Our seed grants support collaborative research teams of California and Israeli scientists to initiate major research projects.
Our program funding allows researchers to travel to work together (Israeli researchers come to California, and California researchers go to Israel), formulate broader plans for joint research efforts, and conduct research to generate initial pilot data. Pilot data that demonstrate the feasibility of novel research methods are often crucial in securing large follow-on grants.
Beginning in 2025, our program includes special grant supplements to support the participation of undergraduate student researchers in funded projects.
We fund research in the mathematical and physical sciences, biological sciences, engineering, agriculture and medicine.
Our program functions both as a cultural exchange and as an incubator of collaborative research.
Our program was founded in 2016. All administrative functions for the program are established at the UC Davis and UC Berkeley Offices of Research. We have established a financial home for the program at the Jewish Community Foundation of the West.
Campus Initiatives
Since 2017, we have completed 5 rounds of funding at UC Davis, where the program is facilitated by the Office of Research.
In spring, 2026, UC Berkeley will have its first call for proposals. We are grateful to local faculty and the UC Berkeley Office of Research for support in our first major expansion.
We are working to grow our program to all major research institutions throughout California
We are actively seeking academics who can help us facilitate new programs on their campuses throughout the state. Please be in touch with us if you would like to help expand our program to your university.
“This opportunity is fantastic both for the science and the cultural appreciation it supports.”
Dr. Magali Billen, Dept. of Earth and Planetary Sciences, UC Davis
“The California-Israel fund definitely got me started on a very fruitful and close collaboration with two Israeli institutions, and we are continuing to collaborate.”
Helen Dahlke, Dept. Land, Air and Water Resources, UC Davis
