Slingshot, an organization that engages young Jewish philanthropists to make lasting impact, has announced its inaugural “10 to Watch” list highlighting young organizations and projects in North America that are responding to current and timely needs.

“10 to Watch” builds on Slingshot’s history of showcasing innovative ideas and investing in positive change. But unlike The Slingshot Guide – a former signature project – the criteria for “10 to Watch” applicants is more narrowly defined. Applicants must represent an organization or a project of an organization that: serves a North American audience, has been actively in the field for a minimum of one year and a maximum of five years and offers a new, fresh idea for addressing a unique and relevant problem.

Slingshot received nearly 50 ‘10 to Watch’ applications, which were reviewed by a committee comprised of young, Jewish philanthropists and foundation professionals with a diversity of backgrounds, life experiences, and expertise.

“We’re thrilled that this list features up-and-coming initiatives that are worthy of meaningful investments,” said Stefanie Rhodes, CEO of Slingshot. “These initiatives are engaging a diverse array of people and communities – including interfaith families, LGBTQ people, Jews of color, and Jews who live in rural areas – that have been historically underserved in Jewish life. We hope ‘10 to Watch’ will inspire the philanthropic community to invest in these new projects by offering them greater capacity to grow and thrive.”

Over the next several months, Slingshot will feature content on the ‘10 to Watch’ organizations to offer a deeper look into their work. Additionally, Slingshot will be facilitating educational opportunities for young philanthropists to learn about how to fund these initiatives.

“At a time in which people of all ages are grappling with the dynamics of power, privilege, and money, I believe that building the Jewish future requires investing in initiatives that can open up new possibilities for Jews to live meaningful lives,” said Coby Lerner, Chair of Slingshot’s Board of Directors. “I’m thrilled that Slingshot’s inaugural ‘10 to Watch’ list is providing a new pathway for how philanthropists can nurture growth and innovation in the Jewish community and beyond.”

Learn about the organizations and projects featured in the 2020 ‘10 to Watch’ list here.

• At The Well
• Center for Small Town Jewish Life
• Honeymoon Israel
• Jews of Color Field Building Initiative
• Sacred Spaces
• Sketchpad
• Svara Teaching Kollel
• The Jewish Early Childhood Collaborative
• The Well
• Together We Remember