The Harold Grinspoon Foundation, best known for their PJ Library program and the Grinspoon Institute for Jewish Philanthropy (GIJF), has joined JCC Association as a partner in a new national initiative to strengthen our day camps. Many of our JCC overnight camps have benefited from participation in the GIJF, in which the camps are assigned mentors to work with them in the areas of strategic planning, governance, fundraising and alumni outreach. The resident camps in GIJF are also invited to participate in matching grants programs, and since 2004, these GIJF camps have collectively raised over $6 million through the matching grants.
After the recent JCC Association Day Camp Study illustrated the potential for Jewish impact at JCC day camps, day camping has risen to the forefront of the conversation on Jewish continuity and investment. This exciting collaboration between JCC Association and The Grinspoon Foundation marks the first national initiative directed at day camping. The Grinspoon/JCCA Day Camp Project will match each participating camp with a mentor who will facilitate the development of a strategic plan, and in partnership with JCC Association, will support the camp in bringing the plan into action. The Project piloted last year in six communities, and will be expanded this winter to an additional 11 JCC day camps.
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