Call for Applications >> Pioneers of the North

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total amount offered under the Matching Grant?

The total amount allocated for this grant from the Edmond de Rothschild Foundation and the Jewish Federation Los Angeles is $2,000,000.
This amount will be available to supplement an initial donation or to significantly increase previous donations to organizations and projects that encourage and support the empowerment and growth of young leaders (ages 22-35) and communities committed to the restoration and growth of the North.
The minimum grant is $50,000 and the maximum amount that an individual organization is eligible to receive under the Matching Grant Program is $250,000.

What is the ratio between the Matching Grant and the donation amount?

Eligible donations between $50,000 and $250,000 will be reviewed for approval for matching 1:1 for the new donation and 100% of the significantly increased amount donated by existing donors to the organization.

For example, if an existing donor who supported an organization with a donation of $100,000 increases their donation by 50% and now donates $150,000, the Matching Grant will supplement the amount at a rate of 1:1 to the increased amount of the donation, i.e. $50,000.

*Note: Due to possible fluctuations in the conversion rates from dollars to shekels, the final amount for the Matching Grant will be determined according to the last exchange rate prior to allocation.

How do I know if my organization is eligible for a grant?

Non-profit organizations or public benefit companies (PBCs), legally registered in Israel (with certification of proper financial management (ishur nihul takin) and approved donation receipts according to Section 46(a); or those that work through other organizations with proper financial management/Section 46(a) certification and operating a specific program in the field of youth in the northern region of the country. New organizations with Section 46A and approval of documents submitted for proper financial management certification will be considered as exceptions.
Organizations working to fulfill the goals of the Matching Grant.

Can an eligible organization or project receive more than one grant under the Matching Grant?

Yes. An organization or project may be eligible to receive multiple Matching Grants for grants/donations from multiple donors, up to a total of $250,000 (minimum donation from each donor: $25,000).

Is there a maximum amount that a single organization or project can receive?

$250,000 is the maximum amount that any single organization is eligible to receive as a Matching Grant under this program. This is provided that all projects submitted meet the eligibility conditions defined in this grant.

What are the timelines for requesting the Matching Grant?

Applications can be submitted using the online application form only, and no later than September 20, 2025.
Applications will include projects that began on March 1, 2025 and will be completed no later than December 31, 2026.
On December 5, 2025, the organization will be notified about receipt of the Matching Grant.

How do I know if I am eligible to be a donor under the Matching Grant?

You are eligible to be a donor under the Matching Grant if you meet the following criteria:
You wish to complete your first philanthropic donation, and your donation is $25,000 or more

You have recently made a donation (after 2023) to the applicant organization, and you are currently seeking to significantly increase your previous donation (by at least 50%), and your new donation exceeds your original donation by $25,000 or more
You are a member of the Jewish Funders Network (JFN) or commit to join the network.
Please note that donors whose donation to an organization meets the eligibility conditions are asked to complete and submit the JFN membership form no later than September 20, 2025.
If for any reason you are unable to complete the online membership form, please contact us: [email protected]
For more information about the services offered to JFN members and to learn about the benefits of membership in the network, click here

Please note:

JFN encourages donors to work in collaboration with the selected organizations and their projects to provide the information required for the application.
The JFN team will contact you to schedule a call to verify eligibility for the program and to provide additional information about JFN membership and the services it offers.
For more information, please contact Anat Danis at: [email protected]
It is important to remember that membership in JFN does not guarantee eligibility to receive the Matching Grant.

Which donations are eligible for a Matching Grant?

Matching Grants will be provided for donations pledged by donors starting March 1, 2025. Donors must transfer the donation and the organization must receive it no later than January 1, 2026.
Only cash donations (check or bank transfer) are eligible to participate in the program. Donations in the form of illiquid stocks, Israeli bonds, or other financial instruments characterized by a slow vesting period will not be accepted.

Note: We will not be able to match donations received in the form of tangible goods such as land, computer equipment, or any other item given in lieu of cash.

I do not live in Israel. Does my donation qualify for a Matching Grant?

Yes, donations from donors outside of Israel are eligible to participate in the Matching Grant program.

Can a donor submit more than one application for different organizations or projects?

Yes, multiple applications will be considered (but not necessarily funded).

Can I support and contribute to a specific program or cause?

Yes. Donations to organizations must be designated for specific projects that fulfill the goals of the Matching Grant, unless the organization’s sole purpose is to promote youth leadership.

What happens if my donation is not awarded a Matching Grant?

As described above, the amount allocated under the Matching Grant for this initiative is $2,000,000 and is final. Therefore, it is expected that there will be donors whose donation will not be eligible for a Matching Grant. We hope that the donor will choose to provide the organization with the proposed donation even if no Matching Grant is awarded.
Considering that some donors may choose not to transfer their donation if there is no Matching Grant, and given that the decision to donate is contingent on receiving the Matching Grant, please do not transfer your donation to the organizations before receiving official notification from the Screening Committee.

Must the donation be paid all at once?

No. Donors are asked to commit to the amount of their donation by September 20, 2025 and to pay in full no later than January 1, 2026. Notification to the awarded organizations about the grant will include instructions on how to submit proof of payment.

Grant Conditions for Organizations Awarded a Matching Grant

All required documents must be submitted (JFN Membership Form for donors awarded a Matching Grant) no later than September 20, 2025.
Organizations that do not submit all required documents at the time of application will not be considered for participation in the Matching Grant Program.
Organizations that have been awarded the Matching Grant will sign a contract with the JFN organization, which will include, among other things, the following conditions:
In order for the Matching Grant to be transferred, the organization must submit a report showing actual budget implementation for 50% of the project, by February 1, 2026 or alternatively by October 15, 2026.
The Matching Grant will be transferred on one of the following two dates: April 2026 or December 2026 (depending on the budget submission date). Funding will be transferred to each organization after submitting a report showing actual budget implementation for 50% of the project (while utilizing 100% of the donor’s donation by that payment date).
The Matching Grant will be transferred to the organization only after submitting confirmation that the donor’s donation has been paid in full and that the donor has joined JFN and in doing so has paid the required JFN membership fees. In order to verify the donation, we will request from the organization a printout of a bank transfer showing that the donation was transferred in full by the donor to the bank account of the receiving organization, as well as written confirmation from the organization or project.
Organizations that will receive the Matching Grant must agree to participate in workshops where they will receive tools for evaluating and measuring the impact of the projects/programs.
The organizations will be required to submit an annual evaluation report on the impact of the project within three years after receiving the Matching Grant payment.

How is the decision-making process conducted?

A Screening Committee comprised of representatives of the Rothschild Foundation, the Jewish Federation Los Angeles and JFN staff members, reviews all applications that meet the eligibility conditions for the Matching Grant and decides about awarding the grants.
An application that is found to not meet the conditions of the Matching Grant will be removed from the list and the applicants will be notified.
The JFN team will contact the donors listed on each application to verify their donation.
Applicants will receive an email notification regarding the decision made regarding their application, including instructions to awarded organizations about how the Matching Grant is paid. It is the responsibility of organizations to inform their donors of their acceptance/non-acceptance into the Matching Grant Program.
The decision of the Screening Committee is final, binding, and conclusive on all applications and inquiries regarding eligibility for the Matching Grant.
Compliance with application conditions does not guarantee the award of a Matching Grant. Eligibility conditions as well as the availability of Matching Grants are subject to change and/or termination at any time by the Foundation and the Federation.