Through this fund Yesod supports the learning and skills development of Jewish community professionals across Europe
Funds up to $2,500 (USD) will be awarded for successful applications from eligible individuals. The funds must be spent within 8 months of receiving fund confirmation from Yesod Europe, unless agreed otherwise with Yesod in advance.
In most cases, funds will be transferred directly to the organisation employing the applicant. In certain circumstances, alternative arrangements may be possible. Please note that funds cannot be given directly to the applicant unless the applicant is a freelance Jewish educator.
Before applying to the Professional Development Fund, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our Programme Director, Colin Bulka, to discuss your individual or your team’s development and/or Jewish learning needs.
Colin can be contacted at c.bulka@yesodeurope.eu
Funds will be awarded to Jewish community professionals and educators who:
- Work 16 hours per week or more in a paid professional capacity within a Jewish organisation of all types that serves Jewish communities. This could include but is not limited to, youth organisations, Jewish Community Centres (JCCs), synagogues, schools, welfare and cultural organisations. Freelance Jewish educators may also apply.
- Are based in a European country. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept applications from the Former Soviet Union, with the exception of the Baltic states.
- Have at least 6 months of experience working professionally in the Jewish community.
- Applicants may receive up to $2,500 USD per calendar year in total, whether through a single grant or multiple awards.
Funds will not be granted for training or learning opportunities that have already started or been completed or are already supported in other ways by Yesod Europe’s partner organisations.
Funds may be used for one-to-one learning or group courses, delivered either online or in-person. The Professional Development Fund supports several types of learning opportunities:
Training & Learning programmes run by external organisations
Grow your toolkit of professional skills and/or your Jewish knowledge which are critical for success, by participating in programmes offered by external providers. These may include, though are not limited to, training in pedagogy, public speaking, experiential education, fundraising and budgeting. Yesod Europe may recommend suitable programmes, but you may also find and apply for your own.
One-to-One Coaching or Training
Work directly with a professional coach or trainer to improve your skills and/or knowledge, for example, in strategic planning, communication, fundraising, assertiveness, negotiation skills, management, and work-life balance. Yesod Europe will work with you to identify an excellent coach in English or, where possible, a language of your choice – or you may request a specific coach. References may be required for coaches not already known to Yesod Europe.
Peer visits
Travel to visit a peer organisation in another community and learn from their best practices as well as develop stronger networks for collaboration. You may apply with a specific destination or organisation already identified, or request guidance from Yesod Europe on where to visit. To discuss potential peer visit locations, please contact info@yesodeurope.eu.
For example, a JCC Director or department Director may choose to visit a JCC in another European country with a comparable Jewish community size, to learn about their intergenerational programming and outreach.
Applications are reviewed monthly. The closing date for submission is the last day of each calendar month.
Applicants will be contacted with a decision approximately 2 – 3 weeks after the closing date.
Please note: As part of our decision-making process, Yesod Europe’s Programme Director may contact you to discuss your application in more detail and ask additional questions, particularly if you have not yet had a preliminary conversation.
- Please read the guidelines carefully to ensure that you qualify for the fund.
- Complete the online application form.
- Within 30 days of completing the professional development opportunity you will be required to submit a short report describing the course of study , key lessons learned, how this has impacted you directly and plans to use your new expertise in your work. This will be followed up by a brief conversation with the Programme Director, a few months after your report is submitted.
- Grants can be paid in one of the following currencies: USD, GBP, EUR, or NIS (Shekels).
- For more information, please contact us at info@yesodeurope.eu.