Yashar: Skills Training Initiative

Funder: The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation (with Foundation for Jewish Camp administration)

Geographic Scope: North America (Jewish day and overnight camps)

Total Funding: $4.35 million commitment; first cohort: nearly $1.5 million to 5 camps

Funding Focus Areas:

• Young adult disability skills training
• Job training and workforce readiness
• Housing infrastructure for young adults with disabilities
• Teaching kitchen facilities
• Program spaces for skills training
• Employment preparation

Eligibility:

• Jewish day and overnight camps with existing or planned skills training programs
• Programs serving young adults with disabilities
• FJC network member camps
• First cohort: established programs expanding capacity
• Second cohort (fall 2027): camps launching new programs

What They Fund:

• Capital grants for housing construction/renovation
• Teaching kitchen facilities
• Program space construction
• Multipurpose facilities
• Infrastructure supporting workforce readiness

First Cohort Recipients (Announced February 24, 2026):

1. Camp Ramah in New England (Palmer, MA) - Former health center renovation into housing for 14+ supported staff
2. JCC Camp Chi (Lake Delton, WI) - Two new cabins and multipurpose facility for Avodah program
3. Roger and Jane Davis JCC Camps at Medford (Medford, NJ) - Expanded dining hall with teaching kitchen
4. Ramah Day Camp in Nyack (Nyack, NY) - Housing and program room renovation
5. URJ Camp Harlam (Kunkletown, PA) - New building for 18 skills training participants + 10 staff, kitchen and laundry

Program Background: Builds on FJC's original Yashar Initiative ($12.35 million to 46 camps for disability accessibility); approximately 80% of Jewish camps now run programs for campers with disabilities

Context: Announced during Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) - February

Application Process

First Cohort (Completed - February 2026):

• Applications reviewed and awards announced
• Five camps selected

Second Cohort Application Timeline:

• Applications open: Fall 2027
• Focus: Camps launching new skills training programs

Eligibility for Second Cohort:

• Jewish camps planning to launch new skills training programs
• Camps not in first cohort
• Established FJC network members

Note: Specific application materials, detailed requirements, and step-by-step submission procedures for the second cohort were not provided in source material. Visit jewishcamp.org or contact FJC directly for second cohort application details (opening fall 2027).