Applications open for Paths to Leadership Grant Programme

The Paths to Leadership Grant Programme provides £10,000–£40,000 per year (up to two years) to support initiatives that develop young leaders within Jewish communities across Europe. The programme focuses on bridging the gap between youth engagement and long-term leadership by funding structured, collaborative, and skills-based initiatives.

Overview of the Programme

The Paths to Leadership grant programme is designed to strengthen Jewish communal life by empowering young people to transition into meaningful leadership roles.

It addresses a key challenge: while many youth programmes successfully engage young participants, fewer manage to guide them into sustained leadership positions. This grant supports initiatives that close that gap.

Core Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Develop future community leaders
• Strengthen Jewish communal engagement
• Support transition from youth participation to leadership roles
• Build long-term leadership pipelines
• Encourage collaboration across organisations

Key Focus Areas

Projects should focus on:

• Leadership development and training
• Community engagement and participation
• Education and Jewish learning
• Mentorship and capacity building
• Cross-organisational collaboration

Funding Details

• Grant amount: £10,000 to £40,000 per year
• Duration: Up to 2 years
• Coverage: Up to 70% of total project budget

Applicants must clearly justify how funds will support leadership development outcomes.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Not-for-profit organisations
• Organisations based in Europe (EU and non-EU)
• Exclusions: Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus

Applicants must:

• Demonstrate non-profit status
• Be directly responsible for project implementation
• Align proposals with leadership and community development goals

What the Programme Supports

The grant supports a wide range of activities, including:

• Staff roles (programme coordinators, mentors, educators)
• External experts (leadership trainers, facilitators)
• Community events and volunteering activities
• Educational visits and exchange programmes
• Peer learning and networking opportunities
• Seed funding for participant-led initiatives

What is Not Supported

The programme does NOT support:

• For-profit organisations
• Projects outside Europe (or in excluded countries)
• Activities not aligned with leadership development goals
• Undefined or weak programme structures

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

1. Identify leadership gaps within your community
2. Design a structured leadership development programme
3. Include training, mentorship, and collaboration elements
4. Prepare a clear budget (with co-funding for 30%)
5. Demonstrate impact and sustainability
6. Submit application through the official grant channel
7. Await eligibility and proposal review

Why It Matters

This programme is important because:

• It builds future leaders for Jewish communities
• It ensures continuity and sustainability of communal life
• It bridges the gap between youth engagement and leadership
• It promotes collaboration across organisations
• It empowers young people with real responsibility

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Lack of clear leadership development pathway
• Weak transition strategy from youth to leadership roles
• Insufficient co-funding (30% requirement)
• Vague or unstructured programme design
• Limited collaboration or outreach

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly map the leadership journey of participants
• Include mentorship and real-world leadership opportunities
• Show measurable outcomes (skills, roles, engagement)
• Build partnerships with other organisations
• Demonstrate long-term sustainability beyond funding

FAQ

What is the Paths to Leadership programme about?
It funds initiatives that help young people become long-term leaders in Jewish communities.

How much funding is available?
Between £10,000 and £40,000 per year for up to two years.

Who can apply?
Not-for-profit organisations based in Europe (excluding Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus).

What activities are supported?
Training, mentorship, events, exchanges, and participant-led initiatives.

Is co-funding required?
Yes, applicants must cover at least 30% of the project budget.

What is the main goal?
To create a sustainable pipeline of young community leaders.

Conclusion

The Paths to Leadership grant programme offers a valuable opportunity for organisations to invest in the next generation of community leaders. By supporting structured, collaborative, and impactful initiatives, it helps ensure the long-term strength and continuity of Jewish communal life across Europe.