It’s wonderful to reconnect with our Impact Accelerator community and share some of the exciting work happening across our programs. The past few months have been filled with new ideas, meaningful connections, and opportunities to support changemakers working to strengthen our communities.
One highlight was the selection process for Cohort 7 of the OU Impact Accelerator. Our Selection Committee, made up of lay leaders from diverse communities and backgrounds, met with an impressive group of nonprofit leaders to learn about their work and vision for the future. The caliber of this year’s applicants made for an exciting and challenging process. We are grateful to everyone who shared their work with us and look forward to announcing our newest cohort soon!
We launched the OU Intrapreneurs Program, a new grant and learning initiative designed to support innovative ideas from across the OU. By investing in our colleagues and helping them develop new ideas, we hope to turn promising concepts into meaningful impact.
We were excited to partner with the OU Women’s Initiative for the Women’s Leadership Collective. With a full house and a waitlist, it was clear how much our community values opportunities to connect and learn together. We explored leadership, personal growth, and the opportunities presented by AI and emerging technology. The energy and ideas shared throughout the day were inspiring, and we look forward to building on that momentum. (Click here to read an article about the day).
We hosted the GrowTorah interns at OU Headquarters for a day of learning. It’s especially meaningful to stay connected with an organization from our very first cohort and introduce these young people to the work of the OU and the many ways they can make a difference.
Across all these initiatives, one theme continues to stand out: when we invest in people, we invest in the future of our communities. Whether supporting nonprofit founders, emerging leaders, young people, or OU employees with innovative ideas, our goal is to provide the tools, connections, and opportunities they need to turn vision into action.
As we approach the new year, thank you for being part of this community and for all that you do to strengthen Jewish life and create meaningful impact. I hope you’ll enjoy this newsletter, learn more about the work of our alumni, and get to know one of the remarkable leaders in our Impact Accelerator community.
Wishing you and your families a Shana Tovah U’Metukah, a happy, healthy, and meaningful new year. May the year ahead bring continued growth, inspiration, and many opportunities to make a difference.
Tamar Frydman
Elul is the ultimate spiritual accelerator, a time to pause, realign our vision, and prepare for the Yomim Noraim. While it’s easy to get caught up in the daily operations and logistics of our work, Elul invites us to step back and reconnect with what matters most. For anyone building something new, this kind of pause is essential: before we ask how to move faster, we need to make sure we are moving in the right direction.
The month’s famous acronym, אני לדודי ודודי לי – “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine” – reminds us that our “beloved,” our deepest values and sense of purpose, should always guide the work we do. When our vision is clear, it becomes the compass for the ideas we pursue, the risks we take, and the change we seek to create.
Four Things to Remember Before Your Next Fundraising Ask
A strong mission needs strong support behind it. Fundraising doesn’t have to feel intimidating; it is an essential part of turning your goals into meaningful, sustainable work, and a well-prepared approach can make all the difference. Here are four things to keep in mind before your next fundraising ask.
1. Start with your “why.”
A clear, compelling reason for your organization’s work gives donors something meaningful to connect to.
2. Know your audience.
Think about who you’re speaking to and what matters to them. A strong fundraising message isn’t one-size-fits-all.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask.
Giving is an opportunity to make an impact, and people who give are people who are asked. Don’t apologize for inviting someone to support a cause they care about.
4. What happens beyond the ask?
The ask is only one part of the fundraising process. Building relationships and communicating your mission are just as important.
Effective fundraising is about more than securing a gift. It’s about building relationships, communicating your impact, and inviting others to invest in the work you’re doing. Keep these principles in mind, and your next ask can be an opportunity to strengthen both your fundraising and your mission.
Adapted from Fundraising 101, a presentation by Katie Katz, Chief Engagement Officer, Teach Coalition
Chazkeinu
Cohort VI
Founder: Zahava List
Q: What is one accomplishment or moment of growth at Chazkeinu that you’re especially proud of since completing the Impact Accelerator?
A: I’m especially proud of seeing Chazkeinu grow into a more structured and strategic organization. The Accelerator helped me step back from simply “doing” and think about sustainability, impact, and how we can scale our mission without losing what makes Chazkeinu special.
Q: What are you most excited about for Chazkeinu in the coming year?
A: I’m most excited about strengthening our donor relationships and our programs, and to continue growing our reach and the number of women we’re able to support, while strengthening our infrastructure and leadership.
Q: What is one way the Impact Accelerator has continued to influence your work at Chazkeinu?
A: The Impact Accelerator gives you the opportunity to step back from the day-to-day and really think about your organization’s growth, while learning from top community experts and leaders. The relationships, knowledge, networking, and support are incredibly valuable.
The Accelerator gave us confidence that we’re doing meaningful work, and that Chazkeinu has real potential for growth. It also showed us that we’re part of something so much bigger; when we learn from each other, collaborate, and work together, we can create an even greater impact.
Learn More About Chazkeinu’s Mission
Orthodox Union Women’s Initiative and Impact Accelerator Launch Women’s Leadership Collective
Source: Jewish Link
The Secret to a Meaningful Life: Why Giving is the Best Cheat Code | Jonathan Donath
Source: TEDxTalks
Daily Giving, Cohort II
The Last Kindness: A Conversation with Yael Davidowitz
Source: Jewish Action
Last Kindness, Cohort III
She Refused to Stay Silent About Abuse
Source: Meaningful People
Ray of Hope, Cohort V
For Sholom’s 4th Yartzeit: Let’s Do Everything Possible to Protect Our Children
Source: COLlive
Team Protect, Cohort VI
The Impact Accelerator is building a thriving Orthodox Jewish community by strengthening the network of nonprofits working to meet its needs. We support innovative and impactful organizations and the changemakers behind them by providing the resources, connections, and support they need to grow and create meaningful, lasting impact.