Gottesman Capital Expansion Grants

Gottesman Capital Expansion Grants

Funder: The Gottesman Fund

Status: Active multi-year initiative (through 2027)

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

Contact: Foundation for Jewish Camp, New York, NY

Website: jewishcamp.org