Shalom Austin’s Impact Grants Categories for 2024

By Amanda Sokolosky 

In a record-setting cycle, Shalom Austin recently distributed $269,000 in grants to twenty-one local nonprofit organizations whose missions and objectives align with six key focus areas identified in the Shalom Austin strategic plan. These focus areas are: reaching Jewish people in underserved geographic areas of Greater Austin; bringing programming to young families and newcomers; engaging the Israeli community and curating Israel related experiences for Greater Austin; addressing mental health for teens (including college students); addressing matters of disability and inclusion such that all programs offered to the community are accessible; and building coalitions of education, support, and action to combat antisemitism in the community.  

Grants were awarded through separate processes. Allocations to core partner organizations with historical relationships and demonstrated sustained commitment to the focus areas detailed above and to Shalom Austin’s mission of inspiring Jewish journeys were recommended by the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. In addition, the Grants Committee, chaired by Ilana Nesher and Carly Sansom, held a public request for proposals to which eighteen organizations submitted applications and made presentations over two evenings in February. Organization representatives were given the opportunity to meet each other and listen to the various presentations and were encouraged to seek ways to collaborate to enhance and expand their services.  

Grants Committee members included: Barb Altman, Bruce Corman, Mitch Davis, Robin Davis, Rona Elbaz, Christina Gorczynski, Adam Helsinger, Kendal Jaffe, Lynn Kurtz-Citrin, Steve Meyers, Alex Robinson, Matt Smith and Harry Zimmerman. Shalom Austin also supports three nonprofit partners whose services assist with programs: Austin Jewish Film Festival, B’nai B’rith Youth Organization (BBYO) and DriveaSeniorATX. ■ 

Grants are made possible by the Shalom Austin Annual Campaign and the Jewish Community Innovation Fund held at the Foundation. The opening of the 2025 grant cycle will be announced in late 2024. 

“We deeply believe in the good work of our core partners and grant recipients and all that they do to extend the reach of inspiring Jewish journeys.” – Shalom Austin Chief Strategy & Impact Officer Rachel Stern