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

LOS ANGELES, CA – The Miracle Project Judaica has been named one of North America’s top 82 innovative Jewish organizations in the tenth 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 2014-15 was released today.

Selected from among hundreds of finalists reviewed by 112 professionals with expertise in grant-making and Jewish communal life, the Guide states that The Miracle Project Judaica “strengthens the entire family, creating a dynamic, inclusive Jewish community.” 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 Miracle Project Judaica is proud to be among the 82 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.

“The Miracle Project Judiaca is honored to be selected in this year’s guide, and to be lauded among the phenomenal, innovative Jewish organizations over the past ten years.” said Elaine Hall.

Added Will Schneider, Executive Director of Slingshot, which publishes the Guide each year,

“Slingshot is all about inspiring Jews to get involved in the Jewish community. After ten years the book remains relevant because it is a megaphone for exciting and meaningful projects. The target reader of the guide is not involved in Jewish life, in part because they had no idea there were new meaningful Jewish projects springing up all around them. Organizations in Slingshot often receive added press and funding from those who read about them, but the deepest impact is on our readers who dog-ear and highlight their copy of Slingshot, excited about the potential of the Jewish community. This tenth year of the Guide year was more competitive than every year before, and the final product features the largest number of projects doing the widest variety of work.”

Sarah Rueven, Slingshot board member, said “ Innovation is not a tangible category of giving in the way that someone might fund the Arts or Jewish education. Funders should constantly seek out projects that find novel ways to reach and connect to all members of their communities and make decisions to adjust or cut programs that no longer meet changing needs. We are inspired by projects which anticipate change and invest in the future. The tenth edition of Slingshot is the most compelling and diverse guide yet. Readers will learn about valuable new projects and gain 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 tenth 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 The Miracle Project Judaica

The Miracle Project Judaica uses a groundbreaking methodology to provide individuals with autism and other disabilities the tools to build communication, social skills, community, and greater self-esteem through inclusive theater and expressive arts programs.

The Miracle Project Judaica, uses Jewish music, dance, story and culture to develop original Jewish-themed musical theater productions. Through our ‘reverse-inclusion’ approach, we create a dynamic, Jewish community for individuals with autism and other disabilities and their families. ALL children of ALL abilities grow in skill and in spirit while creating and performing in original musicals. This acclaimed arts program was documented in the HBO double EMMY Award-winning documentary, AUTISM: THE MUSICAL.

We offer innovative curriculum, instructional workshops and branded educational support as well as addressing the needs of family and friends through our Torah-based family wellness program and its growing community.

Through its principles of acceptance and artistic expression, The Miracle Project Judaica is dedicated to empowering those living with autism.

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