Professional Development Fund

Description

1) Objective

Through this fund Yesod supports Jewish community professionals and educators in Europe to develop their professional skills and knowledge. They are committed to supporting the creation of vibrant, meaningful, Jewish life through strong communities driven by inspired and engaged individuals. Funds can be used for one-to-one learning or group courses, either online or in-person. There are several types of professional development that will be considered within the terms of this fund:

• Professional skills development – grow your personal toolkit of professional skills that are critical for success. Examples include (but are not limited to) courses for pedagogy, public speaking, experiential education, fundraising and budgeting.
  Support for a training course taking place physically in a different country may also be subject to restrictions due to Covid 19.
• Peer visits – travel to visit a peer organization in another community and learn from their best practices as well as develop stronger networks for collaboration. Applicants may know where and who to visit at the time of their application, or may request help from Yesod as to where to go. For example, a JCC Director or Department Director may plan to visit a JCC in another European country of comparable Jewish community size, to learn about their intergenerational programming and outreach.
• Support for physical travel between countries is currently on hold due to Covid 19. You may still apply for a peer visit but, if approved, it would only be able to take place when we resume support for travel.
• One-to-One Coaching – work one-to-one with a professional coach in order to improve your skills, for example, in strategic planning, communication, fundraising, assertiveness, negotiation skills, management, and work-life balance. Yesod will work with you to identify an excellent coach (in English or a language of your choice where possible) or you may request a specific coach. References will be required for the coach.

2) Eligibility

Funds will be awarded to Jewish community professionals and educators who:

• Work in a paid, professional capacity for 16 hours a week or more, in Jewish organizations of all types, that work with, and to develop, Jewish communities. This could include, but is not limited to youth organizations, Jewish Community Centres (JCCs), synagogues, schools, welfare and cultural organizations.
• Are based in a European country. They are unable to accept applications from the Former Soviet Union outside of the Baltic states.
• Have at least 6 months of experience working professionally in the Jewish community.
• Have not already had a successful application to this fund in the past 12 months.
• Funds will not be granted for training/learning opportunities that have already taken place or for those that are already supported in other ways by the partner organisations.

3) Location

Actions must take place in Europe.

4) Budget

Funds from $250 – $2,000 will be awarded, on a one-time basis, for successful applications from eligible individuals. The funds must be spent within 8 months of receiving fund confirmation from Yesod. Funds will be paid directly to the organization, trainer or coach providing the professional development service. Money will not be given directly to the applicant.

5) Application

Candidates need to apply using the online application form. The application includes a description of what you want to do with the funds including a budget. Within 30 days of completing the professional development opportunity you will be required to submit a short report describing the course of study key lessons learned how this has impacted you directly and plans to use your new expertise in your work. This can be done on a rolling basis.