Reimagining Jewish Engagement for the Next Generation
As the global ecosystem rapidly evolves, so too must the Jewish engagement landscape. New technologies, shifting social norms, and emerging modes of connection are creating both unprecedented challenges and extraordinary opportunities for Jewish teens.
To meet this moment, Mosaic United is launching its Innovation Track, a platform designed to identify critical challenges facing the Jewish world and catalyze breakthrough solutions through open calls for proposals. Mosaic United invites organizations, entrepreneurs, educators, researchers, technologists, and innovators to respond to some of the most pressing challenges shaping Jewish engagement. Selected initiatives will receive the opportunity to partner with Mosaic United to develop, test, and scale innovative models with the potential for significant impact across the global Jewish ecosystem.
Mosaic United invests in bold ideas, transformative partnerships, and innovative approaches that strengthen Jewish identity and deepen connections to Israel for Jewish teens around the world. Through strategic funding, collaboration, and research-backed engagement, Mosaic United empowers entrepreneurs and organizations to create meaningful Jewish experiences during the most formative stages of identity-formation.
Challenge #1:
How do we prevent the sharp drop in Jewish engagement that occurs when young adults leave home and lose their primary Jewish anchors?
Research consistently shows a significant drop in Jewish participation after high school, as young adults lose many of the structures that supported their Jewish lives at home: family, school, youth groups, camps, and local communities. While 75% of Jewish college students say being Jewish is important to them and 60% want to explore their Jewish identity, only about one-third participate in Jewish programs regularly. The challenge is not preserving Jewish identity, but helping young adults build new, self-directed connections to Jewish life during the transition to independence.* Mosaic United invites visionary organizations, educators, entrepreneurs, and innovators to help answer that question.
We are seeking bold, creative, and scalable initiatives that can redefine how young Jews experience identity, belonging, community, and connection to Israel during the pivotal years of adolescence and emerging adulthood. Download the full guide to the challenge.
Why it Matters
The transition from high school into emerging adulthood is one of the most critical moments in shaping long-term Jewish engagement and commitment.
Too often, young people lose connection during these years due to:
- Limited continuity after existing programs
- Distancing from family and home which were critical anchors to Jewish identity
- Lack of relevant and meaningful opportunities
- Few accessible entry points for unaffiliated youth
- To build a vibrant Jewish future, we must create new models that:
- Spark Jewish connection beyond the usual programs
- Shake up the way we reach and engage unaffiliated young Jews
- Build continuous pathways into Jewish life and community
- Strengthen Jewish identity and belonging
- Foster meaningful connection to Israel
- Build continuous pathways into Jewish life and community
About the Initiative
Mosaic United is investing in a global ecosystem of organizations and innovators working to shape the future of Jewish engagement.
Through the Mosaic innovation platform, we aim to:
- Develop and scale innovative engagement models
- Expand reach, relevance, and participation
- Create new entry points into Jewish life
- Encourage collaboration, experimentation, and shared learning across the field
- Mitigate drop-off and disconnection
- Selected initiatives will receive:
Strategic funding - Professional mentorship and capacity-building
- Measurement, evaluation, and learning support
- Access to a global network of partners
- Selected initiatives will receive:
FUNDING TRACKS
1. Start-up, Entrepreneur Track
For early-stage initiatives and pilot programs launching new ideas.
Funding Range: $25,000–$100,000
Ideal for:
- Grassroots innovation
- Experimental models
- Emerging organizations and entrepreneurs
2. Scale-up, Growth Track
For established organizations seeking to extend their activity into a new arena or experiment with new models.
Funding: Up to $1,000,000
Requirement: 50% non-government matching funds
Ideal for:
- Trying new programs or models that have not yet been tested
- Extend reach to new audiences not currently core to the organization’s target
- Replicating innovative experiments and bringing them to scale
Priority Focus Area
Post–High School Transition
We are particularly interested in initiatives that:
- Strengthen continuity between high school and young adulthood
- Reduce drop-off in Jewish engagement
- Build lasting communities, mentorship, and peer networks
- Create new pathways for unaffiliated teens
Who Should Apply
We welcome applications from:
- Nonprofit organizations
- Social entrepreneurs
- Educational institutions
- Community organizations
- Campus / young adult organizations
- Youth movements / youth serving organizations
- Grassroots initiatives
Especially those working with:
- Jewish youth and teens (up to age 20)
- Recent high school graduates
- Unaffiliated or under engaged young Jews
What We’re Looking For
Strong proposals will demonstrate:
- New or adapted approaches responding to real challenges facing young Jews today.
- Organizations stretching to adapt to the emerging needs
- Creative and original solutions to challenges
- Clear goals, measurable outcomes, and meaningful engagement potential.
- Deep understanding of the needs, behaviors, and realities of today’s youth.
- Potential for growth, replication, or broader communal influence.
- Thoughtful planning, partnerships, and long-term viability.
Submit a Proposal
We invite you to join a global effort to reimagine Jewish engagement for the next generation.
Application Guidelines
- Applications must be submitted in English
- Proposals should include a detailed program plan and budget
- Submissions are due on August 31, 2026.
- Additional challenges and calls for proposals will be launched on an ongoing basis, so we encourage organizations to check back regularly for new opportunities.
Apply Now
Help shape the future of Jewish identity, belonging, and connection worldwide. Apply today.
All questions must be submitted by July 31, 2026.
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