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The Jewish Cincinnati Bicentennial Steering Committee (Bicentennial Steering Committee) is pleased to release this Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Jewish Cincinnati Bicentennial Microgrants program, a program designed to encourage participation and creative program development in line with Citywide celebrations of two-hundred years of Jewish community life in Cincinnati. 


Through this RFP, the Bicentennial Steering Committee will award up to $20,000 in new grants to organizations addressing the wide array of contributions Cincinnati's Jewish community has made to the City of Cincinnati, this Country, and beyond.
 

The Bicentennial Committee is raising funds to allocate to organizations looking to partner and lead programs and experiences for the Jewish Cincinnati Bicentennial (to be celebrated between Fall 2021 - Fall 2022).  Proposals will be received during (2) two Rounds, Round 1: proposals received by February 2021 for projects beginning before February 2022, and Round 2: proposals received by September 2021 for projects beginning after February 2022.


This grant can support the establishment of new programs or the enhancement of existing initiatives. Selected grantees will receive a one-time grant between $500 - $2,500 intended to be matched in part, by the requesting organization. All funds should be used by November 30, 2022. Funding is intended for application towards specific project or program-based costs.

Application Process Timeline:

 

  • Round 1 Applications accepted: February 12 – April 2, 2021
  • Selected Round 1 Applicants notified of funding award by April 30, 2021
  • Round 1 Grant Funding Distributed: June 2021
  • Round 2 Applications accepted: August 13 - September 24, 2021
  • Selected Round 2 Applicants notified of funding award by October 30, 2021
  • Round 2 Grant Funding Distributed: November 2021

 

*ALL FUNDS MUST BE UTILIZED IN FULL BY NOVEMBER 30, 2022

Who is Eligible to Apply:

 

  • Existing Cincinnati-area nonprofit organizations who possess current 501(c)(3) status and have the capacity to deliver a program, event or experience.
    • Applicant organizations from any state may apply, however the proposed project must be for implementation in the Cincinnati area.
  • Entrepreneurial individuals or emerging organizations who apply with an appropriate fiscal sponsor who has a 501(c)(3) status.
    • Individuals are encouraged to respond, but should do so in partnership with an established organization
    • Have an idea but not a 501(c)3 non-profit or an established organization? Reach out and we can help match you!
  • Program(s)/event(s)/experience(s) must clearly support the Jewish Cincinnati Bicentennial celebration’s Objectives, Mission & Vision
  • Collaborative partnerships are especially encouraged to respond!
  • This grant does not fund general operating support, capital improvements, endowments, lobbying, or activities that exclusively benefit the members of sectarian or religious organizations.
  • Grantees will agree to display the Jewish Cincinnati Bicentennial’s logo and follow recommended brand guidelines on marketing materials and distribute materials that promote community programs at events.

Preferred Criteria:

 

  • Project shares a unique story regarding the impact of Cincinnati Jews on the broader community, the country, and beyond. 
  • The project will fill an important gap in program experiences and bring together diverse audiences. 
  • Provide unique opportunities for interaction and engagement, keeping COVID-19 precautions and restrictions in mind.
  • Collaboration preferred – necessary partners exist and we’re happy to connect you!
  • All Funds must be utilized by November 30, 2022.
  • Preference will be given to those programs that occur between July 2021 - November 2022 (Signature Bicentennial programs are planned for November 2021 - October 2022)

Include the following attachments:

 
  • Optional: Applicants may choose to include an example of a past program to demonstrate capacity and programmatic reach. Examples can include past program flyers, brochures, marketing or report materials, etc. Attachments should be limited to 10MB and under three pages per attachment.
  • Project Budget - including any “matched” revenue/funds to be allocated from the presenting organization.
  • Copy of IRS determination letter indicating organization’s 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status – if applicable.
  • If applicable: Letter of support/acknowledgement from fiscal agency. 
     

If you have any questions about whether your Project/Event meets the funding criteria and requirements, please send an email to Marie Krulewitch-Browne, at Bicentennial@jfedcin.org with a short summary of the project you have in mind. 
 

We look forward to hearing from you!
 

Marie Krulewitch-Browne
Project Manager, Jewish Cincinnati Bicentennial
Bicentennial@jfedcin.org | 317-670-0104

Application: