Federation awards $198,000 in 2025 Local Impact Fund Grants
February 17, 2026 – The Jewish Federation of Greater Houston is proud to announce that it has awarded $198,000 in grants from the Local Impact Fund to support 16programs that respond to the community priorities determined in the Hineni Houston listening journey. All local Jewish organizations were invited to apply for new or expanding programs that align with the fund’s priorities.
This is an increase of $10,000 from grants awarded in 2024. Grants range from $4,000 to $30,000 and all programs are collaborative between multiple organizations bringing together diverse segments of the community to share expertise and resources. Nine programs were renewed for their second year of funding.
“We’re thrilled to support these innovative and collaborative programs that promote inclusion, engagement, and education across diverse segments of the community,” said Dori Goldman, Local Impact Fund Committee Chair.
The priority areas for funding were defined as:
Inclusion: Youth and adults with special needs, LGBTQIA+; Greater Houston neighborhoods outside the central core Jewish area; mixed heritage and Jews of color; and interfaith families.
Engagement: Programming for Elementary Middle school age children and their families; adults across ages and stages (including seniors); partnerships across religious denominations.
Education: Combating antisemitism; fostering support for Israel; building bridges between the Jewish community and non-Jewish communities; volunteer opportunities.
Following the October 7 attacks, the education priority was expanded to include fostering support for Israel.
“We are pleased to have so many organizations participate in this collaborative process and are grateful to the applicants and staff of each organization for their efforts to create programming to enhance our community,” Sara Sandhaus, Senior Manager, Community Impact and Partnerships. “We are also appreciative of Impact Fund Committee who thoroughly reviews and evaluates each proposal in this competitive grant process.”
The Impact Fund is supported by gifts to the Federation Annual Campaign and donor directed giving. All gifts to the 2026 Campaign will continue to grow this avenue of supporting new and innovative programs that bring the work of Hineni Houston to life and work to address emerging community needs.
For more information on the Local Impact Fund, contact Sara Sandhaus, Senior Manager, Community Impact and Partnerships, at ssandhaus@houstonjewish.org or 713-972-6743.
2025_Local Impact Fund Report