Jewish Funders Network Day School Affinity Group Launches First Learning Session on Scaling Impact

What does it take to move from a strong idea to meaningful, scalable impact in Jewish day schools?

JFN Jewish Day School Affinity Group Project Manager Amy Schlussel facilitated the group's first virtual learning session

JFN Jewish Day School Affinity Group’s recent convening brought together funders for a focused conversation grounded in real-world models and field experience. As the first virtual learning session of this new affinity group—officially launched at the JFN International Conference in April—the program spotlighted three initiatives already demonstrating measurable progress: EarlyJ, the Jewish New Teacher Project, and Toronto’s Day School Scholarship Program. Through brief presentations and a facilitated discussion, participants explored how these models have evolved, the challenges they face, and where philanthropy can play a catalytic role in advancing and expanding their success.

This session also reflected the broader vision shaping the Jewish Day School Affinity Group itself: creating space not just to learn about promising work, but to build a more coordinated and strategic approach to scaling impact across the Jewish day school ecosystem. Spearheaded by Mayberg Foundation Senior Advisor for Education Grants and Programs Rachel Mohl Abrahams, UnitEd Director of English Speaking Countries Scot Berman, and The Beker Foundation Executive Director Sheri Gurock, and in partnership with 13 funding organizations, the initiative is beginning to foster deeper connections between practitioners and funders while encouraging ongoing collaboration beyond individual programs. As the conversation continues through future sessions and potential working groups, the aim is to move the field toward shared priorities, sustained investment, and a clearer sense of how to grow what works.