Applications are closed for 2024.
Please revisit this page in early February 2025 for the next year of Passport grants.
Since 2007, 3,118 Passport to Jewish Life grants have been awarded, totaling more than $1.8 million. Made possible by significant funders and our community’s generosity to the Federation Annual Campaign, Passport to Jewish Life grants have opened doors to meaningful and exciting Jewish educational experiences for thousands of children and teens in our community.
2024 JEWISH SUMMER EXPERIENCES
Passport Grant Guidelines
- Student must reside in Orange County, CA and be registered for a nonprofit organization’s Jewish summer program. Eligible programs are: Jewish day and overnight camps, learning seminars and summer yeshivas, Israel and Israel-Poland experiences, and Maccabi programs.
- Students receiving a RootOne subsidy for an Israel program are not eligible for a Passport grant.
- Students must be in grades 3-12 as of September 2024.
- Parents will be notified of Passport grant decision and grant funds will be sent directly to the program.
- Parents are responsible for notifying Passport@JFedOC.org in the event their child will not attend the program for which a Passport grant was awarded, or will attend for a shorter period than reported in the application.
- Passport grants are subject to a $1,000 lifetime cap per applicant.
- Please read the FAQ before starting your application/s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which programs are eligible for Passport to Jewish Life grants?
Students may receive a Passport grant for participation in most nonprofit organizations’ Jewish summer programs in the USA, Israel, and around the world. Israel programs and applicants that receive RootOne subsidies are not eligible. If you aren’t sure if your chosen Israel program is a RootOne partner, check with the program provider before applying for a Passport grant.
Are Passport grants needs-based?
No. However, Passport grant decisions take into consideration the family’s financial circumstances, which you may explain in your application. We do not require you to submit tax returns or other financial documentation to us.
My child received a Passport grant in the past. May we apply again?
Each student can receive a lifetime, cumulative maximum of $1,000 in Passport grant funds. If your child has not yet reached that cap, you may apply again.
Can I apply for more than one child in my family?
Yes, and we’ve made it very easy for you. Once you submit an application for one child, you will receive a thank you message on your screen. Scroll to the end of that message and you will see a link that reads “Submit another response.” Just click that and you will be directed to a new blank form. Time-saving tip: if you are applying for several children in your family, prepare your answers on a Word or text document so you can easily copy/paste the answers to questions such as your address, email, etc.
How much funding may we apply for?
Depending on whether or not your child has received previous Passport grants, you may apply for a maximum of $1,000. Total amount of grant is dependent past Passport grants for the child, and if the child has reached the lifetime maximum of $1,000. The average Passport grant is typically around $350. If your child/ren benefited from Passport grants in a prior year, please email Passport@JFedOC.org regarding eligibility for 2024.
What if we have received funding from another source?
We encourage families to apply to multiple sources of funding to defray the cost of programs to the extent possible. Our goal is to provide funding for as many children as possible, so we ask that you report any additional funding on your Passport Grant application.
When is the application deadline?
Application deadline for summer programs is Friday, March 15, 2024. Applications must be submitted using the online form only.
When will we be notified about our application?
Applicants can expect to be notified by April 17, 2024.
What if our plans change?
Parents are responsible for notifying Passport@JFedOC.org in the event their child will not attend the program for which a Passport grant was awarded, or will attend for a shorter period than reported in the application. We will contact the program provider regarding a full or partial grant refund to Jewish Federation.
Who receives the Passport grant funds?
Passport grants are sent directly to the program providers.
What if I have other questions?
If you have questions or concerns that are not addressed by the FAQs, please email Passport@JFedOC.org with your specific questions so we can answer you quickly and thoroughly. Be sure to include your preferred phone number so we can call you if needed.
MAJOR SUPPORT FOR PASSPORT TO JEWISH LIFE IS PROVIDED BY
Ann Moskowitz Passport to Jewish Life Endowment Fund
Jewish Federation of Orange County is deeply grateful for significant annual support of the Passport program from the Ann Moskowitz Passport to Jewish Life Endowment Fund, established in 2014 by her husband Joel (z”l) to honor Ann on the couple’s 50th wedding anniversary.
In presenting this extraordinary gift, Joel paid tribute to Ann as “the quiet but significant force behind the scenes…whose stewardship of Passport is a powerful testament to the teachings of Maimonides” and expressed his thanks “on behalf of the thousands of Jewish kids who will benefit from Passport in the years to come.”
MAJOR SUPPORT FOR PASSPORT TO JEWISH LIFE IS PROVIDED BY
Temple Beth Emet
Jewish Federation is thrilled to announce a gift of $500,000 from Temple Beth Emet of Anaheim, which will amplify youth participation in Jewish educational experiences over the next two decades. This milestone contribution will provide $25,000 each year to the Federation’s Passport to Jewish Life grant program, opening the doors for hundreds of children and teens to experience Jewish day and overnight camps, JCC Maccabi Games and ArtsFest, as well as educational journeys to destinations of Jewish history and significance, including Israel and Poland.
“We are deeply grateful to the leadership of Temple Beth Emet for their forethought in making this remarkable commitment. Since 1956, Temple Beth Emet has been a center of Orange County Jewish life and learning for youth and their families; with this gift, the Temple extends its proud legacy well into the future,” said Erik Ludwig, President & CEO of Jewish Federation.
Lou Abramovitz, President of Temple Beth Emet, explained “We made this gift intentionally to Federation as a way to support Jewish youth from all backgrounds and denominations in increasing their connection to Jewish life.”
