Eighteen local Jewish organizations have been granted almost $62,000 in this year’s round of Anything Grants funding.

Twenty-eight applications were received, requesting nearly $110,000 in funding. The projects funded include technology upgrades and infrastructure projects.

Anything Grants are awarded by the Staenberg Family Foundation.

Ellen Alper, CEO of National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis, said the grant allowed her organization to purchase technology for meetings.

“Virtual participants are able to participate as if they are in the room,” Alper said. “We can’t thank the Staenberg Foundation enough for this matching grant to upgrade our technology to improve our ability to meet our mission of helping women, children and families in our community.”

Each grant will be equal to 50% of the project budget; organizations are responsible for raising the remaining 50%.

With the matching funds, the grants will bring $123,954 to the Jewish community.

The 2021 Anything Grant recipients are:

• Agudas Israel of St. Louis – New tables for seating expansion

• Bais Abraham Congregation – Infrastructure project: Upgrades to create a welcoming atmosphere

• Barbara Mendelson Tomchei Shabbos Fund – Sanitary floor improvement

• BBYO – Resuming in-person programming

• Central Reform Congregation – Online community infrastructure

• Chabad of the Central West End – CRM system training for staff

• Chesed Shel Emeth Society – Front entrance repair

• Chevra Kadisha – Capital improvements to enhance and secure the Chevra Kadisha Cemetery

• Congregation B’nai Amoona – Serving the community with collaboration (Judaica Shop)

• Crown Center for Senior Living – Patio programs

• Jewish Family Services of St. Louis – Technology upgrade/preparedness

• The Jewish Mindfulness Center of St. Louis/Congregation Shaare Emeth – Maintaining mindfulness in a post-COVID world

• Kol Rinah – Learning center bookshelves

• NCJWSTL – Video conferencing technology/ability

• Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School – New sukkah

• Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Community – Technology for multi-access programming

• Traditional Congregation of Creve Coeur – Technology upgrade

• Young Israel of St. Louis – Kitchen appliance upgrade

An advisory committee reviewed applications and made recommendations to the foundation’s board of directors, who made the final decisions. Grant recipients must complete their projects by May 5 in order to receive funds. Contact Marla Guggenheimer at [email protected] or 314-442-3764 with questions about Anything Grants.