FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New York, October 23, 2024 — More than 60 social visionaries from throughout Israel and the United States — all heading grassroots organizations funded by The Good People Fund (GPF) — will convene in New York City for GPF’s first-ever (un)conference, Nov. 17-18.
The (un)conference is a singular in-person event and space — open in part to guests via live stream — at which participants will showcase their work, explore common challenges, create long term connections for collaboration and mutual support, and be inspired to deepen the impact they are making in their communities and beyond.
The two-day event convenes founders and leaders of GPF grantee organizations — along with GPF supporters — working along the spectrum of human and community needs, developing unique and often replicable models to address them, and changing the landscape of social action, responsibility and response.
Their work ranges from the realms of food justice and LGBTQ+ rights, to educational opportunity, the fight against antisemitism and intolerance, and refugee assistance.
“We are gathering in one place individuals who turned challenge and adversity into commitment to heal communities, and by extension our world. Everyday, they teach us all to never look away, and that alone is a message for our troubled times and the imperative for the (un)conference,” said Naomi Eisenberger, GPF Co-Founder and Executive Director — who will be honored during the (un)conference for her 17 years of leadership, mentorship and impact.
“The (un)conference underscores GPF’s mission to not only fund grassroots organizations practicing innovative approaches to longstanding and emerging societal challenges, but also to mentor and nurture them, give them the practical and inspirational tools to grow and ensure that none are existing in isolation.”
Specific topics to be examined over the two days run the gamut from best practices in social media, financial management and marketing, to the imperative of social justice work and self-care as a nonprofit professional in extraordinarily challenging environments.
The (un)conference, so named because of the inclusive way it was conceived and designed, will feature speakers and presenters including:
- Ruth Messinger, Global Ambassador for the American Jewish World Service, on “The Jewish Imperative for Justice”
- Jon Adam Ross, Executive Director and Co-Founding Artist of the Inheritance Theater Project, on “Defining Our Stories, Driving Our Impact”
- John Beltzer, Founder and President of the Songs of Love Foundation, presenting a participatory program to produce a supportive song for a child facing a serious health challenge.
- Beth Huppin, Founding Director of Project Kavod at Jewish Family Service in Seattle on “Self-Care for the Nonprofit Professional”
Since its establishment in 2008, Millburn, NJ-based GPF has raised just over $31 million and has disbursed over $27 million to support and help grow 255 non-profit organizations primarily in the United States and Israel. In the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2024, GPF raised over $4 million.
GPF targets change-making initiatives in crucial areas including inclusion, health and well being, women’s and girls’ empowerment, welfare of children and youth, care of elders, hunger relief, food rescue, support of refugees, fighting antisemitism and hatred, and more.
The Good People Fund, founded in 2008, is inspired by ordinary people with extraordinary drive to make deep, uplifting impact in communities in the United States, Israel and elsewhere around the world. We find them, support them, counsel them … and watch as lives are changed and new and creative ways of addressing social and economic challenges take root and flourish. Our driving value is tikkun olam – repair of the world – and our extended family of visionaries, supporters and donors embrace the notion that small actions lead to huge impacts.
Media Contact
Glenn Rosenkrantz
glenn.rosenkrantz@gmail.com
646 245 8975
