Federation’s New Impact Grants Continue to Fund Innovative Community Ideas 

What happens when local organizations see a need in the Jewish community and have the support to turn a new idea into action? This spring, Jewish Federation of St. Louis completed its second round of Impact Grants, investing $260,000 in 11 new and expanded initiatives designed to strengthen Jewish life, build connection, and address timely community needs.

Based on insights from the 2024 Community Study, Federation Impact Grants were established in 2025 to connect leaders with funding to create and sustain programs that create a more vibrant and connected Jewish community.

Among the initiatives receiving support in this most recent round is Building BBYO in St. Louis City, a partnership between BBYO and Central Reform Congregation to launch a city-based BBYO chapter. Additionally, Central Reform Congregation applied for and received a grant to launch Makom St. Louis, a yearlong series of four free Shabbat and Havdalah experiences at diverse, accessible locations throughout St. Louis City.

Other grants are creating new opportunities for Jewish learning and connection. Bais Abraham Congregation will launch the Women’s Torah Learning Initiative, providing structured Torah and Talmud learning for adult women of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs. Congregation B’nai Amoona will offer Not Your Parents’ Group, creating opportunities for young adults to gather, connect and build community as Jews, including those who are not currently connected to Jewish organizations.

Several initiatives focus on strengthening Jewish engagement among teens and young adults. Friends of Israel Scouts will expand its St. Louis Tzofim Teen Leadership Education and Israel Engagement Initiative. Jewish Student Union and Epstein Hebrew Academy will partner on B’not Sherut – An Infusion of the Heart of Israel and Zionism for the Youth of St. Louis, bringing two young Israeli women to St. Louis to serve as Jewish role models and educational ambassadors.

Federation Impact Grants also are helping organizations build connections across the broader St. Louis community. The Jewish Community Relations Council will launch the Rekindle St. Louis Black/Jewish Dialogue Alumni Network, which will foster collaboration and understanding between Black and Jewish leaders. Chabad at the University of Missouri in Columbia will launch Building Bridges, bringing together students from diverse backgrounds to build relationships and break down barriers.

For older adults, Covenant Place will expand programming west of Interstate 270 through a partnership between the Mirowitz Center and the J’s Marilyn Fox Building in Chesterfield. Mirowitz Center Programming in Chesterfield will create additional opportunities for older adults to participate in programs and connect with one another closer to home.

The St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum will use its grant to launch Family Weekends, offering age-appropriate opportunities for families to learn together and continue conversations at home about the Holocaust, antisemitism, prejudice, and civic responsibility.

The 2026 Spring Impact Grants also support the infrastructure that makes Jewish community experiences possible. The Jewish Federation of St. Louis’ Kosher Catering Mashgiach initiative will help ensure that VAAD-certified kosher food continues to be available at all Federation events.

Together, these initiatives demonstrate the breadth of ideas emerging from organizations across St. Louis and the ways timely investments can help turn those ideas into opportunities for connection, learning and engagement.

A second 2026 Impact Grant cycle is now open, providing another opportunity for local organizations to propose new or expanded projects that address needs and strengthen the vibrancy of Jewish life in St. Louis. Applications close on November 2. For more information, please visit https://www.jfedstl.org/programs/impact-grants/.