24th Annual Request for Proposals
Proposals due October 16, 2026
(From press release) 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 Biberstein Social Action Fund was established in 2002 by the Board of Directors of Congregation Bet Haverim to honor Ernie and Hannah Biberstein, who are among the founding members of CBH, and who devoted much of their lives to community service and social justice. Hannah passed away in April 2011. This is the 24rth Anniversary of the Fund.
The goal of the annual awards made from the Biberstein Social Action Fund is to help Yolo County organizations in their efforts to meet unfulfilled needs. Special consideration is given to new and/or innovative projects.
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, and Shoshana Zatz.
Information about the Biberstein Award, including a link to the application, is available on the CBH website: https://bethaverim.org/engage/committees/biberstein-social-action-fund/
Grant proposals must be submitted no later than October 16, 2026. Questions may be directed to the Biberstein Social Action Fund at: cbhbibersteinfund@gmail.com. Awards will be announced in December 2026.
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.
Contributions to the fund may be made through Congregation Bet Haverim, 1715 Anderson Road, Davis, 95616. Please note that the donation is for the Biberstein Social Action Fund.
In 2025, the following grants totaling $20,307 were awarded:
Davis Community Meals and Housing – Purchase ten new mattresses for Transitional Housing residents.
Grace Garden – Expand Grace Garden as a hands-on learning lab with purchase of topsoil/compost, irrigation, weed barrier fabric and plants.
Grace in Action – Support direct services program for those without shelter and of low-income including replacement of personal items and help with emergency needs.
HEART of Davis – Help with insurance, porta potty, supplies and staffing expenses for Safe Heart Safe Parking program.
HOPE at Davis – Support outreach project HOPE in Every Season: Fresh Starts & Resource Fairs in Our Community.
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 20 refurbished bicycles to assist transition aged foster youth who need transportation to work or school.
Mariachi Puente – Support for one coach for the summer 2026 mariachi rehearsal program for afterschool student mariachi group..
Mosaic West Sacramento – Purchase landscaping equipment for interns working in the 2-acre Mosaic Village.
NorCal Trykers – Provide one therapeutic tricycle to a child on the NorCal Tryker waiting list.
Personal Care Pantry – Hygiene and home cleaning supplies for low-income Woodland residents.
STEAC – Purchase food for 200 food packs for weekend Food Packs for Kids Program.
Thriving Pink – Support resources for one of Thriving Pink’s Breast Cancer Thrivers’ Circles.
Yolo Conflict Resolution Center – Funds support a trained facilitator with specific expertise to engage the community in dialogue around the Israeli-Arab conflict.
Yolo Healthy Aging Alliance – Funds support the Grab Bar program to provide in-home assessment, supplies, and installation of up to 2 grab bars for 10 people in their homes.
YoloCares – Funds will purchase essential furnishings and household items for Joshua’s House, the first hospice home for unhoused individuals on the West Coast.
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