Giving back – a course on fundraising and grantwriting

A guest post by Ardie Geldman

Following the worldwide economic recession of 2008-2009, fundraising is on the way back.  In 2009, according to Giving USA, the annual tally of American philanthropy contributions from foundations, corporations, and individuals declined by 3.2 percent.  Other analysts were a bit more pessimistic, claiming that the overall drop in U.S.  charitable donations in 2009 might have been as high at 6 percent.  Either way, charitable donations are remarkably resilient, rising and falling with far less dramatic swings than the stock market.

Jewish giving in Israel and in Jewish communities throughout the world, like general giving, is also now on the rebound after two very difficult and even painful years.  For those considering a career in fundraising, or entering the field on even a part-time basis, now is the time to “catch the wave.”  Among the consequences of the recent crisis within the nonprofit world has been the dropout of a number of professional fundraisers.  While there is still competition in the field, there is also a need for professionally trained and skilled fundraisers.  Although some nonprofit organizations were forced to close their doors or merge with others, one can be sure that, especially in Israel and the broader Jewish world, new ones are emerging each week.

Fundraising and development remain the lifeblood of any nonprofit organization; without it no organization can pursue its mission.  The fundraising knowledge and tools one carries are applicable in any setting.

I am privileged to bring my years of experience in Jewish organizational life and fundraising, in the U.S. and Israel, to the growing English Division of the Lander Institute in Jerusalem.  This fall’s course, Fundraising and Grantwriting, offers students both an understanding of general philanthropy and “Jewish giving,” as well as the practical knowledge and skills to go out into the world and find an entry level position.