Sharsheret Named One Of America’s Top 50 Innovative Jewish Organizations And Top 26 In The Inaugural Los Angeles EditionON
Twelfth Annual Slingshot Guide Highlights the Best of
the Thriving Jewish Nonprofit World
Teaneck, New Jersey (June 6, 2017) – Sharsheret has been named one of North America’s top 50 innovative Jewish organizations, and one of the top 26 in the inaugural Los Angeles edition, in the twelfth annual Slingshot Guide. The Guide has become a go-to resource for volunteers, activists and donors looking for new opportunities and projects that, through their innovative nature, will ensure the Jewish community remains relevant and thriving. Slingshot 2017 was released today.
Sharsheret was selected from among hundreds of finalists reviewed by nearly 100 professionals with expertise in grant-making and Jewish communal life. Organizations included in this year’s Guide were evaluated on their innovative approach, the impact they have in their work, the leadership they have in their sector, and their effectiveness at achieving results. Sharsheret is proud to be among the 50 organizations honored for meeting those standards.
The organizations included in the Guide are driving the future of Jewish life and engagement by motivating new audiences to participate in their work and responding to the needs of individuals and communities – both within and beyond the Jewish community – as never before.
“Sharsheret is proud to be selected in this year’s guide, and thrilled to be part of the amazing community of the hundreds of innovative Jewish organizations included in the Guide over the past eleven years who continue to create positive change in the Jewish community,” said Sharsheret Executive Director Elana Silber.
Added Stefanie Rhodes, Executive Director of Slingshot, which publishes the Guide each year, “Slingshot’s work is to help Jews find, fund and connect to meaningful, exciting experiences in Jewish life. After 12 years, the book remains relevant in a changing world because we continue to highlight organizations doing exceptional work, serving as the trailblazers for what is possible, meeting the community’s evolving needs and inspiring all of us. This year we’ve added a new resource to the field by outlining our new process for evaluation, which includes criteria for various life stages. Whether we look to the guide for funding ideas, best practices or trends in Jewish life, it remains a resource for all of us, providing new tools and optimism for our collective future.”
Sarah Rueven, Slingshot board chair, agreed, “We are excited to share our new methodology, a momentous step forward for Slingshot. It is clear that innovation is a critical component of today’s Jewish community and embracing organizational life cycles will be important for all of us as we seek to support and sustain Jewish innovation. Slingshot is highlighting the work of organizations that strengthen Jewish life by rising to the challenges of the day and making our community more relevant to our generation. We are inspired by projects that help people connect to Jewish life in ways that both feel both fresh and relevant, while honoring our traditions. With our new framework, the twelfth edition of Slingshot becomes the most compelling guide yet. Readers will learn about valuable new projects and gain a deeper insight into the emerging needs in Jewish life, as identified by our community’s top leaders.”
Being listed in the Guide is often a critical step for selected organizations to attain much needed additional funding and to expand the reach of their work. Selected organizations are eligible for grants from the Slingshot Fund, a peer-giving network of young donors with an eye for identifying, highlighting and advancing causes that resonate the most with the next generation of philanthropists. Furthermore, the Guide is a frequently used resource for donors seeking to support organizations transforming the world in novel and interesting ways.
About the Slingshot Guide
The Slingshot Guide, now in its twelfth year, was created by a team of young funders as a guidebook to help funders of all ages diversify their giving portfolios to include the most innovative and effective organizations, programs and projects in North America. The Guide contains information about each organization’s origin, mission, strategy, impact and budget, as well as details about its unique character. The Slingshot Guide has proven to be a catalyst for next generation funding and offers a telling snapshot of shifting trends in North America’s Jewish community – and how nonprofits are meeting new needs and reaching new audiences. The book, published annually, is available in hard copy and as a free download at www.slingshotfund.org.
About Sharsheret
Sharsheret, Hebrew for chain, is the only national organization supporting Jewish women and families, of all backgrounds, facing breast and ovarian cancer-those who are diagnosed and those at high risk. Sharsheret is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. To date, we serve more than 65,000 women, families, health care professionals, community leaders, and students from all 50 states. All Sharsheret programs serve all women and men.
As a member of the Federal Advisory Committee on Breast Cancer in Young Women, Sharsheret shapes messaging and programs at the national level. Recognizing Sharsheret as the model for culturally-relevant breast cancer support, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has awarded the organization two multi-year grants to develop support programs. Additionally, Sharsheret participates in psychosocial research studies and evaluations in partnership with federal agencies and major cancer centers, including Georgetown Lombardi Cancer Center.
Sharsheret offers the following national programs:
The Link Program
· Peer Support Network, connecting women newly diagnosed or at high risk of developing breast cancer one-on-one with others who share similar diagnoses and experiences
· EmbraceTM, supporting women living with advanced breast cancer
· Genetics for Life®, addressing hereditary breast and ovarian cancer
· Thriving Again®, providing individualized support, education, and survivorship plans for young breast cancer survivors
· Busy Box®, for young parents facing breast cancer
· Best Face Forward®, addressing the cosmetic side effects of treatment
· Family Focus®, providing resources and support for caregivers and family members
· Ovarian Cancer Program, tailored resources and support for young Jewish women and families facing ovarian cancer
· Sharsheret SupportsTM, developing local support groups and programs
Education and Outreach Programs
· Health Care Symposia, on issues unique to younger women facing breast cancer
· Sharsheret on Campus, outreach and education to students on campus
· Sharsheret Educational Resource Booklet Series, culturally-relevant publications for Jewish women and their families and healthcare professionals