Jewish Federation invests $56,400 in Next Generation

jewish Federation of SD CountySAN DIEGO (Press Release)– The Jewish Federation of San Diego County’s NextGen program recently awarded seven local Jewish young adult organizations a total of $56,400 to encourage and inspire connection with our Jewish Community. Federation’s NexGen initiative aims to connect the estimated 20,000 San Diegan young adult Jews to their philanthropy, their heritage, and each other, by leveraging local efforts and programs, and inspiring Judaism on a level that speaks to them personally.

Grantee applications were reviewed by a committee of local philanthropists and Jewish community leadership and graded on the following metrics: uniqueness, scalability, leveraging of organizational partners, and quality of follow-up and retention plans.

The following grants were awarded:

Friendship Circle ($5800):  To expand Shabbat experiences to Friendship Circle families that have not been included in the past.  An inclusion educational training will be developed for typical participants to help make sure Friendship Circle families feel more included. Anticipated reach: 200-400 individuals

CJC In the Mix ($10,000):  To create a series of art pop ups throughout San Diego.  Anticipated reach:  450 individuals.

Jewish Family Service ($2,100):  To expand volunteer opportunities to young adults on a consistent basis.  The goal will be to reach out to this audience in new ways, which has been lacking over the years.  Anticipated reach:  90 individuals.

NCSY ($10,000):  To adapt their multi-media theatrical presentation for a young adult audience.   Anticipated reach:  150 for the show, with exponential impact.

Tarbuton ($10,000): To build a young adult American-Israeli program in collaboration with several key partners.  Large-scale events will take place along with smaller.
Anticipated reach:  800 individuals.

Chai Group ($8,500):  To launch “Judaism:  Inside Out,” a series of meaningful Jewish conversations held in creative spaces with amazing speakers.
Anticipated reach: 200 individuals.

Hillel of San Diego ($10,000):  To focus on building the bridge between the senior year of college and post-college—a series of programs in partnership with NextGen groups to get outgoing students connected beyond Hillel. Anticipated reach:  400 individuals.

“Federation’s new NextGen initiative aims to engage more than 5,000 Jewish young adults in the next five years.  These innovative grants will connect young adults to Judaism and philanthropy in a way that’s personal and tailored to them,” commented Carly Ezell, senior NextGen manager For more information about this program contact Carly Ezell, Senior NextGen Manager at 858.737.7128 or carlye@jewishfederationsandiego.org.*

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Preceding provided by Jewish Federation of San Diego County