New Grant Program Supports Building Improvements for Safe, Welcoming Jewish Spaces

The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford (the Foundation) has committed $1 million in grant funding to strengthen the ability of the Jewish community to gather, learn, worship, and celebrate Jewish life in safe and welcoming spaces across Greater Hartford. The Board of Trustees approved the commitment at its February board meeting, following a six-month review process.

Through this initiative, the Foundation will offer grants up to $50,000 to support security-related capital improvements at local Jewish day and supplemental religious schools, and other youth-serving agencies and synagogues. The enhancements are designed to strengthen facilities thoughtfully and responsibly while preserving the warmth and openness that define our community.

“Our community thrives when its members feel safe, confident, and proud to be Jewish,” said Kathryn Gonnerman, President and CEO of the Foundation. “This program reflects the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting the vitality of Jewish life in Greater Hartford today and for future generations.”

The Foundation will host an informational session for grantees about Safe & Strong Together Grants on March 23; the grant submission deadline is May 1. The Foundation will work with grantees to ensure projects are implemented sustainably, and then assess the program’s impact and share best practices across our community. 

The Safe & Strong Together Grants initiative is funded through the Foundation’s Community Grants program, supported by generous donors who established Unrestricted Funds to address evolving community needs.