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Staying on Track with Thomas the Train™ |
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By Eric Phelps
Director
As many of you know, the seeds of several projects were planted in the spring and summer. This fall, they came to fruition. We are delighted to be accepting new applications from Jewish overnight camps throughout North America to become the fifth cohort of Grinspoon affiliates. We are also launching the JCCA Day & Overnight Camps Pilot. Representatives from six communities and nine organizations are convening in New York City to begin work that will continue throughout the coming year. These participants include:
- The Mandel JCC of Cleveland
- Samuel Field Y
- Betty & Milton Katz JCC of Cherry Hill
- JCC of Northern Virginia
- NJY Camps (& JCC of Central NJ, Shimon & Sara Birnbaum JCC in Bridgewater, JCC Princeton Mercer Bucks)
- Camp Livingston (& The Manuel D. & Rhoda Mayerson JCC)
In addition, we are now accepting applications for both the 2011 Grinspoon Institute Fundraiser's Training (GIFT) program and the next cohort of the Camp Legacy Initiative.
Read on to find out how Thomas the Train illustrates the importance of integrating fundraising into the strategy of the entire organization.
Shalom,
Eric |
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Staying on Track with Thomas the Train™ |
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By Eric Phelps
Director
My three-year-old son Elijah is obsessed with Thomas the Train. Thomas is the cheeky steam train engine that gets into a lot of trouble while working with a team of fellow engines and other cars with characteristically British names.
Recently, Elijah held up the green coal car and said, "Daddy, Daddy - where is Henry?" I said, "Well, I don't know - but you have his coal tender in your hand. Why don't you play with that?" My son then replied, "Noooooo...Daddy, a coal car's no good without an engine." I thought for a second and said, "You're right. And an engine is no good without a coal car."
Read on to find out what this can teach us about how nonprofit organizations can stay on track... |
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GIFT Program Launches Its Second Year - Apply Now! |
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GIFT participants talk over lunch at the April 2010 kick-off event held at the home of Harold Grinspoon in Longmeadow, Mass. | Last spring, sixteen individuals from camps around the US and Canada helped launch the Grinspoon Institute Fundraiser's Training (GIFT). Raising money is at the forefront of the GIFT program, and participants take on a Breakthrough Project designed to accelerate the fundraising success of their camps. Some of the projects this year included establishing a new alumni society, enhancing board involvement in fundraising, and a number of specific campaigns.
One of the highlights of the program, according to participants, is involvement in a community of practice. "We hear time and time again what value there is working with peers who are experiencing similar struggles, and who have found innovative ideas and solutions to their challenges," says Laurie Herrick, who co-leads and created the GIFT Program with fellow Grinspoon Institute Mentor Jill Paul.
The second year of GIFT is about to begin. This year's program runs one year starting in January 2011. The course consists of a schedule of highly interactive online and face-to-face learning opportunities, monthly small group calls, and homework assignments and readings. Participants will be actively engaged in developing and executing Breakthrough Projects, professional development plans, and organizational fundraising plans. They will leave with the understanding and skills to help transform their camp into one with a strong culture of philanthropy that permeates their organization. Click here to find the curriculum, application timeline, and online application form on our website.
APPLICATIONS ARE DUE DECEMBER 6th, 2010. |
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Apply Now for 2011-2013 Camp Legacy Initiative! |
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The Grinspoon Institute for Jewish Philanthropy, in cooperation with the San Diego Jewish Community Foundation (JCF), launched a pilot legacy giving program in 2008 to train teams at selected camps to attract bequests gifts for endowment purposes. Six camps are near completion of their third year goals, thirteen camps are in the midst of their second year and twelve camps are launching their new program. By the end of 2010, these 31 camps will have an estimated 1500 individuals and families who have made future legacy pledges collectively valued at $40 Million.
The 2011-2013 three year program comprises the following activities:
- Coaching and training of lay and staff leadership teams on planned giving tools and solicitation approaches
- Helping camps create a legacy giving action plan and set goals
- Providing sources for educational information; assistance with marketing and outreach
- Providing two $10,000 and one $5,000 incentive grants upon completion of mutually agreed upon number of donor conversations and donor legacy pledges per year
- Providing travel stipends of $1,000 per training per camp legacy team to attend trainings
Please review the Camp Legacy Initiative page on our website for a description of the program and to download a program application.
APPLICATIONS ARE DUE DECEMBER 6th, 2010.
For additional information, there will be an informational session at the Grinspoon Institute Conference on Monday, November 22nd. You can also contact David Sharken (david@hgf.org or 413-297-5500). |
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Is Your Website Delivering Your Camp's Mission? |
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By Kevin Martone
Technology Program Manager
Recent national research on synagogue websites found them sadly lacking in their ability to deliver on the core missions of synagogues to effectively engage members and build Jewish community. Here at the Grinspoon Institute we've been considering how the websites of Jewish camps measure up. What have we learned so far? While Jewish camps' websites and other online efforts are faring better than the typical synagogue in meeting their mission, there is lots of room for improvement. Read on to learn how camps can better position their website and online activities to deliver their mission. |
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