In the investment community, research reports known as Blackbooks are extremely well-regarded for their insight, objectivity and quality. Now, the Jewish Funders Network and The AVI CHAI Foundation are bringing the same rigorous lens to the world of philanthropy.

Called Greenbooks, they are designed as guides for investing intelligently in the Jewish community. They will also serve as the basis for Greenbook Salons, a series of JFN-led funder conversations about issues raised in the Greenbooks, which will take place in various communities.

Ruthie Rotenberg, Director of Peer Networks at the Jewish Funders Network, conceived the Greenbooks while a Mandel Jerusalem Fellow. She told eJP, “While each Greenbook will explore a different topic, all will:

• Be objective and thorough, featuring multiple approaches
• Grounded in practical considerations for funders
• Include concrete steps and ideas for discussion

Greenbooks are not a solution as much as they are a start, enabling funders to have better informed and more directed conversations, to more quickly assess and then tackle the issues that matter most to them – and to the broader Jewish community.”

The first Greenbook is “Jewish Day School Financial Sustainability and Affordability: A Guide for Funders,” by Daniel M. Held, a doctoral student at the Jewish Theological Seminary. It was reviewed by an advisory group of active day school funders.

The second Greenbook, to be released later in 2014, will focus on programs that work to strengthen Jewish life and identity in Israel. JFN plans to release two Greenbooks annually.

Visit www.jfunders.org/greenbooks to download this Greenbook or to purchase a copy.