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The Good People Fund

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Collective Lavo B’tov

Often, people with disabilities lack social contacts and meaningful support.  Shoshi Margolin and Rachel Kolette Wheeler, originally mentee and mentor, have come together to found Collective Lavo B’tov, a colloquialism that refers to having a good attitude. Collective Lavo B’tov is one project within a larger effort that empowers those with disabilities who are often isolated and provides them with community and support. As Israel navigates the trauma of October 7 and an ongoing war, Lavo B’tov’s programming removes the isolation and provides a community of caring and compassion for disabled people.

Our funds are directed to start-up costs for this new venture.

Elevate+

George Floyd’s brutal murder in 2020 shocked our country and inspired a renewed determination to promote greater equality throughout our society. For Andrew Walker it was a wake-up call that reminded him that it was the time to “not only talk the talk, but also to walk the walk.” He created Elevate+ to break this cycle of inequality for underserved students, offering them paid internships and mentoring with both nonprofit and for-profit organizations, and an opportunity for hands-on learning, making connections and setting a path for a future career. Andrew says, “These young adults are smart and motivated, only needing a chance to gain experience and confidence. Our role is to open the door to opportunities they would not get otherwise.” Participating nonprofits and businesses, meanwhile, get access to smart, motivated talent at little to no cost to them.

Waves of Hope

In his youth, Eliyahu Ben Zion was drawn to the power of the sea and became an Israeli surfing champion. At 19, he adopted a more religious lifestyle and eventually was encouraged to use his surfing talents for something new.

Throughout Israel’s religious communities there are disaffected youth who have left school and community. With no support system they often fall prey to anti-social behavior. It is for these youth, both young men and women, that Eliyahu created a unique therapeutic program. “It is amazing to see how with just one small push on the surfboard you can see a child succeed,” Eliyahu says. As he puts it, “The obstacles of the sea teach them to cope with the barriers and difficulties in their lives.”

“When I enter the water, I empty all of my thoughts,” says Dovid, one of the program’s graduates.

Our funds are used for a new class for girls.

Birthday Angels

“The first word that comes to mind when I think of GPF is integrity.”

Being part of the GPF family was like a shield for me, giving me the confidence of knowing I was doing the right thing and was on the right track.

With the help of GPF, I was able to overcome the struggles and challenges that come with running a small operation, and successfully pulled off 60,000 birthday parties for needy children over 10-plus years! This is a truly awe-inspiring accomplishment and a testament to the transformative impact of GPF’s professional and emotional support, presence and partnership.

What an honor it is to always be part of GPF’s special family of good people, all driven by their dreams and powered by their talents and the belief that they can make the world a little better with a little help from their (good people) friends.

 — Ruthie Sobel Luttenberg, Founder, Birthday Angels

Food Forward

“It felt like kismet.”

The early GPF funding was a vote of confidence that helped us continue to believe in what we were doing, even though there was no real professionalized gleaning organization out there at the time. As we continued our work, more funders became attracted to us and our profile and impact continued to grow and it snowballed from there.

I/we hold a great deal of pride being part of the early GPF cohort. We know the care and evaluation that goes into the selection process of each grantee, and how we are interconnected as a cohort of organizations simply doing good.

Food Forward speaks of our work as “sharing abundance,” but also as a “virtuous circle.” GPF’s ongoing mission of nurturing small but mighty non-profits is a perfect example of both of those vital and important things coming together.

 — Rick Nahmias, Founder/CEO, Courageous Parents Network

Rekindle

Charmaine Rice, a Black woman trained in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practices, and Matt Fieldman, a White Jewish social entrepreneur and nonprofit professional, created Rekindle to bridge the ever-widening gap growing between two communities that at one time worked side-by-side to effect social justice and equity. Rekindle engages young leaders from both communities in frank and intense conversations and shared social action efforts to build greater understanding and mutual respect. First started in Cleveland, Rekindle has expanded to other communities throughout the country.

Our matching grant which was partially met by donations from participants themselves, is directed to general operations.