Foundation for Jewish Camp has announced a four-year, $12 million grant of general operating support from the Jim Joseph Foundation.

Awarded as part of a $67 million fundraising campaign, the grant will buttress FJC’s ability to support the Jewish camp field in its continued recovery from the pandemic as well as the expansion and enhancement of immersive Jewish experiences for children, teens, and young adults. The immediate focus of FJC is to rebuild the pipelines of campers, counselors, and professionals; emphasize character development across several dimensions to drive mental, emotional, and social well-being; and continue to ensure the short- and long-term financial sustainability of camps in the system. By 2023, FJC anticipates returning to a variety of newer initiatives around adaptive talent, immersive learning, and field growth, supported by an environment of innovation, robust data, and research as well as expanding its footprint to regional offices as planned in 2019.

“We are beyond grateful to the Jim Joseph Foundation board and staff for its thought partnership, generosity, and all-around collaboration,” said FJC board chair Julie Platt. “This grant is an endorsement of the value FJC brings to the ecosystem of Jewish camp, the talent of FJC professional staff, and role FJC plays as the key intermediary for the field. As the world of Jewish camp continues to recover from the effects of the pandemic, FJC is here to support and guide the field as we navigate our way through this storm together. This grant strengthens FJC’s position and provides an initial runway for us to execute on our strategic plan and lead the field forward in a rapidly changing environment.”

(Photo credit: Foundation for Jewish Camp)