Gottesman Capital Expansion Grants

Geographic Scope: North America (day and overnight camps)

Total Funding: $15 million commitment from The Gottesman Fund

Funding Focus Areas:

• Staff and family housing to increase staff retention (~$5 million)
• Program spaces to modernize infrastructure and bolster climate resilience (~$7 million)
• Camper bunks and home bases to increase capacity (~$3 million)

Eligibility: Jewish day and overnight camps in FJC network (over 300 camps)

What They Fund:

• Capital expansion projects
• Infrastructure improvements
• Staff housing construction/renovation
• Camper bunk expansion
• Program spaces and facilities
• Climate resilience upgrades

Background: Announced December 2024 at FJC's 10th biennial Leaders Assembly. Jewish camps are at record enrollment (nearly 200,000 campers in summer 2025), with at least a quarter of camps operating at or near full capacity. FJC estimates that camps need additional infrastructure to meet demand.

Recent Awards:

• First round (December 2024): $4 million to 12 camps
• Second round (February 2026): $4.5 million to 16 camps
• Total awarded to date: $8.4 million

Application Process

Timeline:

• Applications for third round will open later in 2026 after the summer camp session
• Projects must be completed by summer 2026 or 2027

Submission Requirements:

• Individual grants up to $750,000
• Can cover up to 50% of total project cost (applicant must fund remaining 50%)
• Project-specific documentation required

Note: Specific step-by-step application procedures and detailed application materials were not provided in the source material. Contact FJC directly for application details.