The Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City has launched a new grant opportunity known as Just Because Grants.
Just Because Grants offer individuals $180 to host Jewish events or activities for 10-20 people or $360 to host events for 20-40 people. Events are meant to be informal, such as Shabbat dinners in the park, opportunities to teach friends about Jewish traditions, a volunteer opportunity or an afternoon hike.
“All events that have a ‘Jewish twist’ are welcome and encouraged,” said Sierra Debrow, Federation’s community planning associate.
The grants were developed in response to the 2021 Jewish Community Study, through which individuals shared that many were gathering to do Jewish activities in smaller groups outside of traditional, brick-and-mortar institutions. As a result, these grants were created as a way to encourage Jewish Kansas Citians to get together and be Jewish in ways that are meaningful to them, leading to the name “Just Because.”
To date, there have been five Just Because events throughout the Kansas City metro area, including Sukkot, Hanukkah and Shabbat gatherings. One event was an interfaith Shabbat dinner of more than 30 people.
Federation hopes to continue to support such opportunities across the community.
More information is available at jewishkansascity.org/jewishkc/just-because-grants or by contacting Sierra Debrow at .