Yiddish Arts and Culture Initiative: FAQ

Who is eligible to apply for this program? 
Any nonprofit organization that serves an audience they define as Jewishly engaged in some way, such as a community center, synagogue, minyan, elder care facility, or cultural or educational institution such as a library, high school, college, or community club, Hillel, student union, advocacy group, professional association, museum. The organization must have 501(c)(3) or equivalent nonprofit status.

Applicants must demonstrate that they have a strong track record in cultural programming, a built-in audience, and a compelling reason they think it’s important to bring Yiddish culture to their community. 

Applicants must have one or two staff or community members who will attend all in-person and online sessions and be the principle organizer of the cultural programming. One participant should be an employee of the organization, and the other can be a volunteer, board member, or otherwise engaged in the work of the community. 

What is your definition of Yiddish culture, for the purposes of this grant? 
Yiddish is a global language and culture that developed many different paths and identities over a thousand years. As such, Yiddish culture may be defined broadly, but the curated programs must be intellectually and artistically rigorous in terms of vision, concept, and definition of terms. Culture may include literature, music, theater, other arts, history. 

How can the grant funds be used? 
The grant money can be used to pay honoraria for scholars and performers, purchase materials such as books for a book club, or other financial matters to be determined in consultation with the Yiddish Book Center.