Growing up with access to wealth and/or philanthropic resources is often complicated for next-generation family members. Many have mixed feelings about the responsibilities of participating in family legacies while simultaneously coming to terms with their own philanthropic identity. At 21/64 we have learned that when working with the next generation, a peer group model is an effective forum in which participants can explore family legacy, examine and articulate their values, and develop their philanthropic identity. Whether a half-day or weekend gathering or an ongoing network, all of these forums seek to help next-generation family members transform their feelings of responsibility into opportunity and create building blocks for work on their own, with peers and with their families.
The Next Generation Retreat is a half-day opportunity for family members between the ages of 18-35, who are involved in family foundations or are preparing for future involvement. Participants will start building relationships with others exploring complex questions of responsibility, opportunity, and family legacy. Through interactive exercises, participants will clarify their values, their roles in the foundation and begin to articulate their visions and strategies for funding. Consider attending with other family members – siblings, cousins, partners – for candid conversation in a safe space. The retreat is co-led by Sharna Goldseker, director of 21/64, herself a young professional who also participates in her family’s philanthropy.
To register for the upcoming Next Generation Retreat, click here.
21/64 facilitates an ongoing network of next-generation family members (ages 18-28) who are involved or will be involved in their family philanthropy one day. Participants often feel respect for their inherited family legacy but are unsure about finding their own place in the multigenerational family context. Grand Street allows participants to explore questions of their Jewish identity, family responsibility and philanthropic opportunity in a safe space among peers. Participation in the network begins with a weekend retreat and is followed by optional activities including international site visits, volunteer service trips, and other learning and philanthropic opportunities initiated by members of the network. To find out more, please click here or visit www.grandstreetnetwork.net. To get involved with Grand Street, email us at info@2164.net or call 212.931.0129.
Founded by Jews in their 20s and 30s, the Slingshot Fund is designed to highlight, encourage and provide support for a subset of the undercapitalized organizations featured in Slingshot: A Resource Guide to Jewish Innovation, an annual compilation of the 50 most inspiring and innovative organizations, projects, and programs in the North American Jewish community today. Slingshot highlights those organizations in Jewish life with particular resonance among the next generation. To get involved, email Will@slingshotfund.org or call 212.931.0115.
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"[Grand Street] was really special for me. I learned so much and it was so nice to meet all the participants. I thought everyone had something great to offer and we connected on this common set of issues. I feel after the gathering more comfortable speaking about my involvement in the foundation, and less hesitant about speaking in front of a group."
Amy Sorensen
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"The experience of being among peers at with whom I could freely talk about issues of wealth and philanthropy has been valuable on a number of levels. Grand Street has helped me to focus on two very important questions: what is my relationship with Judaism? And how should this inform my future philanthropic choices? I continue to work on both of these. Additionally, the creativity and diversity of perspectives among participants was very stimulating and thought provoking,and many conversations that began at the retreat are still being tossed around among us. The network effects of being part of a group of future Jewish philanthropic leaders are exciting, and I look forward to continuing involvement."
Anonymous
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Slingshot's uniqueness stems from the savvy and acumen of its investors. Never before have I encountered such an intelligent and considerate group of people my own age."
Dave Moss
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"I had been searching for ways to get involved in the Jewish community and make an impact on a broader scale. Slingshot has afforded me responsibilities rare for someone of my age and background. It has been an incredible experience and I feel honored to be a part of an organization that is supporting innovative Jewish non-profits"
Danielle Forman
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"The Slingshot experience has helped me find my own philanthropic voice. It has meant rediscovering my joy and optimism about the Jewish community"
Jos Thalheimer