Mosaic United and Israel’s Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Ministry launched a $12 million global innovation platform to develop new ways of strengthening Jewish identity and connections to Israel among teenagers and young adults.
The platform will invite entrepreneurs, educators, researchers, technologists, and Jewish organizations to propose projects that can be tested and expanded across Jewish communities worldwide.
The initiative comes as Jewish communities contend with rising antisemitism affecting Jewish teenagers, the continuing effects of the October 7 attacks, and changes in how younger Jews interact with communal institutions.
Research cited by Mosaic United found that approximately 75% of Jewish college students in the US considered being Jewish important to them, while 60% wanted to explore their Jewish identity further. Only about one-third regularly participated in Jewish programs.
First challenge addresses post-high school decline
The platform’s first global call for proposals will focus on the sharp decline in Jewish participation that often occurs after young adults leave home and lose connections to family, schools, youth groups, summer camps and local communities.
Applicants will be asked to develop new ways for young adults to form independent connections to Jewish identity, community and Israel during the transition from high school to adulthood.
Nonprofit organizations, social entrepreneurs, educational institutions, community groups, campus organizations, youth movements and grassroots initiatives are eligible to apply.
Early-stage initiatives and pilot programs can seek between $25,000 and $100,000. Established organizations seeking to test or expand a new model can apply for grants of up to $1 million, subject to a requirement for 50% in nongovernment matching funds.
Selected projects will receive funding, professional guidance, evaluation support and access to Mosaic United’s international network of partners. Applications must be submitted in English by August 31.
Nearly $350 million invested over a decade
Mosaic United was established as a partnership between the Israeli government and Jewish philanthropists to support Jewish education, identity and engagement in Diaspora communities.
The organization said that it and its partners had invested approximately $350 million over the past decade. Its programs have reached nearly 300,000 Jewish teenagers and young adults in more than 50 countries through partnerships with over 200 Jewish organizations.
The innovation platform is one of three areas in Mosaic United’s updated strategy, which includes a total investment of nearly $40 million. The organization will also invest in training informal Jewish educators and community professionals and expanding encounters between Israeli and Diaspora teenagers, known as mifgashim.
Mosaic United has previously supported teen travel and educational programs in Israel, campus initiatives and partnerships with Jewish organizations representing different religious and communal affiliations.
The organization plans to issue additional innovation challenges addressing specific barriers to Jewish engagement. The first call for proposals is available through Mosaic United’s application website.