Jonathan P. Schwartz Teaching for Diversity Fund

Thousands of people have experienced the healing benefits of yoga through the charitable efforts of the Jonathan P. Schwartz Teaching for Diversity Fund (Schwartz TFD) since the fund’s inception in 2001. Schwartz TFD grants have provided seed funding, stipends, and supplies for graduates of the Kripalu Schools. Grant recipients are bringing yoga, yoga therapy, mindful outdoor leadership, or Ayurvedic practices to diverse populations including students in Title 1 schools, ethnic minorities, and individuals who are socially, economically, and physically challenged. Read Jonathan’s story.

Award Philosophy & Timeline

Kripalu aims to direct Schwartz TFD funds to projects that will benefit as many people in as many places as possible. It’s our hope that these seed grants will help launch initiatives that become self-sustaining in time. To that end, grant amounts generally range from $1,000 to $4,000, allowing for more grants to more projects. Schwartz TFD does not make multi-year commitments, but grant recipients are welcome to apply for a second year of funding if they demonstrate successful outcomes in Year 1. Second-year grants are limited to $2,500.

The Schwartz TFD grant timeline will be different this year, as Kripalu deepens the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion work begun in 2019. Society’s inequities are not new, but we saw the imperative for change with new eyes in 2020. In partnership with our consultants at Race & Resilience, Kripalu’s board, staff, and Equity Team have entered a deep and sustained process of inquiry, consciousness-raising, and change. We are examining all aspects of our programming and operations to ensure all who want to practice yoga are served, resourced, and empowered.

Kripalu intends to launch a new grant application process in the fourth quarter of 2021. Eligible teachers will receive information about the new timeline and grant requirements.

With the help of the Schwartz Teaching for Diversity Fund, Kripalu trained teachers serve as agents for social change and progress. We are eager to continue this vital work with the same love, care, and compassion, that have guided this program for 20 years, while also making space for more diverse voices and viewpoints. Equity requires accountability and we are committed to doing our part in bending the moral arc of the universe toward justice. Thank you for joining us in realizing our vision of a world united in service toward well-being, justice, and peace.

Eligibility Checklist

• Graduate of a Kripalu School of Yoga, Ayurveda, Integrative Yoga Therapy, or Mindful Outdoor Leadership training
• Well-established relationship with the program host organization
• Plans for long-term sustainability of the program in place
• Experience/training specific to the population
• Only US based projects are eligible

Jonathan P. Schwartz was a businessman, yogi, and longtime Kripalu guest. He loved Kripalu, and he believed deeply in investing in people and projects aimed at delivering yoga to people and places who might not get it otherwise. He and his wife Marcella Fischer were among the first donors to TFD, and his family continues to support the program in Jonathan’s memory.

Contact Information

Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health
Teaching for Diversity
PO Box 309
Stockbridge, MA 01262

Questions about the grant award process? Contact us at tfd@kripalu.org.