received grant funds to support the professional development and onboarding of this leader.
Union for Reform Judaism
The URJ’s Religious Action Center has committed to a minimum of 2 JoC fellows (half of the cohort) for their Eisendrath Legislative Assistant Fellowship for the next two years. JoC fellows will receive a cost-of-living stipend, mentorship from leaders of color, and professional development. The URJ will also identify and remove barriers to the application process and improve recruitment of JoCs.
