Core Grants

Supporting a highly selective group of organizations that Natan has funded for more than three years. Core Grantees are those organizations most closely aligned with Natan's grantmaking mission. Their exceptional leadership develops programs with significant and measurable impact, and they have the potential to make systemic change in the field in which they are working.

Click the photos below and scroll down to learn more about our Grantees.

Hazon Founded in 2000, Hazon has become North America's largest Jewish environmental organization. Hazon's Environmental Bike Rides in Israel, NY, and CA engage thousands of people every year as riders and financial supporters, educating them about the intersection between Judaism and the environment through transformative outdoor adventures. Hazon is leading the Jewish Food Movement with over 55 Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs operating out of Jewish institutions in the US and Canada, an annual Food Conference, and a food education curriculum that operates in Jewish educational institutions nationwide. Natan has supported Hazon since 2006. The 2012 renewal grant is for general operating support and marks the fourth consecutive year that Hazon has been designated a Core Grantee. hazon.org

IKAR Now seven years old, IKAR is a vibrant young spiritual community in Los Angeles run by the dynamic Rabbi Sharon Brous. With over 1000 people involved, IKAR has become a model for attracting and mobilizing Jews who, in the context of a serious, pluralist, open-minded Jewish religious community, can contribute their intellectual and creative resources to address real world concerns effectively. IKAR's personally meaningful, soulful, and transformative religious services have resonated with otherwise unengaged Jews as well as with those with more traditional upbringings. 2012 marks the sixth year that Natan is supporting IKAR. The 2012 Core Grant renewal supports IKAR's efforts to expand its impact beyond Los Angeles. ikar-la.org

Mechon Hadar Mechon Hadar empowers young Jews to build vibrant grassroots Jewish communities. The organization's flagship programs - the Minyan Project and Yeshivat Hadar - enliven the Jewish landscape in North America by empowering young Jews to engage with Judaism in a way that is intellectually and spiritually engaging. The Minyan Project, which provides education, consulting, and networking for independent minyanim, is Mechon Hadar's central effort to build the capacity of small, independent spiritual and learning communities. Yeshivat Hadar offers young Jewish adults an intensive learning experience anchored around Jewish empowerment, community-building, and community service. After having supported Mechon Hadar for two years through its Board Discretionary Grants and for three years through its Emerging Models of Jewish Connection grant committee, Natan is proud to bring Mechon Hadar into its Core Grants portfolio. Natan's 2012 Core Grant is for support of the Minyan Project. mechonhadar.org

Olim Beyachad Olim Beyachad aims to substantially decrease the unemployment rate among Ethiopian Israelis who hold degrees from universities. Fewer than 15% of Ethiopian Israeli university graduates are currently employed in jobs that are compatible with their degrees. The organization's core program provides Ethiopian Israeli university graduates and students with a broad range of enrichment programs, references to potential employers, and mentors drawn from the top echelons of Israeli professional society. Ultimately, Olim Beyachad aims to diversify Israel's workforce, disprove stereotypes about Ethiopian Israelis' potential for success, and create a cadre of Ethiopian Israeli professional leaders who can serve as mentors for future professionals and role models for their entire community. After having supported Olim Beyachad for three years through its Economic Development in Israel grant committee, Natan is proud to bring Olim Beyachad into its Core Grants portfolio for 2012. olim-beyahad.org

Tech-Career Tech-Career transforms the professional opportunities available to Ethiopian Israeli young adults by training them for jobs in Israel's booming high-tech industry. Tech-Career provides professional technological training, personal development workshops and job placement services. Tech-Career is opening a world of opportunity to its participants, while also building a cadre of young Ethiopian professionals with leadership skills and professional accomplishments who can serve as role models for other young Ethiopians and break down racial barriers in Israel's high-tech industry. This marks the third year that Tech-Career is in Natan's Core Grants portfolio, after three years of funding from the Economic Development in Israel grant committee. Natan's 2012 renewal grant is for general operating support. tech-career.org