Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION
What is Tzedakah in Action? What are its goals? A history of how we started, the story of the Temple Isaiah Seventh Grade Fund. And a note on naming.

CHAPTERS
1. SETTING UP THE FOUNDATION
A suggested timeline. Working with the larger community. Creating a Tikkun Olam culture in a larger context including holidays, social action groups, and collectives. Looking at some financial aspects.

2. FUNDRAISING
A thorough exploration of the many possibilities including auctions, community events, donations, grants and foundation support. We even look at alternatives for Bar/Bat Mitzvah gifts.

3. TRANSFORMING STUDENTS INTO TRUSTEES
We look at teaching tzedakah in the context of Jewish text and tradition. We examine the concept of philanthropy, and learn how to brainstorm and make decisions. We look at the larger picture of Tzedakah in Action.

4. MANAGING A GRANT CYCLE
The role of teacher and facilitator. How to effectively manage a board meeting. How to choose an issue. Learning to design a Request For Proposals (RFP) and Grant Application. How to find and work with organizations. Learning to identify and shepherd potential applicants. Helpful ways to make the decisions, distribute grants, and to achieve closure with follow-up evaluations.

5. CONCLUSION AND NEXT STEPS

APPENDIX A: Tzedakah and Philanthropy Tzedakah and the Jewish tradition of giving, its origins in Torah. Tzedakah principles and applications to Tzedakah in Action. Tzedakah as obligation. Giving with honor and dignity Rambam's ladder of tzedakah. Preventive tzedakah. Tzedakah for the giver as well as the recipient. Responsibilities of Tzedakah Fund Administrators. And a brief history of philanthropy in America.

APPENDIX B: Additional Resources

APPENDIX C: Outline of a Youth Group Tzedakah Progressive Dinner Program

APPENDIX D: Sample Forms

GETTING IN THE LAST WORD

BIBLIOGRAPHY

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