COMMUNITY PLANNING AND INNOVATION

Connecting innovative community programs of the future to the funding they need now to emerge and flourish, paving the way for a more vibrant Jewish future in San Diego.

As global Jewish populations level off and the modern world provides growing distractions, institutions in the Jewish community find it more difficult to engage unaffiliated Jews of all ages.

Rekindling the Jewish tradition of innovation is key to helping many small community organizations find new and effective ways to reach Jews at different stages of their lives. Times are tough, and it can be difficult for even an excellent idea to get the backing needed to blossom into a highly effective, sustainable program.

The Jewish Federation of San Diego County's Community Planning & Innovation Center has developed a Community Innovation Fund that provides essential financial and technical support in the early developmental stages of these innovative nonprofits. Through these projects we, as a community, are finding new ways to engage and energize the Jewish community in San Diego, particularly unaffiliated Jews who have not yet been inspired to participate in traditional programs.

The first round of funding has been a tremendous success, with programs achieving excellent results.

Moishe House San Diego has developed into a strong community presence for young Jewish adults in San Diego, involving more than 1,500 people in 60+ programs in just its first year.

One Happy Camper, a partner project with the National Foundation for Jewish Camp, has raised more than $80,000, making it possible for more than 120 San Diego youth to attend overnight Jewish camp for the first time.

2010-2011 Community Innovation Grantees

The Anti-Defamation League's I-Pitch for Israel program provides students practical skills and tools to enhance their Israel advocacy skills, empowering them to responsibly confront anti-Semitism on campuses.

Pathways and Beyond, provides a new access point to Jewish life for unaffiliated, intermarried San Diego families through creative Jewish education and an emphasis on building community.

Chabad of SDSU's Jewish Discovery Expo targets young people ages 20-35 with workshops combining modern technology with ancient Jewish rituals and traditions, deepening connections to Israel.

G'mach - Jewish Gift Closet gathers unwanted items from the Jewish community, along with donated money and services, to redistribute to those in need. This includes an “emergency fund” for food, gas, medicine and other basic needs.

Tarbuton, an Israeli Cultural Center, focuses programs on Israeli culture and Hebrew, building a vibrant, active Jewish community while collaborating with synagogues, camps, Israeli Scouts and other groups.

Chesed Home, by Hope Village San Diego, provides a supportive living environment that espouses Jewish values, helping residents develop a sense of connectedness to the Jewish community and bringing families comfort and security.

San Diego Jewish Academy's Books to Share program sends Hebrew books that the Academy no longer needs to children and adults in the Transcarpathian region of the Ukraine, forging community connections.

Congregation Beth El's Shabbat Vibes offers Jewish young adults fun, educational and social Shabbat evening services in a modern and informal concert setting.

The Jewish Genetic Disease Prevention Awareness Project from Victor Center seeks to increase awareness of 19 screenable diseases affecting Ashkenazi Jews and develop strategies to manage them.

The Friendship Circle of San Diego's Friends@Home program connects Jewish teens with special needs children for organized play dates coupled with learning activities.