Jewish Cultural Endowment

Bring Jewish culture to life at BU

The Jewish Cultural Endowment (JCE) supports programs that invite the Boston University community to experience and explore Jewish culture. Its scope is broad, spanning lectures, conferences, literature, music, theater, dance, visual arts, religion, philosophy, and programs that enrich teaching and learning.

BU students, faculty, and staff can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to present programs on the Boston University campus.

Next proposal deadline: November 16, 2026

 

 

What does the JCE fund?

JCE supports developed cultural programs with a clear Jewish cultural focus. These might include performances, exhibitions, readings, lectures, conferences, conversations, or programs connected to teaching and learning. Programs can be humorous or serious. 

Programs should be designed to engage the BU community, especially students. JCE does not fund work still in development, such as writing a book or screenplay or making a film. 

Who can apply?

BU students, faculty, and staff may submit proposals. BU Hillel may also apply. Each proposal must identify:
  • An organizer who will plan, promote, and carry out the program
  • A BU department, program, or student organization that can receive and disburse the funds

How to apply

JCE accepts proposals three times a year, in the winter, spring, and fall. The next deadline is November 16, 2026.

Email your proposal to ewcjs@bu.edu. Include:
  • The program: What will happen, when and where you expect it to take place, and how it relates to Jewish culture
  • The audience: Who at BU you hope will attend or participate
  • The outreach plan: How you will reach that audience, including potential campus partners and communication channels
  • The organizer and BU unit: Who will manage the program and which unit will handle the funds
  • The budget: An itemized estimate of expenses and any other confirmed or anticipated funding, including an estimated number of attendees and estimated cost per attendee
Collaborative programs and proposals with additional funding sources are encouraged. The JCE Committee votes on proposals within two weeks of submission. Proposals outside the regular cycles are considered only in extraordinary circumstances.

 

Questions? Not sure if your idea is a good fit? Email ewcjs@bu.edu.

If your proposal is funded

Using your award: Approved grants must be used within 18 months. After that, you must reapply. Unused funds return to JCE.

Promoting your program:
  • Submit a detailed publicity plan for approval at least six weeks before the event.
  • Show how you will reach your intended BU audience through campus partners, calendars, email, flyers, digital channels, or other appropriate methods. 
  • Begin promotion at least four weeks before the event.
  • Email copies of promotional materials to ewcjs@bu.edu. Word, PDF, and JPEG files are accepted; no hard copies are needed. 
  • All promotional materials must acknowledge Jewish Cultural Endowment sponsorship. Name the Elie Wiesel Center for Jewish Studies as a sponsor only if it has separately agreed to sponsor the program.
Payment and reimbursement: 
  • Submit original receipts to the JCE staff administrator within 30 days after the event to request reimbursement. 
  • For an account transfer, provide a BU cost center and object code.
  •  If JCE will pay a BU service provider directly, the organizer must arrange the service and provide a quote or order sheet.
JCE can provide funding only when these requirements are met.

 

About the Jewish Cultural Endowment

Founded in 1984 with support from the Sherman family, the Jewish Cultural Endowment was created to bring a wide range of Jewish cultural programs to Boston University. Its founding vision embraced the arts, literature, religion, and philosophy, including programs that offer joy and humor as well as serious discussion. It placed particular emphasis on involving BU students.

JCE has its own committee, which reviews proposals and makes funding decisions independently of the Elie Wiesel Center for Jewish Studies and BU Hillel. View the current committee members here.