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Foundation For Jewish Camp Inc

Annual Giving
$15.0M
Grant Range
$1K - $0.0M
Decision Time
2mo

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $15+ million leveraged annually
  • Total Grants Distributed (5 years): $40+ million to camps
  • Grant Range: $1,000 - $40,000 (varies by program)
  • Geographic Focus: United States (camps across North America)
  • Founded: 1998
  • First-Time Camper Grants Awarded: 125,000+ since inception

Contact Details

Address: 253 W 35th St Fl 4, New York, NY 10001

Phone: (646) 278-4500

Website: www.jewishcamp.org

One Happy Camper Inquiries: onehappycamper@jewishcamp.org

Online Applications: app.onehappycamper.org

Overview

Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC) was founded in 1998 by Elisa Spungen Bildner and Robert Bildner and is regarded as "one of the great success stories of American Jewish philanthropy." As the only nonprofit dedicated solely to expanding Jewish camp's reach and deepening its impact, FJC leverages over $15 million in philanthropic giving annually to scale programs and resources that benefit more than 300 Jewish day and overnight camps across North America. Over the past five years, FJC has distributed over $40 million in grants to camps and awarded 125,000 first-time camper incentive grants. The organization serves approximately 190,000 youth, teens, and young adults each summer and has trained 8,000 seasonal staff and year-round professionals. FJC's mission is to build a strong Jewish future through transformative Jewish summers, with a current strategic focus on integrating Jewish peoplehood into summer camps.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

One Happy Camper® Grants

  • Amount: Up to $1,500
  • Eligibility: First-time Jewish overnight camp attendees (minimum 12 consecutive days)
  • Application Method: Online at app.onehappycamper.org, rolling basis, first-come-first-served
  • Partnership: Works with 45+ Jewish federations and foundations, PJ Library, and 60+ camps
  • Impact: Nearly 84,000 children have attended camp through this program since inception
  • Note: Not need-based; can be combined with other financial aid

Small Communities Incentive Grants

  • Amount: Up to $1,500
  • Eligibility: New campers from communities with 10,000 or fewer Jewish residents
  • Note: Cannot be combined with One Happy Camper grants

Israeli American Camper Grants

  • Amount: Up to $1,500 for first summer, up to $1,000 for second summer
  • Geographic Focus: California, Oregon, Arizona, Colorado, Washington
  • Eligibility: Families with at least one Israeli-born parent

Russian Speaking Jewish (RSJ) Camper Grants

  • Eligibility: First- or second-time campers from families with at least one parent (or camper) born in former Soviet Union countries

Talent Innovation Grants (for camps)

  • Amount: $5,000 - $40,000
  • Recent Investment: Nearly $500,000 to 26 camps in 2022
  • Purpose: Piloting new recruitment ambassador programs, compensation structures, supervision training, staff morale initiatives

Specialty Camps Incubator & Day Camp Incubator

  • Purpose: Launch and support new Jewish camps
  • Support: Training in Jewish content, camp management, staff training, camp culture

Priority Areas

  • Camper acquisition and enrollment growth
  • Program excellence and camper retention
  • Leadership development for camp professionals
  • Community engagement and sustainability
  • Talent and leadership development for camp staff
  • Wellness and belonging initiatives
  • Jewish peoplehood integration
  • Networking and best practices sharing

What They Don't Fund

  • Children typically enrolled in Jewish day schools/yeshivas (for One Happy Camper grants)
  • Second-time campers (except for specific programs like Israeli American grants)
  • Day camp experiences under 12 consecutive days

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

Jamie Simon, CEO - Appointed as CEO effective July 15, 2025, Simon is the first woman to serve as CEO in FJC's 27-year history and the first leader to come from a camping background. She previously spent 17 years at Camp Tawonga Jewish Community Corporation in California, including six years as CEO. Simon describes listening as her "superpower" and leads with empathy, accountability, and belief in shared leadership.

Key Quote: "Jewish camp is key to the Jewish future... and I'm excited to continue FJC's important work to ensure that as many young people as possible can experience the transformative power of camp and so that camps have the resources they need to succeed."

Senior Staff

  • Rebecca Kahn - VP, Grantmaking and Funding
  • Julie Finkelstein - VP, Field Training & Professional Development
  • Briana Holtzman - VP, Network Engagement & Convening
  • Nila Rosen - VP, Learning & Research
  • Matt Levitt - VP, Finance & Operations
  • Liz Buetow - VP, Human Resources
  • Aimee Lerner - Marketing Director
  • Jenni Zeftel - Director, Programs

Board of Trustees

  • Elisa Spungen Bildner - Co-Chair, Board of Trustees (Co-Founder)
  • Robert Bildner - Co-Chair, Board of Trustees (Co-Founder)
  • Jeffrey M. Solomon - Chair, Board of Directors
  • Alison Goldstein Lebovitz - Vice President
  • Jeffrey Wolman - Vice President
  • Jeffery S. Tucker - Treasurer
  • Diane C. Zack - Secretary
  • Rabbi Rex Perlmeter - Assistant Secretary
  • Julie Beren Platt - Executive Committee Member at Large
  • Jim Heeger - Immediate Past Chair
  • Mark Silberman - Executive Committee Member at Large
  • Joel S. Arogeti - Board Member
  • Richard Biller - Board Member

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply (Family Camper Grants)

Step 1: Register Your Child at Camp First, register your child at an approved camp listed on FJC's website. Use FJC's Find a Camp tool to find a camp based on location, grade, and activities.

Step 2: Apply for the Grant Apply online at app.onehappycamper.org or through the relevant program portal. The system determines the best program based on zip code, grade, and school information provided.

Step 3: Funding Once camp registration is confirmed and the grant application approved, funds are paid directly to the camp as a tuition deduction.

Application Tracking: Return to the application log-in page and click "Check Application Status"

How to Apply (Camp Professional/Organizational Grants)

Grant opportunities for camps (such as Talent Innovation Grants and Incubator programs) are announced through FJC's communications channels and website at jewishcamp.org.

Decision Timeline

  • Grant Approval Notification: 4-8 weeks from application submission
  • Processing: Applications processed on first-come, first-served basis
  • Availability: Limited number of grants available

Success Rates

One Happy Camper Program: Since inception, nearly 84,000 children have received grants through this program. In 2023 alone, FJC contributed $3,304,490 in grants across 129 awards.

Reapplication Policy

  • Only one One Happy Camper grant per child allowed (lifetime limit)
  • Some programs (like Israeli American Camper Grants) allow reapplication for second summer with reduced grant amount
  • Unsuccessful applicants may contact local program providers for alternative options or apply to different programs for which they qualify

Application Success Factors

Key Strategies for Family Applicants:

  1. Apply Early: Grants are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis with limited availability. Early application significantly improves chances.

  2. Register at Camp First: Grant applications cannot be processed until camp registration is confirmed, so complete camp registration before applying for grants.

  3. Verify Eligibility: Ensure your child meets first-time camper requirements (minimum 12 consecutive days at overnight camp) and check local program provider for specific criteria.

  4. Explore Multiple Programs: Families may qualify for multiple programs (Small Communities, Israeli American, RSJ) - check all eligibility criteria.

  5. Combine with Other Aid: One Happy Camper grants are not need-based and can be combined with additional financial aid or scholarships from other sources.

For Camp Professional/Organizational Applicants:

  1. Innovation Focus: Talent Innovation Grants specifically support new approaches to recruitment, compensation, supervision training, and staff morale initiatives.

  2. Strategic Alignment: Demonstrate alignment with FJC's priority areas: camper acquisition, program excellence, leadership development, and community engagement.

  3. Jewish Peoplehood Integration: Current strategic plan emphasizes "enhancing, enriching and extending Jewish peoplehood" - applications should reflect this priority.

  4. Measurable Outcomes: FJC values data-driven approaches. Research shows 93% of camper families report camp helps children feel part of the larger Jewish community.

Impact Data That Matters:

FJC's own research shows that camp attendance increases adult Jewish participation across 13 measured areas, with particularly strong impacts on frequent activities like synagogue attendance (45% increase) and Shabbat candle lighting. Applications that demonstrate understanding of these long-term outcomes are well-positioned.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Act Fast: First-come, first-served model means early applications have better success rates - don't wait until summer approaches
  • Two Funding Streams: FJC offers both family/camper grants (majority of funding) and professional/camp organizational grants - ensure you're applying to the correct program
  • Strategic Focus on Peoplehood: Current leadership emphasizes Jewish peoplehood integration - applications should address how programs strengthen Jewish community connection
  • Data-Driven Organization: FJC conducts extensive research on camp outcomes; demonstrate familiarity with their impact metrics (93% community connection rate, 45% increase in adult engagement)
  • Partnership Model: FJC works through 45+ Jewish federations and foundations - connecting with local program providers can provide additional support and guidance
  • Not Need-Based: One Happy Camper grants are incentive grants, not scholarships - they aim to introduce families to Jewish camping regardless of financial situation
  • Leverage Multiple Sources: Families can combine FJC grants with other financial aid; camps can pursue multiple FJC programs simultaneously

References

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