2009 Grassroots Fund

The 2009 Grassroots Fund is co-funded by Genesis Philanthropy Group and UJA-Federation of New York. The purpose was to support local initiatives that strengthen Jewish identity, preserve the Jewish cultural and historical heritage, and encourage social activism in Jewish communities. In 2009, organizations from St. Petersburg (Russia), Kiev (Ukraine), and Minsk (Belarus) were eligible to apply. GPG and UJA were interested in funding programs that focused on informal Jewish education, volunteer development, supporting community leaders, and innovative programs for youth and young adults. Of the 19 applications received, 6 were supported.

  • Chevruta, operated by the Jewish Forum of Ukraine, is a Kiev-based after school and Sunday program in Jewish studies for children in grades 8-11. The program combines seminars, lectures, and a traditional beit midrash format.
  • La Dor Va Dor, operated by Hatikva, the Progressive Jewish Community of Kiev, works with families to strengthen Jewish identity and Jewish family values. The Grassroots grant allows the program to run 2 three-day shabbatons for 40 participants and a 7-day family camp for 60 participants.
  • Interesting Past, run by Hillel in Kiev, is an educational sightseeing center that is run by volunteers. Twenty professional tour guides specializing in Ukraine's Jewish sites will be trained, and related teaching materials will be produced.
  • Jewish education for students in non-Jewish schools, operated by Adain Lo, offers St. Petersburg-based Jewish high school students the opportunity to participate in after-school courses on Jewish history, literature, Hebrew and Yiddish.
  • Jewish Home, run by the St. Petersburg branch of the Russian Jewish Congress, is building a community of parents whose children attend Jewish schools. The program will enhance parents' understanding of and interest in Jewish education and will help families use integrate Jewish values into their home life.
  • Youth Initiatives, run by North-West in St. Petersburg, motivates young adults to go beyond the role of "consumers" of Jewish communal life and to take on the role of lay leaders in their comunities. Participants develop initiatives with local nonprofits and are responsible for program implementation.