Investing in What’s Next: Federation Welcomes a New Innovation Cohort

June 12, 2026

From Holocaust remembrance and Jewish learning to mental health support, Israel engagement and innovative new pathways into community life, a new cohort of JInnovate grantees is turning bold ideas into meaningful impact.

This year, nearly 30 organizations applied for support, reflecting both the creativity and growing needs of our community. Through JInnovate, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta invests in emerging programs that align with Federation’s five core impact areas: Caring for Those in Need, Jewish Education, Israel & Jews Worldwide, Jewish Engagement, and Safety & Security. The result is a diverse portfolio of organizations strengthening Jewish life in ways both innovative and deeply rooted in community needs.

And the investment goes well beyond funding. Samantha Kurgan, Federation’s VP of Engagement and Innovation explains, “Federation’s Innovation incubation model is not simply about funding emerging organizations, it is about surrounding visionary leaders with a network of support that helps ideas grow into sustainable impact. Through strategic partnerships like Catchafire, Alloy Foundation’s Grant Groundwork program, mentorship from community leaders, and access to shared resources and convenings, we are intentionally weaving these organizations into the fabric of Jewish Atlanta. By fostering collaboration, connection, and collective growth, we are building a stronger, more vibrant Jewish ecosystem for the future.”

Please join us in welcoming the FY27 JInnovate cohort:

3GATL – Empowering grandchildren of Holocaust survivors to preserve family stories, combat antisemitism and carry survivor legacies forward.

Jewish Studio Project – Using art, creativity and Jewish learning to help individuals connect more deeply with Jewish identity and community.

Bayit on the Beltline – Creating an accessible Intown hub for Jewish life, connection and Shabbat celebrations along the Beltline.

Tkiya – Bringing music-filled Jewish experiences to young children and families, helping build lifelong connections to Jewish life.

Hadar – Expanding access to high-level Jewish learning, leadership development and meaningful engagement with Jewish texts and traditions.

Jewish Fertility Foundation Surrogacy Program – Supporting individuals and couples navigating surrogacy through education, advocacy and personalized guidance.

Hillels of Georgia Leven Silberman Leadership Program – Developing the next generation of Jewish leaders through mentorship, training and campus engagement.

Project Yellow – Transforming Holocaust remembrance into meaningful communal action through Yom HaShoah programming and education.

Creating Connected Communities Alumni Program – Connecting young adult mentors with teens to strengthen leadership development and community engagement.

Most Valuable Kids of Greater Atlanta – Creating meaningful experiences for youth through donated event tickets, service opportunities and community partnerships.

The Daffodil Project – Building a living Holocaust memorial through educational experiences, commemorative events and daffodil plantings.

TAMID Group – Connecting college students with Israel’s innovation economy through consulting, investing and entrepreneurship experiences.

Nashira – Supporting Jewish girls through programs focused on confidence, resilience, belonging and emotional well-being.

Sharsheret – Establishing an Atlanta hub to support Jewish women and families facing breast and ovarian cancer.

The Sandwich Project – Mobilizing volunteers to address food insecurity through hands-on service and community action.

TISH – Creating intimate gatherings that foster Jewish connection, learning and belonging throughout Intown Atlanta.

The Teacher Ambassador Program (KSU/Breman) – Equipping educators with tools and training to teach Holocaust history, Jewish heritage and lessons of tolerance.

Hineni Mental Health Program– Expanding culturally sensitive mental health education and support within Atlanta’s Orthodox community.

Together, these investments represent $427,000 in funding dedicated to strengthening Jewish Atlanta today while building the ideas, leaders and organizations that will shape our community’s future.

Keep an eye out for future updates on the progress this incredible cohort makes over the year.