Bernard and Audre Rapoport Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Rapoport Foundation supports Arts & Culture, Community Building & Social Service, Democracy & Civic Participation, Education, and Health-related programs in Waco, Texas. It also supports Jewish causes through the Jerusalem Foundation and the Jewish Federation of North America.
IP TAKE: This is an approachable funder that accepts applications twice a year, but grantseekers outside of the Waco, Texas area will find it more difficult to secure funding than those within the region.
PROFILE: The Bernard and Audre Rapoport Foundation was established in 1986 by Bernard Rapoport, founder of American Income Life Insurance Company. Rapoport was born to Jewish immigrants in San Antonio, Texas. The foundation seeks “imaginative, and when possible, long-range solutions to the problems of the most needy members of society,” and, ideally, “solutions that can be replicated in other communities.” Its primary funding areas include Arts & Culture, Community Building & Social Service, Democracy & Civic Participation, Education, and Health. The vast majority of grants are centered around Waco, Texas.
Grants for Arts Education, Arts and Culture
Art and culture grants support “artistic and cultural programs, especially those that encourage participation, and enrich the lives of children and disadvantaged members of the community.” The foundation pays extra attention to proposals that promote the education and cultivation of new and young patrons. Past arts grantees include Jewish Federations of North America, Boys & Girls Club of Central Texas, Waco Civic Theatre, and Waco Cultural Arts Fest.
Grants for Housing and Homelessness, Community Development
Rapoport’s community development grants work to “build communities that improve the quality of life for all citizens and foster the growth and development of children.” The foundation prioritizes funding for programs and initiatives that “build grassroots neighborhood networks, provide job training and job opportunities for the unemployed and under-employed, or provide a comprehensive safety net of social services for the least-advantaged citizens.” Past grantees include Alliance for Justice, Waco Foundation, Waco Habitat for Humanity, and Greater Waco Collective Impact Initiative.
Grants for Work and Economic Opportunity
The Rapoport Foundation’s social services grants support programs that “build grassroots neighborhood networks, provide job training and job opportunities for the unemployed and under-employed, or provide a comprehensive safety net of social services.” Its education grantmaking prioritizes early childhood and elementary education, which also invests in “adult education and training initiatives.” Past grantees include Skillpoint Alliance, United Way, and University of Texas.
Grants for Civic Engagement and Democracy
The Rapoport Foundation’s grants for democracy & civic participation support efforts to “make government more responsive” and “encourage citizens to take an active interest and role in political life,” and promotes programs that “broaden citizen awareness of public policy issues and alternatives, build skills necessary for political leadership, and provide opportunities for community service.” Centered on government accountability and civic engagement, the funds awarded through this program focuses broadly on related giving in order to consider a range of candidates rather than providing a limiting grantmaking strategy. Past grantees include Center for Public Policy Priorities, Prosper Waco, and American Gateways.
Grants for Education
The foundation’s grants in this area support “the broad area of education but with a special concern for early learning up to and through the elementary years.” It also funds organizations and programs that focus on adult education and training initiatives, college and career readiness, and teacher training and development. Past education grantees include G.W. Carver Academy, La Vega ISD, Friends of Williamsburg Regional Library Foundation, Crossties Ministries, and University of Texas.
Grants for Public Health
The foundation’s health-related grantmaking “seeks to improve the quality and delivery of healthcare services to all citizens, especially to women, children, and those who do not have access to conventional medical resources.” Rapoport also focuses on community-based outreach initiatives such as immunization programs. Past grantees include Planned Parenthood of Central Texas, Boys & Girls Club of Waco, and Olde Towne Medical Center.
Grants for Jewish Causes
The foundation supports Jewish causes through its grants to the Jerusalem Foundation and the Jewish Federation of North America. It does not accept proposals or requests for funding for Israeli or Jewish causes except through these two organizations.
Important Grant Details:
Grants generally range from $25,000 to $500,000. The Rapoport Foundation accepts Letters of Inquiry (LOI) twice a year in January and August. Note that only one third of the foundation’s funding is available for national funding, while one third is dedicated to Waco-based programs and another third for other partnerships. Apply here.
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