Greenbook: Funding Jewish Overnight Camp

In the investment community, research reports known as Blackbooks are extremely well-regarded for their insight, objectivity, and quality. The Jewish Funders Network has now brought the same rigorous lens to the world of philanthropy. We call them ‘Greenbooks.’ Think of them as guides for investing intelligently in the Jewish community. They also serve as the basis for Greenbook Salons, a series of JFN-led funder conversations about issues raised in each guide, which take place in various communities across the country and world. Greenbooks are topical, user-friendly research reports for funders, published by JFN. Each volume highlights a challenge facing the Jewish community, maps out the background and current status, and details a wide range of funding approaches to solving the problem. 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. Greenbooks are dispassionate and thorough, and feature multiple approaches for funders to consider. Greenbook Volume 4 aims to inform the vital conversation about the role of Jewish overnight camps in fostering Jewish identity and commitment. To do so, the book offers funders: A survey of past, present and possible initiatives that aim to extend the reach and effectiveness of Jewish overnight camps. A catalyst to the sharing of innovative ideas with other funders, lay leaders and practitioners. A menu of opportunities to leverage investments in the field of Jewish overnight camps; and Links and citations to other resources, further information and deeper research. We are extremely grateful to Tali and Sender Cohen who have funded this Greenbook in memory of Getzel Cohen (z”l) who cherished his camp experience, which proved formative for his Jewish identity.

Download: Final JFN Greenbook on Jewish Camping