Why Jewish Camp?
Foundation for Jewish Camp invests in young people because they are the Jewish future.
Study after study confirms that Jewish summer camp remains one of the most effective tools for changing lives – providing opportunities for individual growth, building community, and strengthening connections to Judaism, the Jewish people, and Israel. Simply stated, Jewish camp works!
Foundation for Jewish Camp’s singular mission is to grow, support, and strengthen the Jewish camp movement, so camps can deliver the best possible experience for their campers, staff, and families.
"Foundation for Jewish Camp, founded in 1998, is regarded as one of the great success stories of American Jewish philanthropy."— JACK WERTHEIMER, Giving Jewish—How Big Funders Have Transformed American Jewish Philanthropy
25 Years of Impact
Prior to the creation of Foundation for Jewish Camp by Elisa Spungen Bildner and Robert Bildner in 1998, there was no organization dedicated solely to expanding the reach of Jewish camp and deepening its impact.
Today, we remain the only nonprofit whose singular mission is to grow, support and strengthen the Jewish camp movement. We leverage more than $15 million of philanthropic giving annually to scale programs and resources that benefit more than 300 Jewish day and overnight camps across North America.
Impact-At-A-Glance
first-time camper incentive grants awarded
in grants distributed to camps over past five years
unique grants awarded to 250+ organizations since 1998
seasonal staff & year-round professionals trained
How Do We Keep Jewish Camps Thriving?
Foundation for Jewish Camp works with Jewish camps and summer experiences from all streams of Jewish belief and practice to promote excellence in their management, programs, and enrollment by providing thought leadership, professional development, funding, research, data, and inspiring innovation.
With decades of experience, we are the central advocate and resource for Jewish camp to thrive – and when times are tough – survive. With your partnership, we help Jewish camps access untapped funds and resources that would otherwise go unrealized and deliver the best possible Jewish experience for every family.
Why is Jewish Camp the Path to a Better Jewish Future?
93% of camper families report that camp made their child feel part of the larger Jewish community and peoplehood.*
Jewish summer camp is an enduring and irreplaceable rite of passage for 180,000 youth, teens, and young adults each summer. There, generations of children have created cherished memories, formed lifelong friendships, and deepened connections to their Jewish community. At camp, everyone is an active part of creating a more ideal world—one based in Jewish values with an emphasis on personal growth and communal responsibility. These immersive, transformative spaces offer campers and staff a sense of belonging and pride in their Jewish identity.
*according to data collected from over 9,000 overnight camper families in response to FJC’s 2023 Camper Satisfaction Insights survey
Our Values
ערבות | Areyvut
We collaborate with trust, teamwork, and consideration.
מצוינות | Metzuyanut
We set high standards and deliver with accountability and integrity.
שמחה | Simcha
We bring presence, passion, humor, and authenticity to our work.
זריזות | Zerizut
We collaborate with trust, teamwork, and consideration.
אחריות | Achrayut
We commit to each other and embrace diverse, equitable, inclusive, and safe communities.
דמיון | Dimyon
We look at the world with wonder and curiosity and see potential for creative approaches and responses.
Working Together to Ensure the Jewish Future
FJC is the rising tide that lifts all Jewish camps. We maximize your financial support to impact over 180,000 campers and summer staff and nearly 2,000 professionals. With your partnership, we help Jewish camps access untapped funds and resources that would otherwise go unrealized.
Ways to Give