David Werdiger discusses the exciting partnership between Australian Jewish Funders (AJF) and the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Philanthropic Network which is bringing the successful Moishe House program to Australia [Galus Australis], and adapting the successful ROI Community program to Australia as the first of several initiatives aimed at supporting next generation engagement [Galus Australis].
I’ve returned from an inspiring AJF lunch lecture in the succah with Helen Lieberman, founder of Ikamva Labantu, a South African not-for-profit that helps develop self-reliant and sustainable community-based organizations in townships. Frankly, extreme poverty in the third world is not high on the pecking order in my personal list of causes, and it isn’t that much higher as a result of meeting and hearing Helen. Nevertheless, I find her story so compelling and there…
The topic of a Melbourne Jewish community appeal has been debated for several years now, and discussed at many levels and amongst different stakeholders. Fundraising poses huge challenges to not-for-profit organizations of all sizes, and while we often think of ways to make the system more efficient, more equitable, and with greater foresight, the proposed solutions aren’t always the panacea they are made out to be. The situation reminds me of a classic Chassidic story…
Recently, I attended a philanthropic forum to discuss the issue of funding for Jewish education. In a most informative and stimulating day, we heard several different views on the topic from diverse perspectives, which included the day school system, UJEB, tertiary options under development (see here), and the Jewish education provided to students by AUJS. Our city of Melbourne is blessed with a day school system that rivals any in the world in terms of…