Recognizing the value of helping nonprofit Jewish overnight camps and other organizations succeed, the Harold Grinspoon Foundation created the Grinspoon Institute for Jewish Philanthropy (GIJP) in 2004. Its mission is to stimulate Jewish philanthropy by providing expert consulting and mentoring services to professional and lay leaders of camps and a limited number of other organizations.

Grinspoon Mentors coach and guide camps in board development and governance, strategic planning, and fundraising. Through generous matching challenge grants, mentors have helped to generate over $40 million for camps since December 2005.  The Alumni and Donor Outreach Technology Program provides valuable advice on software solutions, technological assistance to camps using Donor perfect Online, periodic “Webinars,” an e-newsletter and other support.

Currently 75 camps throughout North America are affiliated with the Grinspoon Institute. These camps gather at an annual fall Conference that promotes networking and shared learning experiences around relevant, high-interest topics.

The most recent program is Create a Jewish Legacy, modeled after a program of the San Diego Jewish Community Foundation. Camp leaders receive advice, coaching, and incentive funding to help them secure legacy gifts (bequests) from loyal alumni and donors.