Third Annual “Slingshot” Guidebook Names 50 Most Innovative Jewish Nonprofits in America
(New York, NY) – October 8, 2007 – Canfei Nesharim has been named one of North America’s most innovative Jewish nonprofits in Slingshot ‘07-‘08. Compiled and published by 21/64, a division of The Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies, the annual guidebook features programs, organizations, and leaders that take innovative approaches to addressing age-old concerns of identity and community in Jewish life today. Each year, 50 of the most innovative organizations from the U.S. and Canada make the cut after an extensive evaluation process overseen by 25 foundation professionals.
Canfei Nesharim provides Torah-based resources about the importance of protecting the environment to synagogues, schools, rabbis, and community leaders to engage the Jewish community, particularly focusing on the Orthodox community, to learn and take action to protect our children and our world. In the last four years, Canfei Nesharim has reached tens of thousands of Jews through our holiday campaigns, web-based resources, and community Shabbaton conferences.
“We feel so proud to be selected for the Slingshot guidebook,” said Evonne Marzouk, Executive Director of Canfei Nesharim. “This recognition exposes us to a community of funders who are seeking innovative and important partners for their commitments, which will be very valuable as expand our efforts to reach the community.”
Canfei Nesharim was selected by a group of twenty-five foundation professionals from hundreds of nominees. All nominees were evaluated based on programmatic innovation, community impact, leadership and organizational efficiency. Each of the organizations selected for this year’s book offer valuable programs and projects with original perspectives and strategies for engaging young American Jews.
“The organizations listed in Slingshot ‘07-‘08 are among the most forward thinking and innovative that North America has to offer,” said Sharna Goldseker, director of 21/64 and vice president of The Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies. “By shining the spotlight on their creative work, Slingshot gives undercapitalized nonprofits due recognition for their achievements. Furthermore, it exposes the 50 nonprofits to potential funders who possess the means and desire to invest in their futures and that of the Jewish community.”
Slingshot ‘07-‘08 will be unveiled at a launch event in Manhattan on October 9. In addition to the book release, a group of young funders who started a Slingshot Fund, will announce their inaugural grant recipients. The Fund, which is inspired by the Slingshot guidebook, will be used to support organizations and projects named in Slingshot each year.
About Slingshot
Slingshot was conceived of as a guidebook for Jewish funders seeking to diversify their giving portfolios with the most innovative and effective organizations and programs in North America. In its third edition, Slingshot has proven to be a catalyst for next generation funding and offers a telling snapshot of shifting trends in North America’s Jewish community. The book, published annually, is available in hard copy and as a free download at Slingshot .
About 21/64
21/64 is a non-profit consulting division of The Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies. Based in New York, it offers services to individuals, families, businesses, foundations and federations in times of generational transition – including consultation, resource materials, networks and communication vehicles. 21/64 specializes in a multigenerational approach to philanthropy. In this era, when there are four generations above the age of 21 around corporate and philanthropic tables, multiple generations must learn to understand each others’ “generational personalities,” motivational values, and visions. 21/64 facilitates the process of values clarification, strategic visioning and communicating to help multigenerational families define and achieve their individual and collective goals.
About Canfei Nesharim
Canfei Nesharim is dedicated to educating about the importance of protecting the environment from the perspective of Torah and Jewish law. Canfei Nesharim provides a Torah Commentary series with a weekly environmental teaching; a web-based resource library with articles, actions, and eco-friendly products; and holiday programs for Tu b’Shevat and Sukkot. Visit our website at Canfei Nesharim.