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The mission of the Robison Foundation for Jewish Elders is to enhance the lives of elders in the Jewish community of greater Portland by supporting their social, spiritual, and physical well-being.

Prospective Grantees

The Foundation will award funds for programs addressing priorities that have been identified with the input of Jewish community stakeholders.

  • Navigation & Access: We support approaches that asses the needs of older adults and connect them with trusted partners who can ease navigation and improve access to care.
  • Social, Emotional & Spiritual Connection: We invest in programs that foster meaningful relationships, reduce isolation, and strengthen trusted connections within the community.
  • Early Outreach & Education:
    We advance proactive outreach that helps older adults, caregivers, and providers build awareness, confidence, and support before needs become urgent.
  • Financial Support:
    We assist organizations by providing funds for the ongoing and urgent financial needs of elders, aligning with our mission, board priorities, and donor intent.

Grants Schedule - Fall 2026

Nov. 14 – Grants cycle opens

Dec. 1 – Kulanu letters of inquiry due

Dec. 3 at 10:30am – Informational session to include an overview of our grants, the application process and criteria for applying, and a Q&A session

Dec. 15 – Midpoint reminder

Jan. 15- Grant application period closes for Chik Chok, Kadimah and Nitzan grants (Deadline to be determined for Kulanu applications)

March 30- Decisions sent to grantees

For additional questions, please contact info@rfje.org.

Our gratitude to OJCF for their partnership in sharing their grants management system for this grants cycle.

applicant information packet
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Grant Programs

The Foundation will award up to $400,000 through two of its anticipated three grant programs.

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Track 1:

"ChikChok" (Fast Track) Grants
up to $3,000/each

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Track 2:

"Kadimah” (Moving Forward) Grants
up to $50,000/each

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Track 3:

“Kulanu” (All of Us) Grants
$50,000+/each will launch in 2026

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Professional Development Grants

Up to $1,000 in matching funds will be available for Professional Development Grants. These reimbursement-based grants support individual staff members as well as teams seeking professional growth opportunities directly related to their work with elders.

Eligible uses include conferences, workshops, trainings, certification programs, courses and other skill-building opportunities that strengthen organizational capacity and leadership development. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, with applications reviewed January 15, April 15, June 15 and September 15. Priority will be given to employees of grantee organizations and applicants should expect a reply within a month of applications being reviewed.

Download Application Here
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Track 1: "ChikChok" (Fast Track) Grants - up to $3,000/each

ChikChok Grants of up to $3,000 each provide rapid-response funding for time-sensitive opportunities and emerging community needs benefiting elders. These grants are designed to minimize administrative burden while supporting short-term programs, pilot projects, and urgent initiatives. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, with applications reviewed January 15, April 15, June 15 and September 15.
Download Application Here
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Track 2: Nitzan (“Blossom”) Grants

The new Nitzan Grants of $5,000–$20,000 will support early-stage ideas and modest program expansions. Funding is intended to help organizations pilot innovative concepts, strengthen existing programs, and bridge the gap between small-scale and larger strategic investments. Grant cycles will run biannually. The next grant cycle will open on May 13 and close on July 1.

Download Application Here
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Track 3: "Kadimah” (Moving Forward) Grants - up to $50,000/each

Kadimah Grants support organizational growth, innovation and long-term, capacity-building efforts. Funding may be used to launch new programs, expand services, address identified community needs or service gaps, and invest in strategic planning, infrastructure and organizational capacity. Annual grants of $20,000–$50,000 will be awarded, with potential multi-year commitments. The next grant cycle will open on May 13 and close on July 1.
Download Application Here
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Track 4: “Kulanu” (All of Us) Grants - $50,000+/each

Kulanu Grants are designed to support collaborative, cross-organizational initiatives that address systemic challenges impacting elders. These investments focus on sustainable, community-wide solutions and significant organizational and programmatic growth. These grants of $50,000+ annually may include multi-year commitments and are by invitation only. LOIs will be accepted biannually with a deadline of July 1 and December 1. Please submit your LOI through the portal. 

Download Application Here