Thirteenth Annual Slingshot Guide Highlights the Best of the Thriving Jewish Nonprofit World

Denver, Colorado – Slingshot 2018 was released on June 4, 2018 and, for the third time ever (second year in a row), Judaism Your Way made the list! We are thrilled to be recognized for our innovative model that invites Jews to explore spirituality without fees or pressure to change.

Selected from among hundreds of finalists, the Guide’s compliment to our rabbis is what we are proud of most: “For this organization it’s not sufficient to simply tell people with a legacy of being excluded that they are now welcome. [Judaism Your Way’s] Rabbis take active steps to recognize all who desire to be at the proverbial table.”

Read Judaism Your Way’s entire Slingshot Guide entry here.

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.

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.

Stefanie Rhodes, Executive Director of Slingshot, which publishes the Guide each year, said:

“Slingshot’s work is to help Jews find, fund and connect to meaningful, exciting experiences in Jewish life. We are proud 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. 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’s board chair, agreed, “We are excited to highlight 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. 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 an important step for selected organizations to attain much needed additional funding and to expand the reach of their work, as 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 thirteenth 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, has been published annually since 2005. Each edition is available as a free download at www.slingshotfund.org, where you can learn more about Slingshot’s work and new strategy for continuing their impact into the future.

About Judaism Your Way

Judaism Your Way is an independent, Colorado-based Jewish outreach organization creating innovative approaches to including Jews and loved ones in Jewish community. Our unique organizational model allows us to deliver meaningful and relevant Jewish experiences without a building, membership, or dues.

Our signature programs include: free High Holy Day services at the Denver Botanic Gardens; Open Tent B’nai Mitzvah ceremony preparation and officiation,  and our interfaith support including rabbinic officiation at weddings and a couples group.

Our local Jewish community is increasingly diverse, and Judaism Your Way models how expanding our reach and sharing the best of Jewish history, tradition, and culture strengthens the entire community. At Judaism Your Way, we believe that offering an enthusiastic and affirming entry point to partners and family members from other faith traditions will increase the likelihood that they feel comfortable participating in Jewish life with their Jewish beloveds.