Scaling Impact Grants
Foundation for Jewish Camp’s Scaling Impact Grants offer up to $40,000 to support innovative projects that elevate Jewish camp experiences. Inspired by the 2024 Leaders Assembly theme, Scaling New Heights, these grants aim to empower camps—both day and overnight—to pilot transformative ideas over two summers (2025 and 2026). Successful projects will have the potential to be scaled across the field, strengthening the broader Jewish camp ecosystem.
Eligibility
- Camps must be in good standing with FJC and meet network criteria.
- Participation in CSI and SSI for summers 2025 and 2026 (at the camp’s expense).
- Willingness to share findings with the field and present at Leaders Assembly 2026.
Timeline & Proposal Submission
Timeline & Application
- February 15, 2025: Final proposals due.
- March 2025: Notification of selected camps.
- Summer 2025: Pilot initiatives or data collection phase.
- Summer 2026: Full implementation.
- Fall 2026: Final report with evaluation and impact.
Proposal
Submit a narrative proposal of no more than four pages addressing one of these major themes:
- Belonging: In a world that increasingly values connection and community, how can your camp better support campers, staff, and families in fostering a sense of belonging? Consider topics such as mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health (MESSH), inclusivity of underserved populations, and promoting positive character development.
- Leadership: As leadership continues to evolve, what will it take to guide your camp into the future? How can you, or your camp as a whole, develop the skills and strategies necessary to lead effectively? How can your camp cultivate leaders who are equipped to meet the challenges of today while inspiring meaningful change?
- Jewish Joy and Identity: Now more than ever, strengthening Jewish joy and identity is essential. Jewish camps have a unique ability to foster joy, resilience, and a deep connection to Jewish life. How can your camp expand its impact—whether during the summer or year-round—to amplify Jewish joy? How can your camp serve as a beacon of Jewish life and resilience, even in challenging times?
Application Process
Camps must submit a narrative proposal of no more than four pages which includes the following:
- Which theme you are choosing to address
- A description of the concept or idea to drive change and innovation in that thematic area
- A list of clear goals/outcomes for the pilot
- Clearly articulate what success will look like and the metrics by which you will be able to measure progress
In addition to the narrative, camps should submit the following attachments:
- General Timeline: clearly articulating what will be rolled out for summer 2025 and then the process for iterating, expanding for summer 2026 (recognizing you will use learnings from one summer to adapt and change for summer 2026)
- Detailed Budget: please indicate if your camp will be contributing additional funds.
- Program Management: who will be leading this initiative and who will be supporting the work.
- 2 years of audited financials and 990s (if applicable)
- ACA accreditation or the Canadian equivalent
- Background of full time, year-round professional leadership
The deadline to submit proposals for Scaling Impact Grants has passed, and we are no longer accepting applications. If you have questions please contact Julie Finkelstein at julie@jewishcamp.org.