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Note: All funds set aside for the Tzedek Brilliance Awards have been distributed. Throughout 2020, we are completing a strategic planning process, which draws on the results of our community research and our assessment of pilot program. Announcements about future grantmaking, including rounds of the Brilliance Awards will be announced in early 2021.
The Tzedek Brilliance Awards is an exploratory initiative, which will invest directly in Asheville’s leaders who are engaged in impactful, intersectional approaches to systemic oppression that are focused on racial justice, LGBTQ equality, and combating anti-Jewish oppression. As opposed to grantmaking that sustains organizational work, Brilliance Awards are designed to honor the impact of brilliant community leaders.
Two Tzedek Brilliance Awardees will be selected in Spring 2019. Recipients will receive an individual award of $200,000, paid in equal semi-annual installments over two consecutive years. Because we honor each individual’s wisdom about how best to spend the award, there are no restrictions on the funds.
Tzedek Brilliance Awards represent one shift in our organization’s grantmaking that is increasingly trust-based as we seek to transform the inequitable history and oppressive culture of philanthropy.
AMKRF believes that world-changing work is led by those who are directly impacted by systemic oppression. We especially encourage people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and Jewish individuals to apply.
AMKRF staff will host a webinar on April 16 to answer questions regarding the Tzedek Brilliance Awards. Please submit questions to brilliance@mandelrodisfund.org by April 15, 2019. Click here to register for the webinar. A recording will be shared through Facebook and our website. Please email brilliance@
Who is eligible?
This is an opportunity to celebrate and sustain Asheville community leaders who have had a demonstrated impact working in one or more of our focal areas: racial justice, LGBTQ justice, combating anti-Jewish oppression. AMKRF believes that wide-ranging community efforts–from artistic interventions to grassroots organizing to nonprofit/governmental/private collaborations–are impactful and deserving of funding. Community leaders most impacted by inequity in Asheville will be prioritized in the selection process.
To be eligible, you must be a full-time resident of the Asheville area (living within 30 miles of The Asheville City Building).
How do I apply for this opportunity?
Self-nominations can be submitted to brilliance@mandelrodisfund.org. To be considered, self-nominations must be received by May 1, 2019 at 11:59 EST.
To be considered, please submit at 5-7 minute video or a written narrative (3000 words or less) that responds to the following questions:
- How has your leadership in Asheville had an impact towards creating a community where everyone thrives?
- Why are you pursuing a Tzedek Brilliance Award?
- What else do you want the selection committee to know about you?
In the email, please include:
- Your full name
- Address
- Email address
- Phone number
- Pronouns
- The names and contact information (email and telephone numbers) for two Ashevillians who can speak to your impact.
How will awardees be selected?
Community members who would like to be considered are invited to submit a self-nomination. A committee of advisors from the local community, alongside staff, will review self-nominations, rank submissions using the rubric linked here, solicit additional information from references, and select two Tzedek Brilliance awardees.
What is the timeline for the application and selection process?
Applications will be accepted through May 1, 2019 at 11:59 PM EST. We will contact awardees by May 31, 2019, and we will announce winners on June 7, 2019.
For more information about this pilot program, please review the FAQs.