Foundation for Jewish Camp Announces New $15 Million Grant from The Gottesman Fund
Funding will support capital expansion projects for Jewish camps
CHICAGO — At its 10th biennial Leaders Assembly in Chicago featuring a record of nearly 950 attendees, Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC) announced $15 million in new funding for its network of over 300 day and overnight camps from The Gottesman Fund to support capital expansion projects and field growth.
“For decades, Jewish camps have helped young people explore their Jewish identity, learn about Israel, develop their character, and make lifelong friends,” said Jeremy J. Fingerman, CEO of Foundation for Jewish Camp. “This new funding will facilitate field growth and enable camps to boost enrollment at a time when so many are seeking positive Jewish experiences and Jewish camp is playing an even more important role. We’re incredibly grateful to The Gottesman Fund for their generosity.”
Enrollment this past summer exceeded pre-pandemic highs, with nearly 190,000 young people attending a day or overnight camp across North America. While serving as a testament to the field’s recovery, high enrollment is stretching camps’ current infrastructure. FJC estimates that at least a quarter of its camps are operating at or near full capacity. Many have been developing plans to increase their ability to serve more young people, and additional support will be essential in helping them carry out these plans.
“One of our top priorities is enhancing and perpetuating Jewish life in the United States — and it’s hard to think of an experience that’s more formative for young Jews than camp,” said Diane Eidman, Director at The Gottesman Fund. “We’re thrilled to partner with Foundation for Jewish Camp to offer funding for capital improvement projects so that camps can enroll more campers, hire more staff, and deliver higher-quality experiences to every member of the community.”
With the generous support of The Gottesman Fund, FJC will be able to offer $15 million in funding for capital expansion projects through 2027, with individual grants of up to $750,000 per camp to cover up to 50% of the total project cost. The funding will focus on three areas where day and overnight camps have expressed their most pressing needs: approximately $5 million for staff and family housing to increase staff retention, approximately $7 million for program spaces to modernize infrastructure and bolster climate resilience, and approximately $3 million for camper bunks and home bases to increase capacity.
“This summer and beyond, we’re committed to ensuring that every camp has the resources they need to provide fun, safe, and meaningful experiences for tens of thousands of young Jews,” said Jamie Simon, FJC’s Chief Program and Strategy Officer. “We’re excited to share this opportunity from The Gottesman Fund for new staff housing, program spaces, and camper bunks with such a large group of diverse leaders at this year’s Leaders Assembly.”
About Foundation for Jewish Camp
FJC advocates for over 300 day and overnight camps that provide nearly 190,000 campers and counselors each summer with a meaningful, personal, and lifelong connection to Judaism. FJC is the only public 501(c)(3) charitable organization solely focused on Jewish camp. jewishcamp.org
About The Gottesman Fund
Founded in 1965, The Gottesman Fund is managed by members of the Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman family and is dedicated to enhancing and perpetuating Jewish life in the United States, providing significant support to domestic medical, educational, and cultural institutions, and supporting projects in Israel which improve the quality of life for its visitors and residents.
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