28 September 2010

Foundation search is a low cost alternative!

In recent weeks, several organizations have contracted with us to perform a foundation search. One such group was Lamitnadev of Beit Shemesh, an organization that strives to encourage and strengthen the value of volunteering and social involvement of the residents in their communities.

A foundation search is a low cost alternative to having us prepare a strategic plan or writing a full proposal. While in general we advise clients to work on a plan which will enable them to free themselves from foundation funding, there are situations in which organizations want specifically this data:

  • Often an NPO will have on staff someone whose responsibility includes fundraising. Therefore they have no need for an outside organization to write up a proposal or LOI. A foundation search gives them the data they need to develop new resources (apart from their existing donors).
  • Many organizations run on a shoe string budget. Whatever resources they have goes to programming. An organization like this can take the data that we provide, turn it over to a volunteer responsible for resource development, and have that person make applications to foundations.

When we perform a foundation search, we provide a great deal of data. You receive the names of all the pertinent foundations in order of priority, all their contact information, details of the projects they support, application guidelines, limitations and deadlines, trustees and key contacts. Where applicable we will also include our insider information about the foundations.

You can read here more about this service and how it can help your group in its effort to develop new resources.

Visit our website for information about all our services.


27 September 2010

על החרדים, הצבא ושוק העבודה

ישנם שני נושאים אשר הינם באופן קבוע על סדר היום בחברה הישראלית במשך שנים והם: שרותם של בחורים חרדים בצה"ל ומעורבות גברים חרדים בשוק העבודה. פרויקט "שחר" מספקת פתרון לשתי הבעיות הללו בדרך אשר תועיל לכל הצדדים המעורבים.

פרויקט "שחר" מנוהלת ע"י אחד מלקוחותינו, ארגון עמינדב - אחד ממפעילי "שירות לאומי".

התוכנית ממומנת ע"י הג'וינט וצה"ל ומספקת מסגרת עבור בחורים חרדים הלומדים בישיבות בכדי שיוכלו להצטרף לצבא בדרך מתאימה לאורח חייהם.
הבחורים משרתים ביחידות העורף של צה"ל (לדוגמא יחידת מחשבים או מודיעין צבאי), ומקבלים הכשרה מקצועית במגוון תחומים שיאפשרו להם להצטרף לשוק העבודה. למעשה, כ- 90% מהחיילים מוצאים עבודה בתחום ההכשרה שלהם לאחר שחרורם מצה"ל.

לאחרונה, ארגון הג'וינט החליט לשלש את התקציב המוקדש לתוכנית זו. אנא עיין בכתבה המצורפת בכדי ללמוד עוד על תוכנית ההתרחבות של
פרויקט "שחר".

אנו שולחים את ברכותינו לפרויקט "שחר" ולכל החיילים המשתתפים בתוכנית זו - י
ישר כוח!


על מנת
ללמוד על השרותים של משרדינו אנא הכנסו לאתר האינטרנט שלנו. כ

21 September 2010

Chareidim, the Army, and the Job Market

There are two issues that have been "hot potatoes" in Israeli society for years, namely the participation of Chareidim in the Israel Defense Forces and in the job market. The Shachar Program is working to provide a solution to both of these issues in a way which benefits all sides involved. Shachar, which is run by one of our clients, the Aminadav National Service Organization and funded by the Joint and the IDF, provides a framework for Charedi men learning in yeshivot to join the army in a way which fits their way of life. These men serve in IDF support branches (for example computers or army intelligence), and receive professional training in various fields which enables them to join the work force. In fact, 90% find work in their fields within three months of finishing their tour of duty.

Recently, the Joint decided to triple their budget for this program. Take a look at this article for more information on Shachar and their expanded program. Congratulaitons to Shachar and a big yashar koach to all the men who participate in this program.

For more information on how we can help your organization obtain funding, please see our website: www.israelgrants.com

20 September 2010

Israel Grants - New Clients! September 2010

We are excited to have begun working for the following new clients:


  • MILBAT is a non-profit organization with the goal of increasing the level of independence, improving the quality of life, and facilitating integration into the community for disabled children and adults, and the elderly, by means of an accessible, adapted technological environment. The unique contribution of MILBAT has been recognized by the medical, welfare, and education establishments, and by the thousands of people who have benefited from its services.
  • The Reishit School in Rosh Zurim is a unique high school whose student body includes some of the finest girls in the Gush Etzion/Jerusalem area along with special needs students.
  • Achat V'Echad Meitanu (One of Us), a national certified and recognized non-profit organization provides effective psychological treatment and emotional support for victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence who are unable to receive treatment elsewhere.
  • HaMachol Shel B'nos Miriam provides an opportunity for Torah observant women and girls to participate in the artistic mediums of dance, voice, and drama. This group provides hundreds of women in Israel with a creative and curative outlet, enabling them to meet the pressures of everyday life.

For more information on our services, please go to our web site Israelgrants.com.

19 September 2010

A Career Change That Worked!

Shoshanna Jaskoll wanted a new career when she came to Israel. She started working here as a rank beginner and now is a professional resource developer. Read here about how she did it.

Anyone wanting information on how to enter the field of grant writing, fundraising, or resouce development should contact our office about our courses and internships.

15 September 2010

קורס בכתיבת בקשות למענקים, עבודה עם קרנות וגיוס משאבים- יתחיל באוקטובר בירושלים

שישה מפגשים בני שלוש שעות כל אחד
בהנחיית דוד מאיר- אפשטיין

הקורס מיועד גם לאנשים שכבר עובדים בתחום וגם לאלו המעוניינים להשתלב
בתחום גיוס משאבים לעמותות.

הקורס יתחיל באוקטובר 2010 ויועבר פעמיים בחודש

בחלק שיעסוק בכתיבת בקשות למענקים מקרנות נלמד איך לכתוב בקשה למענק וכיצד מזהים ועובדים עם הקרנות השונות. משתתפי הקורס יכתבו בקשה למענק כחלק מהקורס. בחלק שיעסוק בגיוס משאבים נקבל את הכלים העיוניים ומעשיים הנחוצים להגדלת הידע האישי- מקצועי בגיוס משאבים, כולל התרמה אישית, אירועי התרמה, חסויות עסקיות ואתרי אינטרנט והתרמה מקוונת.

בעוד שאיננו יכולים להבטיח תעסוקה לבוגרי הקורס, בוגרים רבים התחילו לעבוד בתחום, וחלקם אף הצטרפו לצוות משרדינו. אנא בדקו את אתר האינטרנט שלנו לקבלת המלצות מבוגרי הקורסים השונים. קיבלנו משובים חיוביים מאנשים שהשתתפו בקורס לרענון וחידוד הידע המקצועי שלהם, וגם מאנשים המחפשים להיכנס לתחום.

עלות: מחיר הקורס יהיה 1500 ₪ כולל מע"מ לאלו המשלמים במלואו עד ה-.20.09.10. המחיר יעלה ל-1600 ₪ לאלו המשלמים עד ה-10 באוקטובר ויהיה 1700 ₪ למשלמים לאחר תאריך זה. ניתן יהיה לשלם במספר תשלומים. הנחה של 75 ₪ תינתן לחברי נפש בנפש, פורום יוקנעם לכתיבה טכנית, AACI, SAZF, UJIA, לבוגרי מכון ערבה ללימודי הסביבה ולבוגרי מכון פרזנטנס (PresenTense).

הקורס מתנהל באנגלית, אך יהיה תרגום של מושגי מפתח לעברית

תאריכים: הקורס ינוהל בשישה מפגשים בני שלוש שעות כל אחד בהפרש של שבועיים אחד מהשני בימי רביעי בין השעות 16:30-19:30בתאריכים הבאים: 27 באוקטובר; 10, 24 בנובמבר; 8,22 בדצמבר 2010; וה- 5 בינואר 2011.
מיקום הקורס יהיה במשרדי דוד מאיר- אפשטיין ברחוב עמק רפאים 43 א' ירושלים או בסביבת מקום.

להרשמה ומידע נוסף אנא צרו קשר עם ברוריה בטלפון 02-563-6629 או במייל: Bruria@israelgrants.com

למידע נוסף על משרדו של דוד מאיר- אפשטיין ייעוץ בגיוס משאבים לעמותות בע"מ:
www.israelgrants.com

JERUSALEM GRANTWRITING, FOUNDATIONS, AND FUNDRAISING COURSE WILL BEGIN IN OCTOBER

6 Session 3 hours each led by David Maeir- Epstein, MSSA

Targeted both to people already working and to those interested in entering the field of resource development for nonprofit organizations.

The course in Jerusalem will meet twice monthly beginning October 27th, 2010

In the grantwriting section of the course we will focus on the teaching how to write grant proposals and identifying and working with foundations. Participants will produce a grant proposal as a result of the course. The fundraising section will teach the theoretical and practical tools necessary to enhance your knowledge of the field including personal solicitation, fundraising events, corporate sponsorship and internet fundraising. The final session will include guidance on how to gain employment or professional advancement in the field.

While we cannot promise employment, many of our courses graduates have gone to work in the field, some of them with us. Uniformly positive evaluations have been given both by people working in the field who sharpened their skills and knowledge and by those looking to get into the field for the first time. Please check our website for references from previous course participants.

Cost: The course will cost 1500 NIS including VAT for payment in full by Sept 20, 1600 NIS for payment by October 10 and 1700 NIS thereafter. Members of Nefesh B'Nefesh, AACI, SAZF, the Yokneam Forum of Technical Writers (Elephant), UJIA, graduates of the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies and of the PresenTense Institute are available for further 75 nis discounts. Those not prepaying may pay out the fee over a number of months.

Dates: The course will take place in six sessions each 3 hours long once every second week on Wednesday evening between the hours 16:30 and 19:30 on the following dates: October 27; November 10, 24; December 8, 22; and January 5, 2011. The course will take place at or near our offices on Emek Refaim 43A, Jerusalem

To sign up or to receive more information, please contact Bruria Factor at 02-563-6629 or email at bruria@israelgrants.com.

For information about David Maeir-Epstein, Resource Development Consultants to Nonprofit Organizations see

מיכה לוינסון

בשנת 1971, עבדתי עם מיכה לוינסון, בעיצוב ספר של שירים ישראליים שניתן לנוסעי אל על. בהמשך חייו הפך מיכה להיות אחת מהדמויות המובילות של עולם התאטרון בישראל. מיכה מכהן עכשיו כראש בית צבי, בית הספר לתיאטרון המוביל של ישראל. כיום,כמעט 40 שנים מאוחר יותר,כאשר "בית צבי" חוגג 50 שנה להיווסדו, ישנה אפשרות שנעבוד יחדיו בשנית בכדי לגייס כספים למען בית צבי.

Micha Levinson

Back in 1971, I worked with Micha Levinson, designing a book of Israeli songs given out to El Al passengers. We parted ways and Micha went on to become one of Israel's leading figures in the theater world. Micha is now the head of Beit Zvi, the Israel's premier theater school. Now, nearly 40 years later, we may work together again to help Bet Zvi raise funds as it celebrates 50 years since its establishment.

14 September 2010

Forum of Foundations in Israel

In October, I will be attending the meeting of the Forum of Foundations in Israel focusing on Israel's environment. The highlight of the meeting will be a presentation by Minister of Environmental Protection Gilad Erdan entitled” "Environment and Society in Israel – a Snapshot".

OSJ Summer Camp 2010

One of our clients, the Orthodox Scouts of Jaffa (OSJ) runs the Multi Culture for All Day Camp every summer in Jaffa. The Scouts’ main goal is to provide secure surroundings for the children and youth of Jaffa, notable for its poor socio-economic population and being one of the few mixed Arab and Jewish cities in Israel. The Jaffa Scouts are dedicated to coexistence and to educating their members to be productive, respectful contributors to a multi-cultural society. The Scouts have an excellent reputation, and have received numerous awards for their work, both from local and international institutions.

Please view this video, which gives a beautiful description of this year's camp.

For more information on the OSJ, please contact George Mansour at: mansour_g@mail.tel-aviv.gov.il

12 September 2010

Foundation Search Data Base

Our subscription to our Foundation Search Data Base is up for renewal. We are looking for any person or organization that would like to have access to this information on an ongoing basis and would be willing to share the subscription costs. Providing up to date information about foundations world-wide, this data base is an extremely useful tool for nonprofits. For more information, please contact David at david@israelgrants.com.

Congratulations to Noga Brenner Samia!

Congratulations to Noga Brenner Samia and the BINA Center for Jewish Identity and Hebrew Culture. After our referral, they recently received a $10,000 grant from the Harry Kramer Foundation for a program for the elderly in South Tel-Aviv and Beer Sheva

7 September 2010

Congratulations to Shirley Lobel!

Congratulations to Shirley Lobel, the new Director of Resource Development at Ulpana Kfar Pines! Our office conducted a long, intensive search to find a first rate candidate for this position and we succeeded in doing so! Shirley is a graduate of the ulpana and spent the last five years running Jewish cultural programs at a Hong Kong Jewish community center. Anyone wanting more information about our employment services should contact Dave at dave@israelgrants.com.

Grant Writer Position

David Maeir-Epstein, Resource Development Consultants for Nonprofits is seeking an experienced, bilingual grant writer for a position 20-40 hours per week. Preference for candidates who also have significant experience working with websites and social media. Please send CV, grant writing samples and 3 references to Shlomit@israelgrants.com.

5 September 2010

EU Request for Proposals

The EU Partnership for Peace 2010 has announced its RFP ( Request for Proposals) for the Partnership for Peace programme. The projects must deal with Jewish-Arab within Israel or cross border initiatives in the following areas:

  • Cross community socio-economic development cooperation
  • Peace building education
  • Communication and empowerment
  • Awareness raising of opinion formers , public opinion and the media

The grants will be between €100,000-500,000 and can cover up to 80% of the project costs. The deadline is in November.

Please note that applying to the EU is a very complex, time-consuming process. Our office has successfully submitted applications in the past and we will be happy to assist you in the process. Read about the RFP at http://tinyurl.com/3aeh5fm. Please contact me at dave@israelgrants.com for more information on how we can help your group win funding.

2 September 2010

אי.וי ישראל

אני אהיה הפטרון של הערב התרמה "חוגגים את האוזן החדשה" שיתקיים היום,יום חמישי ה-2 בספטמבר, בשעה 07:30 בסינמטק ירושלים. האירוע ייתקים עבור ארגון אי.וי ישראל. ארגון זה מאפשר לילדים עם אובדן שמיעה להיות משולבים באופן מלא לתוך עולם השמיעה,באמצעות שיטה יוצאת דופן המשלבת שתלים אלקטרונים עם גישת שיקום ייחודית.ב

A.V.Israel

I will be a patron of a fundraiser tonight Thursday September 2nd at 7:30 pm at the Jerusalem Cinematheque, “Celebrating the New Ear” for A.V. Israel, which enables children with hearing loss to be fully integrated into the hearing world through a extraordinary method that combines cochlear implants with a unique rehabilitation approach.