The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund
The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial is an endowment fund started in 1987 to commemorate the brief but vibrant life of a twenty year old college student, a neuropsychology major, and an activist for ten years in the progressive Labor Zionist Youth Movement, Habonim-Dror. Adina died suddenly from a burst aneurysm while a student in her junior year at Rutgers University.
Funding Criteria
Grants are awarded to young people living in the U.S. or Canada who contribute time and expertise in Israel or elsewhere in service to the ideals to which Adina was committed. These include:
- building a more just and egalitarian society;
- enhancing understanding among peoples;
- advancing nonviolence and peace activities;
- promoting environmental concerns;
- advocating civil rights;
- working with individuals who are emotionally, physically,educationally, or economically disadvantaged;
- participating in educational Zionist youth movement activities.
Grants are awarded for work in any area of the applicant's choosing so long as it is congruent with the overall mission of the Amy Adina Fund.
Grants are not awarded for primarily educational studies. There must be a significant volunteer component.
The Fund contributes to individuals rather than to organizations, for which other funding sources exist. Its emphasis is on awarding grants to affirm the personal commitment that young people make in bettering the lives of others.
Potential awardees are required to provide a specific plan to educate peers or others in their home, school, or other communities to the need for similar volunteer work. Awardees must also agree to send written reports to the Fund upon completion of their project. Grants are not awarded for study unless there is a significant social action component associated with the study program.
The Fund awards small grants to as many applicants as possible rather than giving larger amounts to a few individuals.
Funding decisions consider:
- the applicant's personal statement;
- a resume including previous work and/or volunteer experience and/or progressive Zionist youth activities;
- two letters of recommendation from a teacher, supervisor, or employer;
- a specific plan to educate others about the experience upon return to one's community.
Financial need is relevant but not a decisive factor. Funding decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year.