Deadline: 21-Aug-2026
The Jewish and Interfaith Engagement Grant Program funds initiatives that promote interfaith cooperation, mutual understanding, and peaceful coexistence between Jewish and other communities in the UK and Israel. It supports projects that build dialogue between Jewish and Muslim communities in the UK and peacebuilding efforts between Jewish and Arab/Palestinian communities in Israel and neighbouring regions. The programme prioritises organisations with proven experience in interfaith and intercultural engagement.
Jewish and Interfaith Engagement Grant Program Overview
The Jewish and Interfaith Engagement Grant Program is a peacebuilding and social cohesion funding initiative focused on strengthening relationships between Jewish communities and other faith or cultural groups. It operates across two primary geographic contexts: the United Kingdom and Israel.
The programme supports initiatives that encourage dialogue, reduce tension, and build long-term cooperation between communities with historically complex relationships.
Purpose and Objectives of the Programme
The grant programme aims to:
- Promote interfaith and intercultural engagement
- Strengthen mutual understanding between Jewish and Muslim communities in the UK
- Support reconciliation and peaceful coexistence between Jewish and Arab/Palestinian communities in Israel
- Encourage liberal democratic values across participating communities
- Increase public awareness of Jewish life, history, and culture
- Support educational initiatives that foster respect and inclusion
- Reduce social and cultural tensions through dialogue and collaboration
- Promote long-term peacebuilding in the Middle East region
The overall goal is to build trust and cooperation between communities through structured cultural and educational engagement.
Geographic Focus
The programme operates in two key regions:
- United Kingdom – focusing on Jewish-Muslim interfaith engagement
- Israel – focusing on Jewish-Arab/Palestinian coexistence and peacebuilding
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants typically include:
- Non-profit organisations
- Community-based organisations
- Interfaith dialogue groups
- Cultural and educational institutions
- NGOs working in peacebuilding or social cohesion
- Organisations with experience in interfaith engagement
Key requirement:
- Applicants must demonstrate a proven track record in interfaith or intercultural programming
Priority Focus Areas
The programme prioritises initiatives that:
Interfaith and Intercultural Engagement
- Joint cultural activities between communities
- Dialogue-based engagement programmes
- Shared learning and exchange initiatives
UK-Based Community Cohesion
- Jewish-Muslim relationship building
- Educational and cultural collaboration
- Public awareness of Jewish culture and identity
Middle East Peacebuilding
- Dialogue between Jewish and Arab/Palestinian communities
- Conflict reduction and reconciliation efforts
- Cooperation and trust-building initiatives
- Long-term coexistence programmes
Education and Awareness
- Teaching about Jewish history and culture
- Public engagement programmes
- Cultural exhibitions and events promoting understanding
What Types of Projects Are Supported?
The programme supports a wide range of activities, including:
- Interfaith dialogue workshops and forums
- Joint cultural and artistic projects
- Educational exchange programmes
- Community-led peacebuilding initiatives
- Youth engagement in interfaith cooperation
- Public education campaigns on religious and cultural diversity
- Collaborative research or storytelling projects
- Community events promoting coexistence and understanding
All projects must demonstrate a clear impact on improving inter-community relations.
How the Programme Works (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Identify Community Need
Applicants define a specific interfaith or intercultural challenge.
Step 2: Develop Project Concept
Projects must include:
- Dialogue or cooperation activities
- Cultural or educational engagement
- Clear target communities
Step 3: Confirm Eligibility
Applicants must demonstrate prior experience in interfaith work.
Step 4: Submit Application
Proposal includes:
- Objectives
- Implementation plan
- Partner organisations
- Expected outcomes
Step 5: Evaluation Process
Applications are assessed based on:
- Track record in interfaith engagement
- Likelihood of measurable impact
- Quality of collaboration
- Contribution to peacebuilding and coexistence
Step 6: Implementation and Reporting
Selected organisations implement activities and report outcomes.
Key Principles of the Programme
- Peaceful coexistence
- Mutual respect and understanding
- Dialogue-based engagement
- Cultural and educational exchange
- Long-term relationship building
- Inclusive participation across communities
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Lack of demonstrated interfaith experience
- Projects without clear engagement between communities
- One-sided cultural programming without collaboration
- Weak peacebuilding or dialogue components
- Vague outcomes or lack of measurable impact
- Insufficient focus on mutual understanding
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly define both communities involved in engagement
- Emphasise dialogue and shared experiences
- Show proven experience in interfaith work
- Include youth or community leadership components
- Provide measurable indicators of trust-building or participation
- Demonstrate sustainability beyond the project period
- Highlight cultural exchange and education elements
Why This Programme Matters
The Jewish and Interfaith Engagement Grant Program plays an important role in:
- Strengthening social cohesion in diverse societies
- Reducing interfaith tensions through structured dialogue
- Supporting peacebuilding efforts in conflict-sensitive regions
- Encouraging cultural understanding and mutual respect
- Building long-term relationships between communities
- Promoting education as a tool for reconciliation
It contributes to both community harmony in the UK and broader peacebuilding efforts in the Middle East.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of the programme?
To promote interfaith cooperation and peaceful coexistence between Jewish and other communities.
Where does the programme operate?
In the United Kingdom and Israel.
Who can apply?
Non-profits and organisations with proven interfaith engagement experience.
What types of projects are funded?
Dialogue, cultural exchange, education, and peacebuilding initiatives.
Is prior experience required?
Yes, a demonstrated track record in interfaith or intercultural work is expected.
What communities are prioritized?
Jewish-Muslim engagement in the UK and Jewish-Arab/Palestinian coexistence in Israel.
What is the main expected outcome?
Improved understanding, reduced tension, and stronger inter-community relationships.
Conclusion
The Jewish and Interfaith Engagement Grant Program supports structured initiatives that foster dialogue, understanding, and peaceful coexistence between Jewish and other communities in the United Kingdom and Israel. By funding education, cultural exchange, and peacebuilding activities, it strengthens long-term interfaith relationships and promotes social harmony.
For more information, visit The Harold Hyam Wingate Foundation.