8 March 2017

Is your community or organisation looking for funding? If the funds you need will help support ‘the advancement of Progressive Judaism’, then the NLPS Trust may be able to help.

The Trust was established in 2004, following the closure of the North London Progressive Synagogue. The synagogue’s financial assets were transferred to the Trust, which invested the capital and uses the income to award grants to communities or organisations in need.

Grants can be provided for items or projects large or small, and the average grant size is £3,500. The Trust regards it as a strength if you have raised, or will be able to raise, part of the funds you seek from within your own organisation or from other sources.

Two good examples of congregations recently benefiting from Trust grants come from Sukkat Shalom – the Edinburgh Liberal Jewish Community – and Southgate Progressive Synagogue.

Sukkat Shalom had been ‘getting by’, placing its Torah scroll on a table and covering it with a tallit – but it wanted to house the scroll properly. The NLPS Trust grant contributed to a new portable ark, designed by community members Lauren Fox and Katy Bromberg, constructed from local wood by Scottish craftsmen and completed with doors made from laser-cut aluminium. The inscription and the ark curtain reflect the tree of life.

Former Sukkat Shalom chair Prof Gillian Raab said: “It’s made such a difference to have a ‘proper’ ark, and our thanks go to the NLPS Trust and all those who made it possible.”

At Southgate, the grant enabled the synagogue to replace its worn-out organ (the new organ is pictured above).

The community’s Jane Greenfield says: “I applied to the NLPS Trust, and I was so excited when I got the letter back saying they would pay for an electronic keyboard. We found one that does everything an organ can do and more. We can even do Oseh Shalom to a samba now!”

Whether you represent an established or emerging Liberal Jewish community, you can apply to the NLPS Trust and it is very easy to do. You just download a form from www.nlpstrust.org.uk – then complete it and send it back with the latest published/audited accounts of your community or organisation.

Phil Stone, chair of the NLPS Trust, said: “We have about £60,000 to donate in grants each year. We meet every six months to make grant decisions. Whether or not you’ve applied to the Trust before, we are keen to hear from you and hopefully help.”

To be considered for a grant at the next NLPS Trust meeting, which takes place in April, you must apply before March 24. Full information about the Trust’s funding policy and how to apply can be found at www.nlpstrust.org.uk.