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Shalom Austin

Annual Giving
$1.6M
Decision Time
5mo

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,645,501 (2023)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Applications reviewed in February; announcements in June
  • Grant Range: Varies by program type (Impact Grants and Core Partner Grants)
  • Geographic Focus: Greater Austin area and Central Texas; also supports Israel and global Jewish communities

Contact Details

Address: 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX 78731
Phone: (512) 735-8000
General Email: [email protected]
Jewish Foundation: (512) 735-8210
Foundation Email: [email protected]
Annual Campaign: (512) 735-8014
Website: https://shalomaustin.org

Overview

Shalom Austin (EIN: 74-1469465) is the hub of Jewish life in Central Texas, established to enhance the quality of Jewish life in the greater Austin area and around the world through philanthropy, education, social service, culture, spirituality, and total wellness. The organization consists of four main branches: Jewish Community Center, Jewish Federation of Greater Austin, Jewish Family Service, and the Jewish Foundation of Austin & Central Texas. Led by CEO Rabbi Daniel A. Septimus since 2016, Shalom Austin operates with total revenue of approximately $16.9 million (2022) and employs 433 staff members. The organization has earned a Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator with a score of 100%. In recent grant cycles, Shalom Austin has shifted toward deeper strategic impact, focusing resources on transformational initiatives aligned with community priorities rather than spreading funding broadly.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Impact Grants: Over $165,000 awarded annually to organizations whose missions align closely with strategic priorities. These grants support innovative program initiatives requiring support to launch, test, and refine over three to four years.

Core Partner Grants: More than $178,000 allocated annually to core partners who have established ties and proven track records in Shalom Austin focus areas.

Total Annual Distribution: In 2024, Shalom Austin allocated $269,000 in grants to 21 local nonprofit organizations. In 2023, total grants distributed were $1,645,501.

Application Method: Public Request for Proposals (RFP) released annually, typically opening in late fall/early winter with applications due in early spring.

Priority Areas

Shalom Austin's strategic plan identifies four main funding priorities:

  1. Greater Austin Engagement: Reaching Jewish people in underserved geographic areas of Greater Austin; bringing programming to young families and newcomers
  2. Combatting Antisemitism: Building coalitions of education, support, and action to combat antisemitism in the community
  3. Human Services: Addressing mental health for teens (including college students); addressing matters of disability and inclusion to ensure all programs are accessible
  4. Israel and Jewish Peoplehood: Engaging the Israeli community and curating Israel-related experiences for Greater Austin

What They Don't Fund

Information about specific exclusions is not publicly detailed. However, organizations must demonstrate alignment with Shalom Austin's strategic priorities and focus on serving the Jewish community in Central Texas or Jewish causes globally.

Governance and Leadership

Senior Executive Team

  • Rabbi Daniel A. Septimus - Chief Executive Officer (since September 2016)
  • Rachel Stern - Executive Vice President / Chief Strategy and Impact Officer
  • Amy Hyman - Chief Philanthropy Officer
  • Nicole Gilger - Chief Financial Officer
  • Matthew Perez - Chief Experience Officer
  • Sarah Abrahams - JFS Executive Director
  • Wendy Goodman - Marketing & Communications Vice President / Editor in Chief

Board Leadership (2025-2026)

Officers:

  • Phil Loewy (Chair)
  • Seth Halpern (Immediate Past Chair)
  • Marcia Silverberg (Governance Chair)
  • Marc Spier (Treasurer)

Vice Chairs: Julie Franklin, Cara Kelly, Alex Robinson, Jeff Newberg

Elected Directors: Mike Abkowitz, Daniel Carl, Mitch Davis, Adam Helsinger, Brett Merfish, Bruce Zimmerman, among others (18 total)

Leadership Perspective

Rachel Stern, Shalom Austin Chief Strategy & Impact Officer, stated: "We deeply believe in the good work of our core partners and grant recipients."

Carly Sansom, Grants Committee Co-Chair, emphasized the strategic shift: "Our strategy challenged us to think differently about how we support the community. It's not just about giving; it's about investing where we believe change and impact can happen."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Shalom Austin accepts applications through an annual Request for Proposals (RFP) process. The organization supports both new applicants and returning partners.

Application Process:

  1. RFP announcement typically occurs in late fall/early winter
  2. Organizations submit written applications
  3. Selected applicants are invited to present to the Grants Committee
  4. Presentations held over two evenings (typically in February)
  5. Organizations are encouraged to collaborate where appropriate
  6. Final decisions announced in June

Decision Timeline

  • RFP Opens: Late November/December (announcement for next cycle typically in late fall)
  • Application Deadline: Early spring (specific dates vary annually)
  • Presentations: Two evenings in February
  • Decision Announcement: June
  • Grant Distribution: Following announcement

Review Process

The Grants Committee, consisting of 13 members, leads a collaborative review process. Recent committee members have included:

  • Matt Smith (Co-Chair)
  • Carly Sansom (Co-Chair)
  • Mitch Davis
  • Robin Davis
  • Rona Elbaz
  • Christina Gorczynski
  • Adam Helsinger
  • Kendal Jaffe
  • Lynne Kurtz-Citrin
  • Alex Robinson
  • Harry Zimmerman
  • Todd Waldman
  • Emilie Rosenfield
  • Tori Smith

Committee members bring diverse perspectives and deep community knowledge, working closely with Shalom Austin staff to ensure alignment with strategic goals.

Success Rates

In the most recent cycle, 18 organizations submitted applications through the public RFP, with grants ultimately awarded to 21 organizations (including core partners recommended by the Executive Committee). Specific acceptance percentages are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations can reapply in subsequent grant cycles. The organization maintains ongoing relationships with grantees, particularly through multi-year impact grants designed to support work over 3-4 years.

Application Success Factors

Strategic Alignment is Critical

Shalom Austin has undergone a strategic shift toward focused, transformational investment rather than broad distribution. Applications must clearly demonstrate alignment with one or more of the four strategic priorities: Greater Austin engagement, combatting antisemitism, human services, and Israel/Jewish peoplehood.

Innovation and Impact

The organization specifically seeks "innovative program initiatives requiring support to launch, test and refine." Grants are intended to support transformational work that can create lasting change over multiple years.

Collaboration is Encouraged

During the application and presentation process, organizations are encouraged to collaborate with other applicants where appropriate. This suggests that partnership approaches may be viewed favorably.

Multi-Year Vision

Impact grants are designed to support initiatives over 3-4 years. Applications should articulate a long-term vision and how initial funding will support program development and refinement.

Community Connection

As Rachel Stern noted, the organization "deeply believes in the good work" of partners. Demonstrating existing community connections and proven track record can strengthen applications, as evidenced by the separate core partner funding stream.

Presentation Skills Matter

Finalists are invited to present over two evenings in February. Strong presentation skills and the ability to articulate your organization's vision and impact to committee members with diverse backgrounds is important.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Align with current strategic priorities - Shalom Austin has shifted to focused, strategic grantmaking. Applications must clearly connect to one of the four priority areas.
  • Think transformation, not transaction - The organization seeks to invest in innovative initiatives that can create lasting change over 3-4 years, not short-term projects.
  • Demonstrate Jewish community impact - Whether serving Jewish people in underserved Austin areas, combatting antisemitism, addressing human services needs, or strengthening Israel connections, show clear benefit to the Jewish community.
  • Be prepared to present - Strong applicants will be invited to present to the 13-member Grants Committee in February; invest in preparing a compelling presentation.
  • Consider collaboration - The organization encourages partnerships among applicants where appropriate; explore strategic alliances.
  • Stay informed about timing - RFP announcements typically occur in late fall; monitor Shalom Austin communications or contact [email protected] to ensure you don't miss the cycle.
  • Engage with the broader organization - Shalom Austin values proven relationships; consider ways to connect with the organization's broader mission beyond just the grant application.

References

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