Roots & Branches Seeks Jewish Grantmaking Team

Rose Community Foundation is seeking Jewish volunteers in their 20s and 30s who want to be part of Roots & Branches Foundation, a collaborative grantmaking program. Eighteen people will be selected to learn about strategic philanthropy and Jewish philanthropic traditions, and to award up to $100,000 in grants to solve problems in the community. Applications to participate will be accepted through Wednesday, May 30.

Rose Community Foundation is looking for a diverse group of individuals, including those who are involved in Jewish life and those who are not; those who identify as secular, Orthodox and everything in between; and those who are native Coloradans, as well as newcomers to the area. Applicants must live in the seven-county Denver Metro area.

Now in its sixth year, Roots & Branches Foundation members will meet every two to four weeks on Tuesday evenings between July 2012 and February 2013. The group will work with Rose Community Foundation staff to explore strategic philanthropy, identify community needs, review grant proposals and visit prospective grantees.

“Roots & Branches gave me the tools to be a better philanthropist and to be more strategic in my giving. I’m now part of a great community of smart, thoughtful Jewish people committed to making a difference,” says Ilana Simon, former Roots & Branches member.

Jews between ages 25 and 40 interested in being part of Roots & Branches Foundation can apply online at rcfdenver.org/initiatives_roots.htm.