Israel at 75 Microgrants FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

How do I apply? 

Please fill out our online application at the following link: https://forms.office.com/r/wuX7eSh0uR

How is funding awarded?

All applications are reviewed by the Israel at 75 Microgrant subcommittee. The applications that are due by June 30 will be reviewed in the following weeks, and all applicants will be notified if they are approved for microgrant funding by the week of August 1, 2023.

What if I find it difficult to complete the application?

Please reach out to Jaclyn Szaruga at jszaruga@jewishcleveland.org with any questions regarding technical difficulties. We recommend you save your answers to the microgrant questions in a separate word document prior to submission.

How do I know that my application was received?

The online form will exhibit a page that states “Thank you for filling out an application for an Israel at 75 Microgrant!” You must click the “SUBMIT” button on this page. This will generate “Your Response was submitted.” We then recommend you print or retain a PDF copy of your answers for your records.

You may also reach out to Jaclyn Szaruga at jszaruga@jewishcleveland.org to confirm receipt of application. 

What happens after I apply?

When your application is submitted, the Israel at 75 Microgrant subcommittee will review your application. If you are approved for funding, you will receive a funding award letter via email and mail, along with instructions for documentation and requirements to ensure the reimbursement process is easy and accurate.

What should I include in my Budget Expenses?

Please include, to the best of your knowledge, a description of all programming expenses. This could include venue costs, ads, printing of materials, refreshments, speaker costs, permits for rentals, etc.

Can I submit more than one application?

Individuals may only submit one application. Organizations may submit multiple applications, although, priority funding is given to first-time applicants. Organizations are also encouraged to target different demographics with multiple proposals.

Who is eligible for a microgrant?

Individuals are eligible to request up to $1,000 in funding. Organizations must be 501c3 non-profit organizations to request funding.

What kind of programming is eligible?

Any type of programming that is in line with the mission of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland and supports one or more of the goals of Israel at 75, is eligible. For example, a large-scale community event, such as a concert or speaker, or a small, intimate gathering of local community members to discuss relevant topics to Israel at 75, like a conversation series. The Israel at 75 Microgrant subcommittee encourages applicants to be creative in their programming and think outside of the box in engaging new and different demographics in the Jewish Cleveland community.

What is the application period?

Round 2 of Microgrant funding for Israel at 75 is open from June 1 – June 30, 2023. All applicants will be notified if they have been approved for funding by August 1. The second round of funding will begin on June 1, 2023. Subsequent rounds of funding will be available through March 2024. All microgrant recipients must utilize their funding by June 30, 2024, unless otherwise agreed upon in the application acceptance/award letter. Schedule is subject to change based on the decisions of the Israel at 75 Microgrant subcommittee.

Who must sign off on my application at my organization?

If you are applying as an organization, either the CEO, CFO, or Executive Director must co-sign the application.

What do I need to do to get reimbursed? When will I receive my reimbursement?

Organizations must be tax-exempt in order to be reimbursed, and individuals must agree to fill out a W-9 form in order to be reimbursed. Prior to disbursement of funds, proof of purchase totaling the amount of the reimbursement is to be submitted, specifically, itemized receipts (digital scans are preferred).

Organizations should use their tax-exempt certificate, as Federation will not reimburse sales tax.

All reimbursements will be processed after the program is concluded. For specific questions, please reach out to Jaclyn Szaruga at jszaruga@jewishcleveland.org.

If you have further questions, contact Jaclyn Szaruga at jszaruga@jewishcleveland.org.