Memphis Jewish Federation is now accepting applications from non-profit agencies for a Lemsky Endowment Fund grant for a local program that builds bridges and forges connections between Memphis Jews and Israel.
Grants for Teen/Young Adult Israel Programs
The Lemsky Endowment Fund of Memphis Jewish Federation, established through the generosity of the late Abe Lemsky z'l, further enables Federation to strengthen the bonds between Memphis Jews and Israel.
Lemsky: 2025 Teen Israel Experience Grant for High School Students are open to Jewish teens in Memphis who are planning to participate in a summer program or high school semester in Israel or Israel program led by a known organization taking Jewish teens to Israel on a meaningful experience.
- The Grant is open to Jewish 9th through 12th grade students with a Memphis permanent address.
- Applicants are eligible for one Teen Israel Experience grant of up to $3000.
- The grant may be applied to a recognized summer program, high school semester in Israel, or an Israel program led by a known organization taking Jewish teens to Israel on a meaningful experience.
- Memphis Jewish Federation will send the grant directly to the program .
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
- Limited needs-based scholarships of $1000 are available to those with demonstrated need.
Click here for more information.
Please contact us with any questions about the grants program or the application process.
Not sure if an Israel program is right for you? Click here to read personal reflections from Teen Israel Experience alumni about the impact of summer and semester Israel programs during high school.
Lemsky Endowment Fund
The Lemsky Endowment Fund of Memphis Jewish Federation, established through the generosity of the late Abe Lemsky z'l, further enables Federation to strengthen the bonds between Memphis Jews and Israel through a variety of programs.
The Lemsky Fund has accomplished this by providing support for a variety of programs and activities, including
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Subsidies for high school and post high school students to participate in summer and/or study and volunteer programs in Israel
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Financial support for Memphis-based Israel Engagement programs
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Vital funding for special projects in Israel provided through the Jewish Agency for Israel, the Joint Distribution Committee, and World ORT, to aid new immigrants, the elderly and Israeli populations at risk
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Grants to Jewish schools for organized school trips to Israel
Needs-Based Financial Aid is Available for Teen Israel Experience and Next Stop Israel Programs
Limited additional needs-based funding for Israel programs is also available. The applications for Teen Israel Experience and Next Stop Israel for Young Adults include an option to request for needs-based assistance.
Information on accessing an application for needs-based aid is included in the program application.
Need-Based Israel Travel Subsidies for First Timer Adults
MJF’s Lemsky Endowment Fund now provides travel subsidies for first-time Memphis Jewish adults participating in an organized Israel trip, who have demonstrated financial need. Any Jewish Memphian over age 32 (post Birthright) who joins a Memphis-based Federation, Synagogue or JCC trip to Israel may request from Memphis Jewish Federation a flight subsidy of up to $1500 for a coach ticket to Israel.
The process will be strictly confidential. Subsidy recipients are required to volunteer at Super Sunday or at another Federation-sponsored event if they will be out of town on that date (with anonymity preserved). For more information, call Carrie Richardson at 901-767-7100.
Local Israel Engagement Programs
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Non-Profit Agency Local Israel Programs
Are you a Memphis non-profit agency looking to apply for a grant for a local Israel Engagement program or programs that fit within the stated mission of the Lemsky Endowment Fund?
Lemsky Endowment Fund Application Guidelines for FY2023-2024
Please contact us if you have any questions: lemskygrants@jcpmemphis.org.