Slingshot, an organization that engages young Jewish philanthropists to make a lasting impact, has announced its 2021 “10 to Watch” list that highlights young organizations and projects in North America that are responding to current and timely needs in the Jewish community and beyond. Slingshot is proud to announce the ten up-and-coming initiatives included in the list.
Dayenu: A Jewish Call to Climate Action
An inter-generational Jewish movement to confront the climate crisis with spiritual audacity and bold action.
GrowTorah
Developing environmental education and gardening programs for Orthodox communities.
JCC Harlem
Creating unique and diverse access points to Jewish and communal life for members of the Harlem community.
Jewish Youth Climate Movement
Empowering Jewish teens to organize for climate justice.
JQY Drop-In Center for LGBTQ Jewish Teens
A safe and free weekly space for LGBTQ teens and youth from Orthodox homes.
Lost Tribe Esports
Engaging teens in Jewish life and identity through digital media and the community of gaming.
The Elaine Breslow Institute at Beit T’Shuvah
Helping Jews overcome addiction and begin their healing journey.
Ta’amod: Stand Up!
Putting a stop to sexual harassment by developing cultures of safety, respect, and equity in Jewish institutions.
TischPDX: Unaffiliated Jewish Leadership Incubator
Bolstering the leadership of diverse Jewish leaders in Portland, Oregon.
Work At It
Helping at-risk Jewish youth live meaningful, productive lives.
TischPDX launched in May of 2018 to create an accessible environment for young people on the eastside of Portland who are excited about their Judaism but may not have grown up in a traditional Jewish home and are hungry for Jewish learning, Jewish culture and for new ways of being Jewish. Read more about TischPDX here.
“10 to Watch” builds on Slingshot’s history of showcasing innovative ideas and investing in positive change. Applicants must represent an organization or a project of an organization that: serves a North American audience, has been active in the field for a minimum of one year and a maximum of five years and offers a new, fresh idea to address a unique and relevant problem.
Slingshot received nearly 50 ‘10 to Watch’ applications, which were reviewed by a committee of young, Jewish philanthropists and foundation professionals with a diversity of backgrounds, life experiences, and areas of expertise. Applicants for the 2021 ‘10 to Watch’ list represented a diverse range of identities and hailed from across the country.
“This year’s ‘10 to Watch’ list highlights projects that are responding to unmet needs that have only intensified during the pandemic,” said Stefanie Rhodes, CEO of Slingshot. “We are featuring initiatives that are mobilizing Jewish leaders and community members to address a wide range of issues—including the climate crisis, at-risk Jewish youth, addiction and substance abuse, and sexual harassment and gender discrimination in Jewish workplaces.”
Over the next several months, Slingshot will feature content on the ‘10 to Watch’ organizations to offer a deeper look into their work. Additionally, Slingshot will be facilitating educational opportunities for young philanthropists to learn about how to fund these initiatives.
“The COVID crisis has made clear that innovation is essential for helping communities survive and thrive,” says Dena Verhoff, Co-Chair of Slingshot’s Board of Directors. “I’m thrilled that Slingshot is shining a spotlight on new organizations and projects that are meeting our current moment with purpose, clarity, and creative approaches to change.”
Learn about the featured organizations and projects featured in the 2021 ‘10 to Watch’ list here.
