Grantmaking
The Foundation's strategic philanthropy is guided by its Road Map. We invite you to click here for a downloadable version that includes the full commentary in its original layout (inspired by a page of Talmud). Or review the interactive version below by rolling over the purple text to reveal the commentary.
Road Map
The Foundation invests in initiatives, often through multi-year grants, that support Jewish learning experiences for young Jews at key inflection points in life. In particular, the Foundation solicits grants designed for long-term, large-scale effectiveness and sustainability. The Foundation also invests in research and development to catalyze ground-breaking forms of Jewish learning and expression. Two core assumptions inform the Foundation’s grantmaking today:
Core
Assumptions
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Through investing in Jewish learning experiences, we can help individuals identify new ways to enhance their lives, strengthen their families and communities, and contribute to a better world.
Strategic Priorities
The Foundation's strategic priorities guide its grantmaking.
Powerful Jewish Learning Experiences: Strengthen and grow Jewish learning through investing in program models proven to have deep and enduring effects on participants
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Exceptional Jewish Leaders & Educators: Invest in training and developing dynamic, pioneering leaders and educators who are attuned to the needs of young people today
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R&D for the Future of Jewish Learning: Catalyze development of ground-breaking forms of Jewish learning and expression by investing in R&D operations, new ideas, and creative partnerships
Learn MoreJewish Learning
Effective and compelling Jewish learning experiences continually evolve with the emergence of new approaches for learning, new forms of Jewish expression, and the rediscovery of Jewish traditions and teachings that resonate in modern times.
Judaism helps individuals find connection, meaning, and purpose. These three complementary needs address our innate human desires to be in relationship with one another, to understand ourselves and what matters to us, and to make our own unique contributions to the world.
Young people often seek experiences of meaning and authenticity. While some forms of effective and compelling Jewish learning can be self-guided, it most often occurs in community with others who they know and trust. Trained leaders and educators—whether professionals, volunteers, mentors or peers—generally play a central role in designing and facilitating these kinds of experiences.
Jewish learning can be especially relevant to young people as they navigate through key inflection points in their lives–from passages to adulthood, to early parenthood, to lifecycle moments, to moments of "seeking" spirituality or wellness.
Long-Term Outcomes
The Foundation’s timeframe for achieving its long-term outcomes is ten years.
- Culture. Throughout the field of Jewish education, a growing culture of excellence, risk-taking, and continuous listening and learning is infused into the values and practices of organizations, communities, and funders.
- Experiences. Modern manifestations of Jewish-inspired ideas, practices, and experiences emerge and gain widespread recognition for being essential to addressing the pressing needs of young people at key inflection points in their lives.
- Talent. Increased numbers of dynamic, pioneering Jewish leaders and educators are the driving force behind Jewish learning experiences that inspire young people throughout their lives.
- Learners. A more diverse and growing number of young Jews, their families, and their friends are participating in powerful Jewish learning experiences that inspire them to lead more connected, meaningful, and purpose-filled lives.