Call for Applications >> Pioneers of the North

$2 Million for Young Adults as a Driving Force in Rebuilding Northern Israel

The Edmond de Rothschild Foundation (Israel) and the Jewish Federation Los Angeles, in partnership with the Jewish Funders Network, happy to announce the launch of a $2 million Matching Grant Program to empower young leaders and communities of young people committed to promoting growth and renewal in the northern region. An additional $2 million is expected to be raised from other donors who will join the initiative creating a total investment of $4 million in the field

עברית

As a consequence of the “Iron Swords” War, Israel’s northern communities face significant reconstruction challenges. Surveys show that approximately 40% of young people are undecided about whether to return to the region, which threatens the socio-economic resilience of these communities and localities.

The October 7th massacre and the war have affected philanthropic activity, which has largely focused on immediate emergency needs. Inspired by the legacy of Baron Edmond de Rothschild, we believe that now is the time to focus on restoration and growth by investing in and supporting the new pioneers and communities of young people from all parts of Israeli society in rebuilding stronger northern communities in the confrontation Line.

While establishing infrastructure in industry, health, tourism, education, and more requires billions of shekels of government investment, the youth sector is an area where philanthropy can make an immediate and transformative impact.

The Edmond de Rothschild Foundation, the Jewish Federation Los Angeles, and the Jewish Funders Network invite social organizations, nonprofits, and initiatives on the local and regional level to submit applications for the Matching Grant Program. Eligibility conditions are detailed below.

Goals of the Matching Grant Program

Projects submitted to the Matching Grant Program must work to achieve the following goals:

Increase in the number of young adults who choose to stay in their communities in the north, return to them, or move to live in the area.
Increase in the number of young adults leading social initiatives that strengthen the socio-economic resilience of the area.
Increasing the number of young people who integrate into appropriate employment (aligned with their field of study).

Examples of activities:

Supporting mission-driven communities, comprising local young adults and/or young people who have moved to the area.
Establishing an entrepreneurship incubator and supporting local initiatives led by young adults.
Providing incentives for young professionals in areas such as education, culture, leisure, and welfare.
Building a network of young communities throughout the area.
Influencing central and local government policy regarding young adults.
Leading a regional program for young adults from diverse communities.
Support training programs aimed at developing regional leadership capable of driving impactful action towards the restoration and growth of the North.
Establishing groups of young adults (garinim) who are dedicated to residing in the region.

Please note: this is a philanthropic grant, not a business investment intended for profit

Target Audience

Programs that promote young adults and programs for young people aged 22-35

The Matching Grant is aimed at organizations across Israeli society

Grant amounts

Grant amounts will range from $50,000 to $250,000

All applications for this Matching Grant will be submitted

by organizations in Israel

that hold certification of proper financial management (ishur nihul takin)

and of donation receipts according to Section 46A

Eligibility Conditions for Applying for a Matching Grant

This grant will supplement new donations made by donors who are found eligible according to the criteria below and who are currently supporting and/or interested in supporting organizations and projects that advance the goals of the Matching Grant Program, with the aim of increasing the pool of resources to empower young leaders and communities committed to the restoration and growth of the northern region.

Applications for a Matching Grant will be submitted via an online application form and will be required to meet certain eligibility conditions.

Eligibility for a Matching Grant is dependent on the following criteria:

Existing non-profit organizations and social associations that hold certification of proper financial management (ishur nihul takin) for 2025. New organizations with Section 46(a) and approval of documents submitted for proper financial management certification will be considered as exceptions.
It is mandatory that the non-profit organization or institution is approved for receiving donations according to Section 46(a) of the Income Tax Ordinance.
Local and regional projects and initiatives that work to strengthen the communities and localities along the confrontation line in the north (up to 9 km from the border).
As part of the Matching Grant Program, the organization must raise a supplementary donation in the amount of 50% of the project cost (either from a new donor or by a significant increase of at least 50% from a previous donation). Application for the Matching Grant can be submitted only after approval of the supplementary donation.
Organizations and associations can submit up to two applications for a Matching Grant for different projects.
Applications for a Matching Grant should relate to projects that began as of March 1, 2025.
In order to receive the full payment of the Matching Grant, the organization must submit by October 15, 2026 a report showing actual budgetary implementation of 50% of the project.
The organization must be an Israeli organization located in Israel.
Organizations will be required to demonstrate the capacity to implement the proposed programs.
Awarded organizations must be willing to participate in a survey to assess the impact of the program, every year for three years after receiving the Matching Grant.
Awarded organizations must be willing to participate in public relations for the project and the Matching Grant.

Eligibility conditions for donors, philanthropic foundations and federations:

New donors who are interested in making a first donation to the organization of up to 50% of the total project and between $25,000-$250,000 (the minimum grant application amount is $50,000, so if the organization has a donor interested in donating $25,000, it must find an additional donor of the same amount in order to meet the minimum grant amount).
Donors who have already donated to the organization but are supporting a new project.
Donors who have donated in the past to an organization operating in the field and will significantly increase (by at least 50%) their support and their previous donation in this funding area. The Matching Grant relates to the portion of the increased donation and not the entire donation.
The donation will be for a specific program unless the organization’s sole purpose is to empower young leaders and young communities.
The donor can reside anywhere in the world, regardless of the location of the organization.
Matching amounts will be provided for donations pledged by donors starting March 1, 2025.
Donors are members of JFN, or will commit to join JFN.

***Submitting an application that meets the criteria detailed above does not guarantee the award of a Matching Grant. All applications found to meet the eligibility conditions will be subject to a screening process by a committee consisting of representatives of the Foundation, the Federation and JFN staff. The committee’s decision is final, binding and conclusive.

Additional Information and FAQs

Click here for matching grant application form>

The deadline for submitting applications is September 20, 2025

Upcoming informational events (will be held on ZOOM):

Q&A session for organizations – June 17th at 11:00-12:15 (in Hebrew) – for registration click here
Q&A session for donors, philanthropic foundations and federations – July 29th , 9:00-10:00am PST | 12:00-1:00pm EST | 7:00-8:00pm IL (in English)

Please review all the information above, particularly the eligibility conditions, prior to attending the meeting to allow for effective discussion and relevant questions for all participants.

For additional information and questions, please contact Anat Danis by email: [email protected]