Rabbi Saperstein: "We are excited to be able to make this new funding stream available and encourage you to work with your congregations, and African American partners to develop programming that will help strengthen relationships between the African American and Jewish communities."
Contact: Eric Harris
202.387.2800 | news@rac.org
WASHINGTON, D.C., Feburary 28, 2011 -- To honor Black History Month and as a part of the Religious Action Center's 50th Anniversary celebration, we are pleased to announce the new Kovler Black-Jewish Microgrant Program to promote quality programming and activities that enhance Black-Jewish relations. Rabbi David Saperstein, director of the Religious Action Center, noted: "Honoring the history of the Reform Jewish engagement in the great civil rights struggles of the 20th century and the Center's ongoing work to strengthen Black-Jewish relations, we are very pleased to launch this program. The funding for these grants is made available by our Majorie Kovler Black-Jewish Institute and we are very grateful for the Kovler family's generosity and support in building bridges between Blacks and Jews." In the past, the Kovler Fund has been used primarily for national Black-Jewish programs; Now, to better serve URJ congregations and stimulate more local programing, the Kovler fund is being made available to communities interested in planning Black-Jewish activities.
"The Center is seeking to support activities and actions aimed at developing links and common ground between African Americans and Jews" Rabbi Saperstein said. "We hope successful proposals would involve programmatic activities that bring members of both communities together in educational, cultural and/or social justice programs, and that serve the Black and Jewish communities, and/or the broader public. We are encouraging applicants to think outside the box. We will lift up best practices and share them with synagogues and CRC's around North America." Up to $1,000 will be awarded to successful applicants for each micro-grant.
"We are excited to be able to make this new funding stream available and encourage you to work with your congregations, and African American partners to develop programming that will help strengthen relationships between the African American and Jewish communities" Rabbi Saperstein concluded.
If you have any questions about the program or wish to apply, contact Isaac Nuell, Manager of Congregational Social Action, at (202) 387-2800.
