Startup18

Startup18 is a 501c3 that was founded in 2006 to encourage grassroots and lay led cultural programs for youth and adults that educate, build community and strengthen Jewish and Israeli identity. Programs included a Jewish Engagement Lab that met monthly supporting project founders, Idea Roundtables that generated program ideas, a Community Hackathon to increase community engagement and seed funds were allocated to impactful program ideas and a Educator Awards offered in collaboration with the Harold Greenspoon Foundation. Article about the Hackathon: HISTORY 2016-2019 Building on our experience offering independent Jewish and Israeli initiatives, Tarbuton expanded it’s mission beyond Israeli culture and launched Startup18 programs to inspire and support Jewish community builders of all kinds. We began by offering a Hackathon and seed funds to inspire new projects and have begun offering fellowships to educate community members in addition to continuing our Lab workshops and network for project founders. The Startup18 directory reflected 24+ projects and a wide variety of vibrant indie Jewish experiences. 2006-2016 Tarbuton began piloting programs in 2006. Organized primarily by volunteers, but later by employed staff, Tarbuton obtained grant support to subsidize costs for young parents to make Jewish and Hebrew language education more affordable. A week-day and Sunday kids program included Hebrew immersion, enrichment, Jewish holiday classes and celebrations year round. A dance and singing group performed at Yom Haatzmaout, Yom haZikaron and the House of Israel lawn event. In addition to organizing these indie activities, Tarbuton organized pilot programs, recruiting volunteers and boards, to help establish a local Israeli Scouts Tzofim Shevet, a Hebrew language charter school and IAC Eitanim. Tarbuton youth programs had 140+ students in 4 locations including public schools and 20+ part time