Core Grants

The Hadassah Foundation is a private philanthropic organization focused on advancing gender equity and strengthening the leadership of women and girls, particularly within the Jewish community. Through its Core U.S. Grants program, the foundation supports organizations that apply a gender lens to their work and are actively creating social change. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that elevate the roles of self-identifying women and girls as leaders and full participants in their communities, with a long-term vision of safer and more equitable societies. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to provide multi-year support to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations that demonstrate a strong alignment with the foundation’s mission. The grants are intended to support efforts that enhance leadership capacity, promote gender equity, and address systemic challenges affecting women and girls. Priority is given to organizations that employ collaborative approaches, integrate research with advocacy, and engage in community education and empowerment to advance women’s rights. Funding is structured as Core grants of $120,000 per organization, distributed over a three-year period from January 2027 through December 2029. Payments are made annually in equal installments of $40,000. Funds may be used for either program-specific activities or unrestricted general operating support, provided that the organization consistently applies a gender lens across its work. However, funds may not be used for capital campaigns, partisan political activities, or sponsorships to individuals. Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based organizations with annual operating budgets between $250,000 and $5 million. Applicants must either hold 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or be fiscally sponsored by an organization that does. The program emphasizes alignment with the foundation’s mission, including demonstrated commitment to gender equity and leadership development within the Jewish community. Organizations proposing collaborative initiatives must seek prior guidance from the foundation before submitting a joint application. Applications must be submitted through the Submittable online platform by July 7, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The application process includes organizational information, financial documentation such as budgets and financial statements, and responses to narrative questions addressing mission, program or operational goals, and leadership structure. Applicants may also be asked to provide details about staffing, board composition, and funding sources. Optional materials such as references and supplementary media may be included. The evaluation process prioritizes strategic alignment with the foundation’s goals, the effectiveness of proposed approaches, and the organization’s capacity to deliver measurable impact. Finalists will participate in virtual conversations during the week of September 14–18, 2026. All applicants will be notified of funding decisions by October 15, 2026. Grant recipients are required to submit annual progress reports and updated budgets to track outcomes and ensure accountability. This funding opportunity appears to be part of an annual grantmaking cycle, with recurring opportunities expected in future years. Optional Q&A sessions are offered to prospective applicants to clarify requirements and expectations. Questions can be directed to the foundation via email, and applicants are encouraged to review the full RFP and application materials prior to submission.

Emphasize gender lens integration collaboration research driven advocacy and measurable impact on women and girls