GPF and JFN $1M Matching Grant Program
in Honor of Gal Gadot

Background

Personal resilience, social resilience, mental health, trauma, and post trauma, have become central themes in Israeli discourse since October 7, 2023. These concepts are deeply embedded in media coverage, public and interpersonal conversation, and philanthropic dialogue in Israel and abroad. The scale of national trauma has elevated resilience and mental health to the forefront of communal concern.

As individuals and communities continue to navigate sustained grief, disruption, and uncertainty, the professionals and volunteers who care for others are carrying extraordinary and prolonged burdens. Many civilian systems are now responding to needs the state has never before had to address at this magnitude.

This matching grant program is designed to strengthen Israeli nonprofits and NGOs supporting helpers and frontline professionals, ensuring that those who sustain others receive the structured, long-term support required to continue their work.

Human capital is the foundation for the advancement of trauma care in Israel and one of the greatest challenges that Israel is facing.

Who this is for

• Applicant organizations: Israeli nonprofits and NGOs supporting helpers and frontline professionals. Organizations must have a 46A or 501(c) designation.
• Matching donors: Philanthropists, foundations, and federations interested in supporting evidence informed programs that sustain helpers.

Type of programs we are looking for

We are seeking programs that provide meaningful support for helpers and frontline professionals across Israel. Examples may include mental health and psychosocial support, enhancing resilience and burnout prevention, peer support models, training and supervision, trauma informed approaches, developing technologies, infrastructure, and other interventions that strengthen the capacity of helpers to do their work.

• Goal: To strengthen, develop, and sustain human capital in the field of resilience and mental health in Israel.
• Program focus: Supporting helpers and frontline professionals as a primary program focus, not a minor or incidental activity.
• Use of funds: Both programmatic and operating support may be considered when aligned with the mission. For NGOs whose mission directly relates to the mission of the matching grants initiative, the entire grant may be used for overhead. For NGOs developing a project specifically suited for this initiative, up to 20% for overhead is acceptable.
• Examples of initiatives:
  • Development and training of professionals in healthcare, education, community work, and related fields
  • Retention and well being of professionals in healthcare, education, community work, and related fields
  • Well being and resilience initiatives, including supervision, peer support, and mental health care for caregivers
  • Expanding or increasing human capital in mental health, trauma care, and related fields
  • Developing technological and innovative tools that support professionals and increase the efficiency of mental health and resilience services
• Impact: Priority consideration for programs with clear goals, learning agendas, and evaluation plans that demonstrate achievable impact.

Eligibility for applicant organizations

• Eligible applicants: Existing nonprofit organizations and social associations that hold certification of proper financial management (ishur nihul takin) for 2026.
• Non-eligible applicants: Universities, hospitals, and Kupot holim.
• Location: The operating organization must be an Israeli organization located in Israel.
• Capacity: Organizations will be required to demonstrate the capacity to implement the proposed programs.
• Matching requirement: As part of the program, the organization must raise a supplementary donation in the amount of 50% of the project cost, either from a new donor or by a significant increase of at least 50% from a previous donation.
• Submission prerequisite: An application can be submitted only after approval of the matching donation from the matching donor.
• Eligible donation sources: Foundations, federations, and private donors or businesses.
• Non-eligible donation sources: Government and municipal sectors are not eligible.
• Donation timing: Applications should relate to donations pledged in 2026.
• Disbursement: The matching grant will be divided into two distributions, one upon signing the agreement and receipt of proof of the matching donation, and one upon completion or advanced development of the funded program, to be specified in the grant agreement.
• Language: Applications must be submitted in English.

Eligibility conditions for donors, philanthropic foundations, and federations

• New donors: Donors interested in making a first donation to the organization of up to 50% of the total project cost, between $25,000 and $100,000.
• Existing donors: Donors who have already donated to the organization but are supporting a new project.
• Increased support: Donors who have donated in the past to an organization operating in the field and will significantly increase, by at least 50%, their support in this funding area. The match relates to the portion of the increased donation, not the entire donation.
• Program designation: The donation will be for a specific program unless the organization’s sole purpose is to strengthen human capital in the field of resilience and mental health in Israel.
• Donor location: The donor can reside anywhere in the world, regardless of the location of the organization.
• Eligible pledge dates: Matching amounts will be provided for donations pledged by donors starting in 2026.
• JFN membership: Donors are members of JFN, or will commit to join JFN.

Important dates and milestones

Grant structure

• Matching model: Genesis funding is contingent on the matching donation.
• Grant size: Expected to range from $25,000 to $100,000. Final grant amounts may vary.

Application information

• Applications will be submitted through an online application system.
• Applicants will be able to save progress and return to review and edit their application.
• Applications must be submitted in English.
• Required uploads and attachments will be part of the application:
  • Proof of Proper Financial Management - "Nihul Takin" (Certificate of Proper Management)
  • IRS 501(c)(3) or Israel Section 46 Certificate
  • Financial Report
  • Program Budget