Eligibility
Applicants must be either a URJ congregation or affiliate institution (including summer camps and youth groups). Applications must demonstrate interest in educating and/or programming around environmental justice themes. Preference may be given to projects focused on sustainability, waste reduction, composting and/or clean water.
Application Deadline
April 1, 2017
What is the Travel Justly grant?
Registration at every major Reform Movement event and conference since 2008 has included an option for participants to donate to Travel Justly, the Reform Movement’s environmental sustainability fund. When we attend meetings, fly or drive long distances, our activities emit significant amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change.
To date, Travel Justly has collected and allocated more than $15,000 to projects that reduce our carbon impact. Since 2008, 100% of the funds collected through Travel Justly have been allocated to greening and sustainability projects in Reform congregations, camps, kibbutzim, and local communities.
This year (2017), Travel Justly funds will be awarded based on the requirements of the individual project. Applicants may apply for $500 grants.
Expectations
Travel Justly grant recipients must undertake a project that is educational, actionable within the community, or advocacy-oriented around an environmental issue. The umbrella of what constitutes an environmental issue is large and includes energy efficiency, food justice, sustainability, climate change education, and clean air and clean water advocacy, among others. Applicants must demonstrate how their activities or programming will engage the local Reform community, the greater community, and our earth.
Program Examples
Projects appropriate for the Travel Justly grant vary. No two programs will have the same impact. Here are a few examples of past projects and programs:
- Converting all light bulbs to LED lights.
- Installing motion sensors to shut off lights after the room has been left unused for a specific amount of time.
- Adding faucet aerators to sinks to reduce the amount of water waste.
Contact Liz Mitlak, Congregational Engagement Fellow with questions.
