Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: $7.9 million (Annual Campaign FY24) + additional emergency and special grants
- Success Rate: Not publicly available
- Decision Time: Varies by program
- Grant Range: $1,000 - $20,000 (average PIN grant: $20,000; Anything Grants: $1,000-$5,000)
- Geographic Focus: Colorado (local), Israel, and global Jewish communities
Contact Details
Website: www.jewishcolorado.org
Phone: 303-321-3399
Email: grants@jewishcolorado.org
Address: 300 S Dahlia St, Denver, CO 80246
For grant inquiries: Dr. Julie Lieber, Chief Jewish Life & Engagement Officer
Email: jlieber@jewishcolorado.org
Overview
JEWISHcolorado is Colorado's Jewish federation, formed from the merger of three historic organizations: the Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado, Colorado Agency for Jewish Education (CAJE), and Jewish Community Foundation of Colorado. With $79.3 million in total assets and over 340 funds under management, the organization serves as a convener, connector, investor, and protector for Jewish life in Colorado, Israel, and around the world. Under President & CEO Renée Rockford's leadership since 2021, JEWISHcolorado raised $7.9 million through its Annual Campaign in FY24, surpassing the previous year by $235,000 (3% increase). The organization additionally raised $9.5 million in Emergency Funding for Israel, tripling its initial goal. JEWISHcolorado is part of the Jewish Federations of North America and works to create a vibrant, secure, connected, and inclusive Jewish community through outreach, advocacy, programming, and grantmaking.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
Staenberg Anything Grants™
$1,000 - $5,000 (one-time matching grants, up to 50% of project budget)
Funded by the Staenberg Family Foundation and administered by JEWISHcolorado. These grants support projects, infrastructure, and programs of local Jewish organizations. Since 2018, Staenberg has given $466,000 through 120+ Colorado Jewish nonprofits. Applications accepted online annually (recent deadline: April 11, 2025). In 2025, 16 organizations received $78,600 in funding.
PIN (Projects of Impact & Need) Grants
Average $20,000 per grant
Annual program funding nonprofit program operations, outreach and engagement, social justice, advocacy and education, human service and mental health projects, and Jewish day schools. Funded through JEWISHcolorado's annual campaign and awarded by an 18-member planning and grantmaking committee. In FY22, $450,000 in PIN grants served over 40,000 people through 30+ organizations.
Priority Areas
- Jewish education and day schools
- Nonprofit program operations and capacity building
- Outreach and community engagement
- Social justice and advocacy initiatives
- Human services and mental health projects
- Building improvements and infrastructure
- Technology and professional development
- Early childhood centers and family programs
- Security initiatives (through separate programs, not Anything Grants)
- Emergency response and crisis support
What They Don't Fund
Anything Grants™ Exclusions:
- Security upgrades (funded through separate security grant programs)
- Individuals and for-profit businesses
- Projects exceeding $10,000 budget
- Requests that are part of larger campaigns
- Ongoing programs without sustainability plans (preference for one-time needs)
- Organizations without 501(c)3 tax status
Governance and Leadership
Senior Leadership
Renée Rockford, President & CEO (joined May 2021)
Rockford emphasizes JEWISHcolorado's evolution from "just the fundraiser and allocator organization" to playing "a unique role as a convener, connector, investor, and protector for all organizations in our Jewish community." On community engagement, she states: "If you care about the Jewish community in Colorado, in Israel, in the world, this is not a time to step back. If you want this organization to fulfill its mission, it is the time to step up."
Dr. Julie Lieber, Chief Jewish Life & Engagement Officer
PhD in European history with focus on Jewish women, gender, and sexuality. Oversees grant administration and Jewish engagement programs.
Willie Recht, Chief Development Officer
John Stilwell, Chief Business & Finance Officer
Stephanie Geller, Chief Culture Officer
Brandon Rattiner, Senior Director, Jewish Community Relations Council
Board of Directors (as of July 2025)
Diana Zeff Anderson - Returns after previously serving as Board Chair and Chair of Planned Giving and Endowment Committee. Her Zeff Kesher Foundation is the lead funder of JEWISHcolorado's Israel & Overseas Center.
Gabe Gelman - From a family with long commitment to leadership in Colorado's Jewish community.
Mark Raphaely - Founder and director of Sandhurst Capital.
Rachel Silvestain - YAD Executive Chair, representing young adult engagement.
Michelle Striker
Rabbi Joshua Ginsberg-Margo - Ex officio member, President of Rocky Mountain Rabbis and Cantors.
The board ensures inclusive recruitment processes and reviews conflict-of-interest policies annually with signed disclosure statements from board and senior staff.
Application Process & Timeline
How to Apply
Staenberg Anything Grants™:
Applications accepted online only through JEWISHcolorado's website. Recent application period opened in early January with deadline of April 11, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Organizations submit applications through the online form with project details, budget, and sustainability plan (if applicable for ongoing projects).
PIN Grants:
Awarded annually through JEWISHcolorado's campaign cycle. Decisions made by 18-member planning and grantmaking committee including lay leaders and staff. Contact grants@jewishcolorado.org for current application information.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must have 501(c)3 tax status
- Jewish nonprofit agencies, organizations, synagogues, and schools in Colorado
- For Anything Grants: Project budget cannot exceed $10,000
- For Anything Grants: Must secure remaining 50% matching funds from other sources
Post-Award Requirements:
Grantees must complete progress reports upon project completion. For building/capital projects, organizations must demonstrate completion with photos, receipts, and paid invoices.
Decision Timeline
Specific decision timelines vary by grant program and are not publicly disclosed. Contact Dr. Julie Lieber (jlieber@jewishcolorado.org) for program-specific timing.
Success Rates
Success rate data is not publicly available. In 2025, 16 organizations received Staenberg Anything Grants totaling $78,600. PIN grants typically fund 30+ organizations annually.
Reapplication Policy
Reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly documented. Contact grants@jewishcolorado.org for guidance on reapplication.
Application Success Factors
Demonstrate One-Time Need with Sustainability:
While Anything Grants prioritize one-time needs, JEWISHcolorado recognizes some programs need initial support. If applying for an ongoing project, include a clear sustainability plan showing how the program will continue after grant funding.
Focus on Community Impact:
Successful projects contribute to the local Jewish community, spread tangible acts of goodwill, and encourage community support. Recent winners include projects serving 400+ residents (Kavod Senior Life bistro expansion) and early learning centers (Bright Lights outdoor furniture).
Leverage Matching Requirement:
Anything Grants provide up to 50% of project budget, requiring organizations to raise the remaining funds. Demonstrate commitment by showing other funding sources or fundraising plans.
Align with Mission Pillars:
Frame applications around JEWISHcolorado's core values: convening, connecting, investing, and protecting Jewish life. Projects supporting education, engagement, safety, and community building align with organizational priorities.
Examples of Funded Projects:
- Equipment purchases (Kavod Senior Life bistro equipment)
- Outdoor furniture for early education centers (Bright Lights Denver)
- Hiring nonprofit consultants for discrete projects
- Technology upgrades
- Staff/board professional development
- Building improvements
- Programmatic infrastructure
Build Relationships:
Rockford emphasizes JEWISHcolorado's role as convener for "synagogues, nonprofits, community centers, and more." Engage with the organization beyond grant applications through community events, convenings, and programs.
Security Projects Require Different Approach:
Security upgrades cannot be funded through Anything Grants but may be eligible through JEWISHcolorado's separate security initiatives (such as the $200,000 Tepper Foundation early childhood security grant program).
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- Matching requirement is opportunity: The 50% matching structure for Anything Grants demonstrates organizational commitment and leverages community support—show you can raise the other half
- One-time needs preferred but not exclusive: While discrete projects are prioritized, ongoing programs with strong sustainability plans are considered—articulate how initial funding creates lasting impact
- Think beyond traditional grants: Projects range from consultant fees to playground equipment—if it strengthens Jewish community life and meets criteria, it's fundable
- Engage year-round, not just at application time: JEWISHcolorado's mission is to "convene and connect"—participate in their programming, attend events, and build relationships with staff and lay leaders
- Budget ceiling matters: For Anything Grants, project budgets cannot exceed $10,000 (grant provides up to $5,000)—scope projects appropriately or consider PIN grants for larger needs
- Security needs have separate pathway: Don't apply for security upgrades through Anything Grants—contact JEWISHcolorado about their dedicated security grant programs
- CEO's call to action: Rockford urges stakeholders: "This is not a time to step back...it is the time to step up"—demonstrate how your project answers this call for community strength and resilience
References
- JEWISHcolorado Official Website - https://www.jewishcolorado.org/ (Accessed January 2026)
- Staenberg Anything Grants™ Program Page - https://www.jewishcolorado.org/staenberg-anything-grants/ (Accessed January 2026)
- "JEWISHcolorado Opens Applications for 2025 Anything Grants™" - Boulder Jewish News, 2025 - https://boulderjewishnews.org/2025/jewishcolorado-opens-applications-for-2025-anything-grants/ (Accessed January 2026)
- "JEWISHcolorado Awards $78,600 in Staenberg Anything Grants™ to 16 Colorado Jewish Organizations" - Boulder Jewish News, 2025 - https://boulderjewishnews.org/2025/jewishcolorado-awards-78600-in-staenberg-anything-grants-to-16-colorado-jewish-organizations/ (Accessed January 2026)
- "JEWISHcolorado Funds More Than 30 Organizations Through PIN Grants" - JEWISHcolorado - https://www.jewishcolorado.org/jewishcolorado-funds-more-than-30-organizations-through-pin-grants/ (Accessed January 2026)
- "A Conversation with President & CEO Renée Rockford" - JEWISHcolorado - https://www.jewishcolorado.org/a-conversation-with-president-ceo-renee-rockford/ (Accessed January 2026)
- "Renée Rockford reflects on one year as President & CEO" - JEWISHcolorado - https://www.jewishcolorado.org/renee-rockford-reflects-on-one-year-as-president-ceo/ (Accessed January 2026)
- "JEWISHcolorado Expresses Gratitude for This Past Year's Support" - Boulder Jewish News, 2024 - https://boulderjewishnews.org/2024/jewishcolorado-expresses-gratitude-for-this-past-years-support/ (Accessed January 2026)
- JEWISHcolorado - ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/10831698 (Accessed January 2026)
- "New and returning Board members bring deep experience to Jco" - JEWISHcolorado - https://www.jewishcolorado.org/new-and-returning-board-members-bring-deep-experience-to-jco/ (Accessed January 2026)
- "Meet the Team" - JEWISHcolorado - https://www.jewishcolorado.org/meet-the-team/ (Accessed January 2026)
- "Grants Distributed in FY '22" - JEWISHcolorado - https://www.jewishcolorado.org/faq/grants-distributed-in-fy-22/ (Accessed January 2026)