[eJP note: This post, by Gidi Grinstein, was originally published on May 13, 2008, as part of a series on Philanthropy in Israel. With this year's Jewish Funders Network conference taking place in Israel, we thought it would be timely to rerun the series.] Can Jewish philanthropy be transformed? Among other things, the answer depends on the ability of the ‘heavy hitters’ of Diaspora Jewish philanthropy in Israel to join together in order to improve their standing in Israeli society and agree on a number of guiding principles for their operation. Success in doing so will be important for them, as well as for Israel and the Jewish world. A large portion of Diaspora Jewish philanthropic giving in Israel is from a small group of large givers. They are institutions, most prominently the large … Continue Reading
Using Starbucks as a Model for Jewish Philanthropy
by James Goldman What can the Jewish non-profit world learn from corporate coffee mavens? A lot. Starbucks is one of the most successful brands in history, and there are lessons that we use borrow from the barista bigwigs in managing successful nonprofit organizations. Segment your market smartly. Starbucks isn’t trying to please the Folgers crowd; they gear their marketing to the consumer willing and able to pay a premium price. It’s tempting in the nonprofit arena to try to please all of the people all of the time. The unfortunate reality is that we spend an inefficient amount of time trying to please everyone, and reach very few effectually. Everything emanates from the top. Hiring the right management team is integral to corporate success, and it’s integral to the success of your … Continue Reading
The Power of Narrative to Drive Change
[eJP note: The recent annual conference of the Jewish Funders Network presented a plenary, The Power of Narrative to Drive Change: How do you leverage action? Grantmakers can use the techniques of narrative, communications, and story to change the way people think about issues, inspire and draw more people to the cause they champion, and change the ground. Whether it’s done by speaking through grantees or working directly to change the narrative around an issue, this panel of communications experts and foundation and nonprofit leaders explore the possibilities. In a previous posting, Show and Tell: 4 Principles of Effective Storytelling, Lisa Eisen spoke of stories and how "These narratives have guided our work to inspire young people to connect with our community and been a vital tool in … Continue Reading
Show and Tell: 4 Principles of Effective Storytelling
by Lisa Eisen Adapted from the author’s remarks during the 2011 Jewish Funders Network Plenary: The Power of Narrative to Drive Change It all started on a blind date in 1961. He was an hour and a half late. She was getting ready to leave when he finally showed up. Less than a year later, they were married. He was a risk taker by nature, she a caretaker, and this unique combination was the hallmark of their lives together. She supported his gamble on drilling wells. He was in awe of how much she gave to those around her - from the tiniest victims of abuse and neglect who she accompanied to court, to her children and grandchildren, to him in later years when he was diagnosed with an illness that would eventually cut his life short. When they were blessed with abundance, they established a … Continue Reading
Social Change Through Philanthropic Collaboration
by Jay Ruderman All of us involved in philanthropy want to have a positive impact on the world. Indeed, it is an obligation to make that effort with energy and dedication instead of passively engaging in Tzedaka alone. But what is the best way to affect positive change beyond merely writing checks? For many generations the model of successful philanthropy in the Jewish world was that of the Macher. You built your wealth. You started a foundation. You made grants to hospitals and schools. And you got other machers to support your pet projects in exchange for your support of theirs. That model was actually pretty successful for many decades, and it produced many worthwhile results. But it’s not a model suited to today’s world. The trend in philanthropy is toward collaboration: pooling … Continue Reading
Jewish Funders Network Announces New President
The Jewish Funders Network has identified Andres Spokoiny as their choice as the future President and CEO of JFN. His employment is contingent on his receiving a visa that will allow him to work in the U.S., and the organization is confident this will happen in a timely fashion. Andres is a native of Argentina. He has a multidisciplinary background that includes Business, Education and Rabbinical studies, and he worked across Europe for the JDC for more than a decade. In his current position, he serves as the CEO of the Federation CJA in Montreal. In announcing the choice, Murray Galinson, JFN board chair said, "We believe Andres is exceptionally qualified to lead JFN, especially at this time. As our Network undergoes a global expansion, Jewish philanthropy is in the throes of enormous … Continue Reading
Six Key Trends Transforming Jewish Philanthropy
by Lisa Eisen Just over a year ago, in the wake of severe economic dislocation affecting donors and nonprofits alike, I wrote an article in Philanthropy News Digest exploring how philanthropists and foundations can give effectively in challenging times. Today, with the benefit of hindsight and a slowly rebounding economy, it is clear that while the financial crisis had a painful impact on giving, it did not provoke an abrupt reversal of course. Rather, it accelerated tectonic shifts already well under way in philanthropy. The Jewish philanthropic environment was and is no exception. As we begin to emerge from the dark days of 2008 and 2009 amidst predictions that foundation giving is poised for modest growth in 2011, several trends are having a transformative effect on Jewish philanthropy. … Continue Reading
We are at an Important Moment in Special Needs Advocacy
by Jay Ruderman I’ve traveled from my home in Israel to L.A. this week to attend the North American Jewish Day School Conference, the foremost gathering for day school professionals across the many modes and denominations of Judaism. It was well worth the trouble. Sponsored by the Solomon Schechter Day School Association, RAVSAK: The Jewish Community Day School Network, the Institute for University-School Partnership at Yeshiva University, and PARDeS: The Progressive Association of Reform Day Schools, this conference, now in its second year, has embraced an important agenda-setting role by making special needs education a priority item. The focus on special needs at the North American Jewish Day School Conference is one more indication that a consensus is forming among Jewish educators, … Continue Reading
Funders Unite to Launch Special Needs and Disabilities Network
The Jewish Funders Network has announced the formation of a peer network of funders dedicated to elevating special needs and disability advocacy in the Jewish community. The network is a 2 year initiative funded by the partners and administered by the Jewish Funders Network. An outgrowth of ADVANCE, the October 2010 conference on special needs held by The Ruderman Family Foundation, JFN, Jewish Federations of North America and Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston, the network’s goal is to assess the current state of funding of special needs programs in the Jewish community, identify successes that can be duplicated on a larger scale, and bring attention to underserved areas that would benefit from additional funding. The network will feature a dedicated staff director, whose … Continue Reading
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