Kessler Israel Service Program

Volunteer in Israel. We’ll Help You Get There.

Meaningful service. Lasting friendships. A deeper connection to Israel.

The Stanley C. & Ellen L. Kessler Israel Service Program provides grants of up to $2,500 to help eligible Jewish young adults participate in approved volunteer service programs in Israel, including opportunities through Masa Israel Journey and other approved organizations. JCRS is committed to making these life-changing experiences more accessible and affordable.

Grant Snapshot

Up to $2,500
Financial assistance toward eligible volunteer program expenses.

Ages 18–35
For eligible Jewish young adults.

Minimum Two-Week Program
Participate in an approved volunteer experience in Israel.

JCRS Service Region
Applicants must reside in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, or Texas.

Why Volunteer in Israel?

Volunteering in Israel is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while growing personally, building lifelong friendships, and strengthening your connection to Israel and the Jewish community.

Whether you’re assisting communities, supporting nonprofits, or participating in other meaningful service projects, you’ll gain experiences that will stay with you long after your program ends.

Choose Your Volunteer Experience

VOLUNTEER THROUGH MASA ISRAEL JOURNEY

JCRS is proud to partner with Masa Israel Journey, a trusted leader in immersive Israel experiences for young adults.

Masa offers affordable volunteer opportunities with multiple program options and start dates throughout the year. Eligible participants may combine JCRS funding with available Masa grants, making these experiences even more affordable.

Explore Masa Israel Programs >>

ALREADY HAVE ANOTHER VOLUNTEER PROGRAM?

JCRS funding is not limited to Masa programs.

If you are participating in another established volunteer or service program in Israel that lasts at least two weeks, you may also qualify for funding through the Stanley C. & Ellen L Kessler Israel Service Program.

Programs must be organized by a recognized sponsoring organization. Independent travel or self-arranged volunteer activities are not eligible.

Questions about your program? We’d be happy to help determine eligibility. Contact us and we’ll review your opportunity with you.

Program Details

To be eligible for JCRS funding through the Stanley C. & Ellen L. Kessler Israel Service Program, applicants must:

  • Be Jewish.
  • Be between the ages of 18 and 35.
  • Reside in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, or Texas.
  • Participate in an approved volunteer program in Israel.
  • Commit to a minimum two-week volunteer experience.

Please note that you must be officially accepted into your volunteer program and fully registered before applying for our financial support.

Service is the key component of the Stanley C. & Ellen L. Kessler Israel Service Program. It builds a deep connection to Israel and its people in a way that a standard travel trip, vacation, or school semester may not.
To qualify for support, your program must meet one of the following criteria:
  • Other Organized Programs: If you are participating in a non-Masa program, it must include at least two weeks of structured volunteer work organized by a recognized sponsoring organization. If an educational or travel program is not entirely service-based but includes an organized volunteer element that is at least two weeks long, it can still qualify!
  • Unsure if your program qualifies? Don’t guess! We are happy to help determine eligibility before you apply. Simply email us at info@jcrs.org and we will review your opportunity with you.

Please note: Independent travel or self-arranged volunteer activities are not eligible.

We offer grants up to $2,500. Because our funding is designed to supplement your main program, individual award amounts amounts vary based on your specific program expenses and financial need.

The Stanley C. & Ellen L. Kessler Israel Service Program is intended to help bridge the financial gap and offset your out-of-pocket costs. The funding can help you prepare for and manage expenses such as:

  • Program registration, tuition, or application fees.
  • International airfare and travel costs to and from Israel.
  • Day-to-day living expenses, meals, and essential needs while volunteering.
We accept applications on a rolling basis all year long, so there are no fixed seasonal deadlines or application windows. However, because funding is limited and grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, we strongly encourage you to submit your application as soon as you receive your official program acceptance.
Please aim to submit your application at least 45 days before your program begins so our committee has ample time to review your materials and process your funding. While we will make every effort to review applications submitted closer to the departure date, we cannot guarantee a decision in time. Please note that we strictly cannot fund trips that have already been completed or accept applications after the fact.

Please have these materials ready before you start your application:

  • Personal Statement: A short essay written directly into the application form explaining your motivations and goals for volunteering.
  • Program Registration: A copy of your official registration or acceptance letter showing you have been accepted.
  • Invoice or Bill: A copy of your program bill or invoice to verify your expenses.

To help us showcase the impact of our grants to our community and donors, we require all recipients to give back by sharing their story. After you return from your program in Israel, we ask that you submit:

  • A quick feedback survey.
  • A brief personal testimonial.
  • A few photographs from your trip that we are permitted to use for publicity.

Ready to Start Your Volunteer Journey?

Whether you are joining a Masa Israel volunteer program or another approved service experience, JCRS is here to help make your journey possible.

Take the next step toward a meaningful volunteer experience in Israel.

QUESTIONS?
Please contact Melanie Musser at melanie@jcrs.org or (832) 767-9097 with questions about this program or your application.