Fueling Innovation Across Jewish Atlanta
Applications are now open for this year’s JInnovate Grants through March 16, marking the start of another cycle of bold ideas, collaborative problem-solving, and smart investment in the future of Jewish Atlanta. At a time when community needs are evolving, innovation is one of the most powerful tools Federation has to ensure donor dollars create lasting, scalable impact.
“Investing in innovation is how we make sure Jewish Atlanta continues to grow and adapt,” said Samantha Kurgan, VP of Engagement at Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. “JInnovate allows donor dollars to work smarter by supporting ideas that are creative, responsive, and designed for long-term success.”
For past grantees, the value of JInnovate extends far beyond funding. Jonathan Halitsky from Backpack Buddies of Metro Atlanta describes the experience as transformational: “The JInnovate grant unlocked a tremendous amount of opportunity for us—not only from the funds that were provided, but also access to valuable programs like Catchafire, which basically helped us expand our capacity without additional dollars.”
That combination of funding and infrastructure support is intentional. JInnovate grantees receive access to resources like Catchafire, grant-writing assistance from Alloy Funding, and close partnership with Federation’s JInnovate staff, ensuring that donor investments are amplified through expertise, efficiency, and sustainability.
Marcy Louza of The Sandwich Project emphasized how innovation support helped strengthen her organization from the inside out. “Receiving a JInnovate grant came at exactly the right time,” she shared. “We needed more than funding, we needed access to professionals who could provide strategic, organizational, and technical support. That combination helped us become a more focused and sustainable organization.”
Equally powerful is the cohort model that brings grantees together each year. Being part of a JInnovate cohort creates a built-in network of peers and mentors who continue to support one another long after the grant period ends.
“JInnovate has been a launch pad for Bagel Rescue’s five-year success,” said founder Erin Steiglitz. “It’s not only about the funding, it’s about the resources and connections Federation offers. JInnovate has truly been a partner in helping us grow and sustain our work.”
For donors, JInnovate is about believing in what Jewish Atlanta can become. Each grant represents trust in creativity, in people with bold ideas, and in the power of community to solve challenges together. Through JInnovate, donor dollars don’t just fund programs—they help nurture relationships, spark collaboration, and bring meaningful Jewish experiences to life. It’s an investment in a stronger, more connected Jewish Atlanta, today and for generations to come.
Whether launching a bold new idea or strengthening an existing one, JInnovate invites changemakers to imagine what’s possible, and build it together. Learn more and apply at jewishatlanta.org/initiative/innovation or contact Samantha Kurgan at skurgan@jewishatlanta.org.
Looking for a different type of grant? Federation offers a wide range of additional funding opportunities—from large-scale investments and teen-focused initiatives to accessibility, education, and microgrants designed to support connection and inclusion—so there are many ways to bring meaningful ideas to life across Jewish Atlanta. Learn more here: https://jewishatlanta.org/initiative/all-available-grants/