Building our community
Annual social action grants available.
Nonprofit organizations are invited to submit applications to the Biberstein Social Action Fund for grants in support of projects addressing poverty, discrimination, abuse and neglect, and the promotion of social justice in Yolo County.
The fund was established in November 2002 by the Board of Directors of Congregation Bet Haverim, Jewish Fellowship of Davis, on the occasion of Ernie’s 80th birthday to honor Ernie and Hannah Biberstein, founding members of the synagogue and longtime Davis residents who devoted much of their lives to community service and social justice.
An annual Call for Proposals is released each Fall. Grants ranging from $500 to $2,000 are awarded in December. The Biberstein Fund members review the proposals. Current Biberstein Fund members include Congregation Bet Haverim partners Ernie Biberstein, Amy Abramson, Anne Gieseke, Sandy Jones, Joan Sublett, Shoshana Zatz, and Rabbi Jeremy Simons.
Download the 2025 Grant Application HERE. Completed applications, or questions, should be emailed to cbhbibersteinfund@gmail.com. Grant proposals must be submitted no later than October 10, 2025. This email is checked regularly through the grant period and only occasionally for the remainder of the year. If you need immediate assistance after the grant period, please contact Congregation Bet Haverim at (530) 758-0842.
The Bibersteins were among the founders of Davis Community Meals, where they served as board members and officers. They have been active in a variety of interfaith groups including the Yolo Interfaith Immigration Network and Celebration of Abraham, which brings together Jews, Muslims, and Christians. They were recipients of the Brinley Award for community service, the Thong Hy Huynh Memorial Humanitarian Award, and the PeaceForce Award by Teach Peace. In 2016, Ernie received a Justice Leadership Award from the Multi-Cultural Council in Yolo County.
Ernie Biberstein is a professor emeritus of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Hannah Biberstein was a mediator in the original city of Davis mediation program, chaired the city’s Social Services Commission, and served on the Affordable Housing Task Force.
In 2024, the following grants totaling $15,950 were awarded:
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) – Support for recruitment and training of new CASA volunteers who will mentor youth on their waiting list.
Downtown Streets Team – Support DST services for West Sacramento participants recovering from homelessness.
Grace in Action – Support direct services program for those without shelter and of low income including replacement of personal items and clothing for job interviews.
HEART of Davis – Supplies for cold weather emergency shelter meals.
iDream – The Mac Give Back Project – Purchase parts to upgrade/refurbish used computers for donation to underserved populations.
Make It Happen for Yolo County – Purchase 15 refurbished bicycles to assist transition aged foster youth who need transportation to work or school.
Meals on Wheels Yolo County – Partial support for the “End the Wait” program that moves seniors off the wait list and on to home-delivered meal services.
Mercer Veterinary Clinic – Assist in meeting the veterinary needs of underserved unhoused community and their pets through the provision of lab work, medication and supplies.
Personal Care Pantry – Hygiene and home cleaning supplies for low-income Woodland residents.
Yolo County Care Continuum – Support the purchase of new therapeutic supplies for YCCC’s Farmhouse to help clients achieve their healing and community integration goals.
Yolo Interfaith Immigration Network – Funds support up to 10 immigrant households with basic unmet needs.
Click to Make a Donation to the Biberstein Fund
*Click donations to specialized funds to access the Biberstein fund.
