Ascent is an experience ב”ה
a place where people come
to explore their higher selves
to connec t to t h e ir h e ri tage
to their people and to one another
Asce n t is growt h , upwa r d mo vement, i nspi r a t i o n
a high impact boost to Jewish identity
for travelers and students from Israel and abroad for tourist, student and Taglit-Birthright groups for IDF soldiers discovering what they’re fighting for
Executive Summary 2014-2015
Your Global Center for Jewish Spiritual Discovery
Tsfat, Israel
54,000+
“The cornerstone of what we do is education with love – a love of our fellow Jew, a love of Torah, a love of the Land of Israel. People are attracted to this authenticity. Add to that our dedication to quality programs and professionalism, and that’s the formula that makes Ascent to special.”
total participants
+ OVER 1 MILLION VISITORS TO OUR WEBSITES
ts
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students
4,000
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The IDF recognized that soldiers needed a better understanding of what it means to be Jewish so they could be better soldiers. Ascent developed a unique program, led by former IDF soldiers, to impart a Judaism that is relevant to the modern soldier. This program has proven popular among both soldiers and their officers, bolstering and supporting our warriors.
17% 9,000
7%
IDF soldiers
— Rabbi Shaul Leiter, Director
groups
After three decades of success providing inspiring experiences and an uplifting ambiance to individuals, Ascent started getting approached by educational groups, such as Taglit-Birthright Israel, Young Judea, and others, to host their groups. Today, Ascent is a leading provider of creative, innovative and cutting-edge interactive programs for groups from around the world.
26%
41%
14,000 people
23,000 people
attend extended group programs (1 week+)
attend 1 day group programs & short workshops
highlights 20146 3ancient wisdom, modern dilemmas A stimulating interactive workshop that applies Torah wisdom to difficult modern dilemmas. It begins with an overview of the history of Judaism and Torah, and then propels visitors into an engaging and dynamic experience. Popular with student campus groups and Taglit-Birthright Israel groups. lone soldier retreats4 They left the comforts of home to volunteer to defend their people and their homeland. We invite them to enjoy a weekend at Ascent to show them that wherever they go, they always have family.
9%
5,000 people
‘94
54K
‘04
‘14
EXPENSES
‘84
7,000
200
Annual Participants 1984-2014
28,000
30 YEARS OF GROWTH
budget2015
ASCENT’S BASIC OPERATING COSTS – FACILITY, MEALS, AND STAFF – ARE COVERED BY GUESTS, PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS AND GRANTS. DONATIONS FROM SPONSORS AND PARTNERS SUBSIDIZE ASCENT’S AMAZING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING SO WE CAN KEEP OUR PRICES COMPETITIVE WHILE ALLOWING US TO OFFER SO MUCH MORE.
INCOME
25% Donors
17% Grants
English Programs
$388,000
Hebrew Programs
$380,000
Group Programs
$715,000
Total Program Costs
$1,753,000
Capital Improvements
$105,000
Financing & Interest (Mortgage)
$207,000
Maintenance
$63,000
Utilities
$42,000 $110,000
Total Operating Costs
HEART & SOUL F O R W H AT W E D O AT A S C E N T.
58% Programs
$270,000
Administration
DONORS PROVIDE THE
INCOME BREAKDOWN
IDF Programs
$527,000
Salaries
$88,000
Administration
$38,500
Travel
$27,500 Total Development Costs
$140,000
Total Expenses
$2,434,000
Programs Income
$1,405,000
Government Grants
$55,000
Private Grants
$360,000 Total Income
$1,820,000
2015 FUNDRAISING GOAL
$614,000
volunteer program4 Ascent's recently launched Volunteer Program allows visitors to stay in Tsfat, making a meaningful contribution to the community and gaining a life-changing experience. Participants choose from a variety of volunteering opportunities in and around Tsfat, while also enjoying studies and other programs at Ascent. 3educational outreach Ascent offers classes and workshops around Israel, as well as online via LiveKabbalah.com. It’s a great opportunity for staff to share their well-honed presentations with a wider audience, and to solidify Ascent’s reputation for excellent programming.
HOW MANY ORGANIZATIONS
DIRECTLY IMPACT OVER
50,000 PEOPLE
EVERY YEAR?
thank you for your friendship and support. Please see the enclosed Sponsorship & Partnership Guide. This document is just a brief overview to who we are and what we do. For more information, you can request a copy of our Annual Report. Thank you to our collaborative and partner organizations: THE SHUL of Bal Harbor
Israel Ministry of Education
Israel Defense Force
IDF Education Corps
Eshet Chayil Foundation
Your Global Center for Jewish Spiritual Discovery
myAscent.org Rabbi Shaul Leiter, Executive Director US: 646-492-0812 | +972-52-677-0140 | +972-4-692-1364 x103 | director@ascentofsafed.com
Rabbi Mordechai Siev, Director of Development US: 516-343-1674 | +972-54-643-7770 | +972-4-692-1364 x129 | siev@ascentofsafed.com Contributions can be made online at myAscent.org/donate or mailed to: ISRAEL: 2 Ari Street, Tsfat, Israel 13102 US: 383 Kingston Ave., Rm 28, Brooklyn, NY 11213 UK: F/O Ascent, 3 Sunny Gardens Parade, London NW4 1JA CANADA: C/O Beth Oloth, 32 Brookview Dr., Toronto, ON M6A 2K2 (cheque payable to Beth Oloth with “for Ascent” in the note)
AUSTRALIA: c/o Mr. & Mrs. Herszberg 6 Goathlands St., East S. Kilda VIC 3183, Australia