Background and Vision
Howard and Geraldine Polinger established the Howard and Geraldine Polinger Family Foundation in 1968 to continue the family’s commitment to contribute to its community and carry out its legacy of Tzedakah. While the Foundation does support secular causes, the donors’ intent is that the Foundation make significant grants to Jewish causes, to programs that address Jews in need, and that combat threats to Jewish survival.
Mission
The mission of the Foundation is to improve the quality of life for families and their communities through support of innovative projects and successful ongoing programs. The trustees are particularly interested in programs that enhance the well being of families, provide access to and appreciation of performing arts, and preserve and strengthen Jewish life and the Jewish People.
Geographic Focus
Grants are made locally, primarily in Washington D.C. and Montgomery County, Maryland. Grants may be awarded in other national and international areas of interest to the trustees.
Funding Priorities
Preserving and Strengthening Jewish Life
The Foundation places major emphasis on programs that preserve, strengthen, and protect Jewish life and the Jewish People. Programs of priority interest are those that:
- Eliminate threats to the existence of Jewish people;
- Combat anti-Semitism;
- Support pluralism and co-existence among the Jewish people and between Arabs and Jews;
- Bridge cultural and religious differences between Jews and non-Jews;
- Enhance affiliation and identification with Jewish culture, heritage and religion;
- Involve young adults in Jewish life and nurture their development as Jewish leaders.
Sustaining Performing Arts
The Foundation places emphasis on programs that seek to make the performing arts an integral part of individual, family and community life. Programs of special interest are those that:
- Make performing arts more available to all audiences;
- Develop appreciation for the performing arts;
- Provide arts education for youth and emerging performing artists;
- Promote performing arts as an important part of people’s lives.
Enhancing the Well Being of Families
The Foundation develops special initiatives designed to enhance the well-being of families. Initiatives focus on preventive and innovative approaches, and proven intervention techniques. Current special interests include:
- Supporting positive youth development;
- Promoting education about and prevention of mental health issues.
Types of Grants Available
Grants are available for project support, especially for innovative approaches and new initiatives. The Foundation is particularly interested in emphasizing long-term impact, encouraging organizational self-sufficiency, and providing matching grants. Requests for capital and endowment grants are not normally accepted, but the trustees may initiate such grants from time to time.
Grant Size
Grants will normally range from $5,000 to $50,000. Grant amounts will be dependent upon the size and type of organization and purpose of the project.
Applicant Eligibility
Non-profit, 501(c)(3) public charities that have developed innovative approaches, new programs, and those that have ongoing programs with proven records of success in addressing needs within the Foundation’s areas of interest are eligible to apply for funding. While the Foundation does accept unsolicited applications, it prefers to take the initiative to develop projects in conjunction with organizations that are in accord with its mission and funding priorities. For support of organizations working in the secular community, the Foundation will only consider proposals from 501(c)(3) public charities that are located in Washington D.C. and Montgomery County, Maryland. For those serving the Jewish community, the Foundation may initiate support for a limited number of local, national and/or international organizations.
Overview of Application Process
The Foundation Board makes grants twice yearly, once in the spring and once in the fall. Grant seekers must submit a pre-proposal letter of inquiry. The Foundation’s grants committee will review letters of inquiry periodically, follow up with all grant seekers, and may request a full proposal.
If a full proposal is requested, applicants will be required to complete the Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers Common Grant Application Form, which can be found online at this address:
http://www.washingtongrantmakers.org/s_wash/sec.asp?CID=4594&DID=9551
In many cases, Board members and/or staff may conduct a site visit after requesting and reviewing a full proposal. The Foundation will notify all applicants of the Board’s decision in writing within one month of the Board’s grantmaking meeting.
How To Apply
Email inquiries are the preferred approach to initiating the application process. Applicants may also begin the process by submitting a two-page letter of inquiry, including the following information:
- Summary of the request;
- Explanation of how the proposed project relates to our Foundation’s primary mission and activities;
- Total project budget, including amount requested from the Polinger Foundation, and noting amounts received to date for the project;
- A list of the organization’s other funders for the year;
- Name, telephone number, and e-mail address of contact person.
If the Foundation requests a full proposal, applicants will be advised as to the information required at the time of the invitation.
Deadlines
Email questions and letters of inquiry may be submitted at any time. If a full proposal is requested, a specific deadline will be communicated to the applicant.
Submission Process
An initial inquiry via email is requested.
Please direct any questions via email to the Foundation at: info@polingerfoundation.org.
The Howard and Geraldine Polinger Family Foundation
5530 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1000
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
