As we reach the halfway point of this term, we are thrilled to reflect on some of the successes that have shaped our journey so far as your International Gizborim. Our #Gizwins showcase the power of philanthropy, collaboration, and our incredible Gizborim network. We could not be more proud of the work we have done and also of the work our incredible Gizborim network has done this term.

Give It Up for #GivingBBYOday
This year’s #GivingBBYOday campaign shattered every expectation and set a new benchmark for our movement. Together, we raised over $1 million—an incredible milestone that reflects both the strength of BBYO and the impact this organization continues to have. With the support of over 7,000 donors, this campaign became one of the strongest Giving Tuesday efforts in the United States, a true testament to the support of our BBYO community.
What made this year’s campaign particularly special was the involvement of our Hype Squad—a group of more than 90 teens and 5 admins—who created hundreds of training resources and advertisements to promote #GivingBBYOday. Their energy inspired communities across BBYO to take action. Nearly every BBYO region ran its own #GivingBBYOday event, ranging from bake sales to bike-a-thons to calling parties. These creative and impactful initiatives ensured that Jewish teens everywhere would continue to have access to transformative experiences while empowering a new generation of Jewish leaders.
The campaign’s success was marked by truly historic involvement from outside North America, with over $77,000 raised. This global involvement was a key factor in our success and highlighted the power of our international network, especially in communities where we did not have Gizborim on board. The energy of these efforts—from local chapter initiatives to regional campaigns—was nothing short of inspiring.

Around the World in 38 Gizborim
#GivingBBYOday also served as a significant milestone for our global network, uniting 38 representatives from outside the United States who fully embraced the campaign’s mission and made it their own. Historically, our international communities had not been as integrated into this campaign, but we knew this year was the time to make it work for everyone.
Together, these international leaders raised more than $77,000, proving that BBYO’s mission resonates across the world and that fundraising is something we can all participate in. From barbecues to Hype Weeks, these initiatives united communities and showcased the creativity and passion of our members worldwide. We saw everything from the UK and Spain hosting calling parties to joint #GivingBBYOday Global Shabbat and Hanukkah celebrations, bringing even more depth and connection to our efforts.
However, their work does not stop here. These leaders are now integrated into our broader networks, contributing to ongoing fundraising efforts like the International Service Fund and becoming the first Gizborim in their communities.

Grantastic Impact
This year, we awarded 177 Gamechanger Grants, engaging over 2,000 teens. That’s 2,000 teens who experienced firsthand the power of program elevation. From Lake Ontario’s Ahava BBG’s “Build Your Own Bear” event to GJR Central’s (Marlboro AZA) Hibachi Night, these grants brought amazing ideas to life.
Our ability to respond swiftly and effectively was bolstered by the outstanding efforts of our 12 teens on the Gamechanger Granting Committee. Together, they facilitated the distribution of an average total of $427.38 per grant, ensuring that every grant recipient had the resources to achieve their vision.
These wins prove what our community is capable of when we collaborate, innovate, and believe in strong programming. Let's keep raising the bar on WOW programs.

Grants - 3 Priorities for the Second Half of the Term — with lots of specifics!

The Return of the International Service Fund: Bigger and Better Than Ever
As Michael Jordan once famously said, "I'm back." Well, the International Service Fund is back too—stronger, more innovative, and more impactful than ever before. With exciting updates, a vast history, and a fresh vision, we’re taking the ISF to new heights this year.
We’ve been hard at work revitalizing the ISF, starting with recreating its website to make it more user-friendly and accessible. A streamlined donation system is in the works, ensuring that contributing to the ISF is as easy as possible. With this renewed focus, we’re introducing active plans for ISF integration across the movement, empowering every region to contribute to our mission. Additionally, we’ve uncovered an impressive archive showcasing how the ISF has allocated over $1.5 million throughout its history, making tangible change in countless communities. To support transparency and accessibility, all ISF-related legislation will be organized and ready for reference on the ISF website.
The enthusiasm for ISF fundraising is already taking off, with standout contributions from regions like NSR, Colombia, and RMR. These efforts inspire us all, and we couldn’t be more excited to see how the movement rallies to hit our ambitious goal of raising $53,000 this year. To help everyone get involved, we’re rolling out tools like the ISF 101 Guide, the ISF 101 Program, and a new resource titled What, Why, and How: ISF, coming soon.

Chapter Fundraising: The Core of Our Movement
Chapter fundraising is the backbone of BBYO, powering the incredible work we do across the globe. This year, we’ve created a chapter fundraising submission form to track and celebrate all the amazing fundraising efforts happening around the order. Whether it’s a bake sale or a paintball fundraiser, this form ensures every chapter’s hard work gets the recognition it deserves.
We’re also working closely with the HVR Gizborim (shoutout to Liv and Daniel!) to build a streamlined process for chapter fundraising. This includes introducing creative new approaches like hockey games and large-scale community events, giving chapters bold, exciting ways to fundraise while strengthening local connections. By sharing ideas and showcasing success stories, we’re ensuring that chapter fundraising continues to thrive and inspire.

A Global Network of Gizborim
Our mission to strengthen global fundraising is well underway. We’ve begun formally integrating Gizborim into their respective boards outside of the United States, ensuring that teens worldwide have the tools and resources they need to break boundaries and drive impactful fundraising efforts.
This global network of Gizborim represents the next chapter of BBYO’s growth. These international leaders are being equipped with resources, training, and support to lead their communities in impactful fundraising initiatives. Together, we are working to ensure that BBYO continues to thrive and make a difference—locally and globally.

As we look back on this term’s progress, we are incredibly proud of everything we’ve accomplished together. Check out our platforms for the green of all our wins and the yellow of what we are working towards!

From the record-breaking #GivingBBYOday campaign to the expansion of the Global Gizborim network and the powerful grants that have brought amazing ideas to life, we’ve set the bar high. But this is only the beginning. With our focus now shifting to the International Service Fund, chapter fundraising, and further growth of the Global Gizborim, we are excited to see how we will continue to raise the standard and make an even greater impact in the second half of the term. So excited for many #Gizwins!

Love,
Alex and Joaco