ABOUT BIKKURIM : FAQs
What is Bikkurim?
Bikkurim is an incubator for early-stage, New York-based, Jewish, non-profit initiatives. People with strong visions about new ways to engage Jewishly find a home at Bikkurim, which provides free office space and a host of organizational development consulting services. For more information, see About Bikkurim.
What does Bikkurim provide to its groups?
Bikkurim provides resident groups with the resources necessary to grow their ideas into viable organizations. This includes office space and access to conference rooms, use of office supplies, computer and phone systems, and small stipends. Bikkurim also gives groups valuable access to a network of experts and professionals, and provides exposure to the inner workings of the New York Jewish organizational world. For details, see Resources Provided to Resident Groups.
Is Bikkurim open to groups outside of New York?
Unfortunately, only groups headquartered in New York are eligible for Bikkurim.
How long can my group be part of Bikkurim?
Groups sign annual renewable contracts and can be part of the incubator for up to four-and-a-half years. Continued residency each year is based on making progress on organizational benchmarks that are set and agreed upon in conjunction with the Bikkurim staff.
I'm not 501(c)3 incorporated. Can I still apply for Bikkurim?
Yes, Bikkurim can arrange for fiscal sponsorship at one of several hosting organizations.
How many groups does Bikkurim accept in a given year?
1 - 3 groups, depending on space available in the incubator. Our annual application cycle opens in February and finishes in June. New groups move in starting in July. We currently have 8 groups in residence.
How are groups selected for Bikkurim?
Groups are selected through a competitive application process that includes a pre-application, an initial screening interview, a full application, and a finalist interview with a Selection Committee. For more details see Applying for Residency.
What is the relationship between Bikkurim and other Jewish social entrepreneur programs?
There is no official relationship between Bikkurim and other Jewish social entrepreneur programs, though we all consider ourselves kindred spirits and try to work in complementary ways. Bikkurim encourages its resident groups to secure funding for their projects by applying for grants and sponsorship from all organizations that encourage and promote social entrepreneurship.
Do you offer consulting services to non-incubator groups?
Unfortunately, we cannot offer consulting services to non-incubator groups. Nationwide, especially in New York, there are organizations that offer support services to non-profit organizations.
What happens to organizations after they leave Bikkurim?
Many organizations reach a state of self-sufficiency during their Bikkurim residency, while others choose to become incorporated into other independent organizations. A very few organizations decide not to continue their projects at all. Bikkurim tracks residents' organizational growth after completion of their residency and provides limited, ongoing networking and resources to its alumni.
How do I apply for Bikkurim?
For further details, see Applying for Residency. You can also drop us an email or give us a call, and we'd be happy to discuss your group and its eligibility for the incubator.