Request for Applications: Departmental Initiative Grants

Deadline: 13-Jan-2027

The Rothschild Foundation Hanadiv Europe Departmental Initiative Grants support Jewish Studies departments and centres at European universities to launch new teaching and collaborative research initiatives. The programme offers up to £50,000 per year for a maximum of three years, with projects expected to strengthen Jewish Studies, encourage institutional collaboration, develop new research and teaching activities, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the field across Europe. Eligible universities can use the funding for activities such as fixed-term lecturer positions, collaborative research, publications, conferences, public engagement, research resources, and seed funding for larger proposals to national or EU funding bodies. The Foundation particularly welcomes projects examining contemporary Jewish life in Europe from a social science perspective and initiatives using digital humanities research techniques, while collaboration with Israeli academics and institutions is encouraged. Universities must provide at least 20% matching funding, which may include in-kind contributions. The Departmental Initiative Grants are offered by the Rothschild Foundation Hanadiv Europe to strengthen Jewish Studies at European universities. The programme is designed to help Jewish Studies departments and centres develop new initiatives that build on their existing expertise while increasing their institutional impact.

The grants encourage:

The overall goal is to contribute to the long-term development and sustainability of Jewish Studies across Europe.

Eligible institutions can apply for:

The university’s matching contribution may include in-kind contributions, where permitted. The requested Foundation funding and university contribution should be clearly reflected in the project budget. The Departmental Initiative Grants can support a range of academic, research, teaching, and dissemination activities.

Eligible costs may include:

Projects should demonstrate how the proposed activities will strengthen Jewish Studies and contribute to the longer-term development of the department, centre, or wider field. The programme supports initiatives that use existing departmental expertise to create new opportunities in Jewish Studies.

Projects may include:

The Foundation is particularly interested in initiatives that can create longer-term academic value beyond the initial grant period. While the programme supports a broad range of Jewish Studies initiatives, particular interest is given to projects focused on specific emerging areas.

The Foundation particularly welcomes:

Collaboration with Israeli academics and institutions is also encouraged. The Departmental Initiative Grants can be used as seed funding for larger research or academic proposals. Universities may use the grant to develop projects that could later seek funding from: This makes the programme suitable for institutions seeking to establish a new research collaboration or develop an initiative that requires initial support before applying for larger grants. The programme is open to eligible universities based in Europe.

Universities may be located in:

However, universities based in the following countries are excluded: Eligible organisations must operate on a not-for-profit basis and must provide evidence of their not-for-profit status. The application should come from an eligible Jewish Studies department or centre within the university. Applicants must provide at least 20% matching funding from the university.

This contribution may include:

Universities should clearly explain their matching contribution within the project budget and supporting application materials. The matching requirement should be considered when planning the full project budget and determining the amount requested from the Foundation. Collaborative research projects can involve scholars from one or more institutions. However, there is a specific restriction on spending for in-person gatherings.

For collaborative research initiatives:

Applicants should therefore ensure that the majority of the Foundation’s funding supports the substantive research and academic objectives of the project. The programme does not support every type of organisation or educational activity. Ineligible applications or activities include: Only one application per university is permitted per funding round. Universities should therefore coordinate internally before submitting an application to ensure that the strongest eligible departmental initiative is put forward. Departments and centres should also confirm their institution’s eligibility and ensure that the proposed project does not duplicate another submission from the same university. Applicants should develop a clear proposal showing how the initiative will strengthen Jewish Studies and create longer-term institutional value.

Important areas to address include:

Projects focusing on contemporary Jewish life in Europe or using digital humanities techniques may also wish to clearly explain how these approaches contribute to the project’s objectives. Applicants should prepare a realistic budget that clearly separates Foundation funding from university matching contributions.

The grant budget may cover:

For collaborative research, applicants must carefully monitor spending on travel, accommodation, catering, and other costs associated with in-person meetings because these costs cannot exceed 30% of the Foundation’s funding. Applicants should remember the following requirements:

Applicants should avoid:

A strong proposal should clearly connect the new initiative with the university’s existing Jewish Studies expertise.

Applicants should consider:

Jewish Studies departments and centres require opportunities to develop new teaching, research, and collaborative activities while building sustainable academic capacity. The Departmental Initiative Grants provide flexible support for new initiatives that can strengthen existing