2012annual report

Education Opportunities forDisadvantaged Israeli Children

table of Contents

Introduction 1

Projects 3

Fundraising & Management 4

Events 5

US Honor Roll 6

Israel Honor Roll 8

Israel’s school system is plagued by a shortage of qualified teachers, inadequate facilities and minimalinstruction hours in core subjects. The results of these insufficiencies are clear—on recent internationalassessment exams, Israel students ranked last out of students from 33 OECD countries in literacy, math and science.

This crisis threatens the very existence of Israel. An undereducated population puts enormous strain on acountry’s socio-economic infrastructure. Israel’s government has to take on more debt to fund socialprograms for a workforce that is not qualified to support itself. In 2011, Israel’s public debt represented agreater percentage of its GDP than any Western country—more than twice that of the US or Germany.Israel has dropped to 23 out of 34 countries in worker productivity, another indicator of economic stresscaused by an under-educated workforce.

Equally important, Israel’s security depends on a modern army; a modern army needs to be well-educated.Demand for Israeli technology and innovation has created political allies. Israel must continue to produceproducts the world wants if it is to fully secure its position in a global economy.

Since 1989, YRF has been fighting Israel’s war for better education. Through supplemental student classes,professional development for teachers and single subject learning centers, YRF helps Israeli childrendiscover and harness the power of education as a means to improve quality of life for themselves, theircommunity and their country.

n YRF supplemental classes enhance critical reasoning skills and teach core academic subjects.

n YRF’s professional development program gives teachers the tools and skills they need to improvethe outcomes for all students.

n YRF’s single subject learning centers are designed to teach English in an immersive, interactiveenvironment, with a particular focus on spoken fluency.

Through your generosity, YRF has provided more than 110,000 Israeli children with the educationfoundation and vital resources they need to succeed in school and in life.

While we have made a great deal of progress, there is still much to be done. With your continued support,YRF can provide the programs needed to lift thousands of disadvantaged Israeli children and their familiesout of poverty and set them on the path to economic independence.

Thank you for your commitment. We look forward to sharing more successes with you and to a continuedpartnership.

Sam Katz Amnon Sorek

YRF Annual 2012 | 2

Youth Renewal Fund is changing Israel’s schools,communities and educational landscape. YRF programs provide disadvantaged Israeli children with the education foundation they need to improvetheir lives, their families and their communities.

Mission

YRF Annual 2012 | 3

Projects FY 2012

Supplemental EducationAshdod Mekif Dalet64 studentsGrades 7-9English & mathEst. 2008-2009

Mekif Vav86 studentsGrades 7-9English, Hebrew & mathEst. 2010-2011

Noam 40 studentsGrades 5-6English & mathEst. 2010-2011

Rananim 59 studentsGrades 4-6English, Hebrew & mathEst. 2010-2011

Shachar9 studentsGrades 5-6English, Hebrew & mathEst. 2011-2012

Shikmim58 studentsGrades 5-6English, Hebrew & mathEst. 2010-2011

Shilo29 studentsGrades 3-4English, Hebrew & mathEst. 2011-2012

Givat OlgaPa’amei Tikvah Foundation28 studentsGrades 7-9English, Hebrew & mathEst. 2008-2009

LodLevi Eshkol241 studentsGrades 1-8English, Hebrew & mathEst. 1992-1993

NetanyaMesilot39 studentsGrades 2-5Hebrew & mathEst. 2011-2012

Tel AvivAmiel Rambam67 studentsGrades 1-6Hebrew Est. 2009-2010

Tirat CarmelAcademia180 studentsGrades 10-12English, Hebrew, math &PhysicsEst. 2002-2003

Ariel110 studentsGrades 7-12English, Hebrew & math Est. 1997-1998

Shifman274 studentsGrades 7-12English, Hebrew, History &mathEst. 1997-1998

Learning CentersAfulaOren English Center300 studentsEst. 2004-2005

AshdodHofit English Center330 studentsEst. 2009-2010

Shikmim English Center140 studentsEst. 2004-2005

Shikmim Math Lab140 studentsEst. 2005-2006

Gan YavneSinai Math Lab288 studentsEst. 2005-2006

LodLevi Eshkol English Center150 studentsEst. 2004-2005

RamlaEthan H. Freed Learning

Center2,090 studentsEst. 2010-2011

Tirat CarmelClaire & Emanuel G.Rosenblatt English Center1263 studentsEst. 2002-2003

Professional Development ProgramDirect ProgramThroughout Israel184 Teachers13 project directors13 mentors and trainersEstablished: 2008-2009

AshdodMekif 108 teachersEst. 2011-2012

Yad Shabtay11 teachersEst. 2011-2012

Galil EylonEmek Ha’Chula32 teachersEst. 2009-2010

YRF Annual 2012 | 4

Supplemental EducationYRF supplemental classes combine curriculum based instruction,personalized lessons and a supportive environment to dramaticallyimprove students’ academic achievement. Our methods areworking: over 77% of YRF students pass matriculation exam withscores high enough to apply to university, compared to nationalaverage of 55%.

“The most important thing I learned from the project is that there isno such thing as ‘no.’ If you are given the opportunity and the tools,the sky is the limit and you can really develop and advance toachieve whatever you want. Because of this, I never give up on anygoal I set for myself.” —Bosana, YRF Alumna, Lod

Learning CentersYRF Learning Centers are specially designed to provide aninteractive learning environment that engage students in thelearning process and increase their enthusiasm for studying. Highly trained teachers utilize active learning and immersivetechniques such as drama, music and art to increase students’fluency in English.

“Participating in the project has helped me, as I have passed myexam with good grades and I am very proud of my achievements.The teachers have helped me throughout the year and I learnednew things and also had a good time.” —Eyal, YRF 10th gradestudent, Tirat Carmel

Professional Development ProgramYRF’s Professional Development Program for Teachers is unique in Israel. It provides a mentoring network and a framework forteachers to get feedback, develop career goals and improve theirskills based on their individual needs and objectives.

“Suddenly, there was someone with whom I could turn mydifficulties into more successful teaching. This helped me acceptnew ideas, analyze what causes success, and see how I couldreplicate it as a model for other lessons. I felt I was growing morewith each class and each situation, and my students’ ultimateprofit was great." —Efrat S. YRF Teacher , Amiel Rambam School,Tel Aviv

YRF Annual 2012 | 5

Fundraising & Management

Combined economic uncertainty continued to impact Youth Renewal Fund revenues in FY 2012. As anorganization, YRF revenues fell nearly 16% from the prior year to $2,799,211.

Despite market conditions, donations from individuals increased and foundation support remained relativelyconstant. Revenues from events decreased from FY 11 to FY 12. With both the US and Israel experience decreasesin this category. Part of the decline can be attributed to a decision not to hold a Los Angeles event in FY 12,despite a successful event in FY 11. This event will be held in the current fiscal year, FY 13.

As more projects are implemented during the school day and a greater percentage of YRF students are not“opting-in,” the revenues in this category will continue to decline. This shift is anticipated and the organization isactively pursuing new opportunities and partners to ensure continued growth and success.

In addition to cash contributions, YRF continues to receive substantial in-kind donations that allow theorganization to maintain efficient and effective operations. Donated in-kind items in the last fiscal year includethe design, printing and mailing of the YRF Annual Report, the design, printing and mailing of the New York Galainvitations and journal, and all items offered in the raffle and silent auction.

Since inception in 1989, revenues have increased at a compounded annual growth rate of over 9%. These resultshave enabled YRF to expand the reach of its programs; unfortunately growth in demand continues to outpaceresources available.

FY 12 FY 11

Events gross $ 1,388,637 $ 1,875,940

General contributions 806,579 699,139

Support from Foundations 391,452 433,484

Municipalities payment 131,997 202,449

Student fees 76,907 116,072

Interest 3,639 9,241

Total $2,799,211 $3,336,326

Despite the continued economic uncertainty, fiscal year 13 is off to a strong start and YRF expects to experiencerevenue growth in the coming years.

YRF continues to focus on efficient operations. In fiscal year 2012, project spending accounted for 86% ofexpenditures, net of direct event expenses. This number is consistent with prior years.

Streamlined operations, conservative budgeting and committed leadership enable YRF to maintain itshallmark levels of efficiency and effectiveness.

FY 12 results are not yet audited. Audited financial statements will be available from the YRF office in February 2013. Dollar amounts include funds collected inIsraeli shekels and converted to US dollars.

YRF Annual 2012 | 6YRF Annual 2012 | 6

Events

Throughout the year, YRF holds a variety of events designedto educate participants about our mission, expand our support base, increase donor stewardship, build brandawareness and encourage collaboration among supporters.

GalaIn May 2012, YRF’s Annual Gala celebrated the more than 100,000 students and teachers thathave been the organization’s focus and cornerstone for over two decades. Held at one ofManhattan’s most popular nightclubs, the evening included a silent auction, a lounge-styleseated dinner and special entertainment from DJ Paul Oakenfold. Gala is the highest revenuegenerating event of the year and a highlight of the New York charity season.

Young Leadership Fall BenefitEach fall, YRF’s Ambassador Circle and a corps of young professionals come together to hostan event to fund programming at the Ethan H. Freed Learning Center. The event continuesto grow exponentially, and in 2012, welcomed over 250 guests and raised more than $80,000.

Los AngelesAs demand for our programs continues to grow, YRF is expanding its organization to meet that demand. With the help of Los Angeles based supporters, YRF is building theinfrastructure for a west coast Ambassador Circle. Small cultivation events and a dinner inJune yielded a strong foundation. The current fiscal year is off to a strong start; a speakerseries with the Israeli Deputy Consulate was quite successful and we have already markedthe calendars for another signature concert in June 2013.

New York YRF aims to foster a range of ideas and interests to allow for maximum participation andinvolvement. This year’s events included: the YRF Basketball Tournament; privately hostedcultivation events; instead of, a speaker series conducted by noted journalists, entrepreneurs,and key figures from business, finance and education; and an inaugural YRF Golf Tournamentthat raised more than $10,000.

Israel YRF Israel's annual fundraising event was held in September 2011 at Tel Aviv University. More than 800 guests attended welcom incoming YRF Israel Chairman, Amnon Sorek. Thisyear's event included entertainment by rock band T-Slam and, as in previous years, washosted by former Israel Steering Committee member, and current Minister of Finance YairLapid.

Mission To IsraelThe YRF Mission to Israel trip , comprised of YRF staff and 18 supporters, spent 5 days inMarch visiting YRF projects and experiencing YRF’s impact firsthand. Mission participantsconnected with their Israeli counterparts and YRF program participants, met with thought-leaders and enjoyed cultural and historical outings. We invite supporters to visit our projectswhenever they are in Israel. Please contact the office when you are planning a trip.

YRF Annual 2012 | 7

US Honor Roll

$75,000+Louis & Gertrude Feil Family Vicki & Sam Katz Carolyn & Marc Rowan Liza & Paul Wachter

$50,000 – $74,999Michael Gross Vicki Panzier Gross Ilene & Art Penn The Samberg Family

Foundation

$25,000 – $49,999Akin Gump Strauss Hauer &

Feld LLPBMO Capital MarketsJeff Cohen & Family

Goldman SachsLimor Yoash Grin &

David GrinBetsy & Doug Korn

KPMGRandye & Brian KwaitPaul, Weiss, Rifkin, Wharton

& Garrison LLP

PwCAllison & Bennett RosenthalMadeleine & Paul Schnell

$15,000 – $24,999Bank of America

Merrill LynchSusan & Jeffrey Freed

Jill & Jimmy HaberMorgan Stanley

NomuraMarion & Bret Pearlman

Jacqueline & David SimonUBS

$10,000 – $14,999Abbe & Adam AronMarjorie & Joshua HarrisStephanie & Scott Hoffman

Lisa & David IssroffKirkland & Ellis LLPAllison Rosen

RR DonnelleyCaroline & Jonathan SackCarolyn & Curtis Schenker

Julie & Jeffrey SeamanHope & Robert SheftRobyn & Mark Tsesarsky

$5,000 – $9,999Anne & Stuart AngowitzCaryn Seidman Becker &

Marc BeckerRuth Freed &

Joshua BermanClifford ChanceTracy & Harlan CherniakCitiDeloitte

Valerie Feigen & Steve Eisman

Sarah & Charlie HallacKaren & Brendan HerronJane & Michael HoffmanHoulihan LokeyJefferiesJewish Aid WorldwideJ.P. Morgan

Kaye Scholer LLPWendy & Scott KleinmanAndrea & Harry KrakowskiLeora & Richard LinhartNFPVictoria & Paul OrlinAlex PorterRBC Capital MarketsRichard Schwartz

Arielle R. Nagler & Philip William Sherrill

Jacqueline & Robert SteinChristie & Kent StermonHope & Glen TaitzSusan & Stephen Flaxman

and Susan Jaffe TaneWeil, Gotshal & Manges LLPHillary & David Zeltner

YRF Annual 2012 | 8

US Honor Roll(cont’d)

$2,500 – $4,999Anonymous (1)Amanda & David AlfredLawrence AllettoAlexandra & Michael BassikAnnie BerdyRandi & Mark BermanJill & Jay BernsteinReston BlumwestBorax Paper Products, Inc.Lindsay & Sam CamensAndrea Varat &

Spencer CherniakJuli & Michael DershewitzJamie & Loren EastonTamar Sadeh Ellison &

Alec Ellison

Daniel EpstienMeredith FishStephanie & Jeff GimbelStephanie GlaserSamantha & Brad GlickLaurie & Jeffrey GoldbergerMelissa & Jason GreensteinKristy & Robert HarteveldtJulie & Ben HockenbergEric HorowitzMargie & Robert ImersheinAmy & Daniel KamenskyBecky & Avi KatzMatt KimbleIgor Klebanov

Stephanie & Ron KramerRebecca Schredni &

Aaron KupermanElena Neuman &

Jay LefkowitzJennifer &

Michael LustbaderRachel & Michael LustigKerry & Jason PerriKammi & Brad ReissRobert SchwartzDonna & David SchweidJamie SchweidJohn ScottElaine & Wallace Sheft

Stacey & Sean SimonSusan Drossman Sokoloff &

Adam SokoloffMichelle &

Howard SwarzmanTZP GroupLisa Goldstein &

Ross WeinerLise & Jeffrey WilksJosette & Steven WinogradWendy & Peter WrightJill & Paul YablonTalia Zapolanski

$1,000 – $2,499Barbara & Todd AlbertWendy & Stuart AlperMichele AmatoStaci & John BarberChad BartelsJaynee & Eric BeckmanCorey BenbassetSara & David BermanBrian BlockJames BoshartSusan & Jonathan BramCantor FitzgeraldStephanie &

Steven CherniakCatherine Jean &

Steven ClemensRachel & Mark DaltonDavid Derose

Wendy & Jonathan DulmanBarbra & David FeldmanLee & Robert FurmanCori & Dan GalpernJane & Fred GoldCarolyn &

Michael N. GoldmanElena & Vlad GutiHeight Analytics LLCThe Helig FamilyThe Hirt FamilyBonnie & Bernie HodesBetsy & Vladimir JeslisavcicNancy & Neal KaplanHeather & David KatzmanLinda & Ilan KaufthalKnight Capital Group, Inc.Carole & Ronald Korn

Alissa & Steven KornChristina & Barry KringsteinMelanie & David LevineDavid N. LevineTara & Hunter LiptonAllison & Daniel LondonSheera & Michael MoffsonLori & David MooreJames MossmanBeth Goldberg &

Joshua NashOld Oaks FoundationBrad RosenLief D. RosenblattTracy & Marc RossLinda & Tony RubinBarry F. SchwartzHolly & David Sherr

Cindy & Paul SkjodtLauren & Larry SorrelMelanie & Thomas StaggsMimi & Barry SternlichtLeslie & David StorchSun Capital Partners Inc.Mindy & Marc UtayWallachBeth Captal, LLCShari & Michael WeinerBryan WeissLisa WeitzmanWells Fargo SecuritiesAmy & Evan WildsteinJennifer & Ed YorkeNoah Yosha

YRF Annual 2012 | 9

Israel Honor Roll

2012 Israel Honor Roll

100,000 NIS+Anonymous (1)Academia

Bank HapoalimLanda Fund

Pa’amei Tikvah Foundation Pelephone

40,000 NIS – 99,999 NIS Tomer Kariv-Pontifax The Steinhardt Foundation

10,000 NIS – 39,999 NISMonique & Albert Ben-AviMeitar Liquornik Geva &

Leshem Brandwein

Nehama & Jacob BurakRS Logistical SolutionsElior & Amnon Sorek

Daniella & Daniel SteinmetzAdrienne & Jonas Weill

5,000 NIS – 9,999 NISDoris & Mori ArkinEastronics

Minna & Clifford FeligOrly & Ron Lubash

Gili MezzanNora & Igal Rabinovich

Ramla FoundationRound-Up Israel

2,000 NIS – 4,999 NISAnonymous (1)Dan Hotels

Corporation Ltd.

Derital Transport Technologies

Efraim Rogovin Ltd.

F.M.R. Computers & Software Ltd.

Avshalom Herscovich

Udian Investments Ltd.Josephine & Zvi Ziv

1,200 NIS – 1,999 NISLeo Schachter Diamonds Shimshon Zelig & Co. Ltd.

500 NIS – 1,199 NISAnonymous (5)David Amsalem

Eli BardaYael & Menachem Feder

Bilha PeledShahar Sagiv

Amnon Somech

US Board of DirectorsStuart AngowitzHarlan CherniakJeff CohenJamie EastonDavid FeldmanSusan Z. Flaxman

Jeffrey FreedDavid GrinMichael GrossKaren HerronScott HoffmanSam Katz

Douglas R. KornRandye KwaitBret PearlmanAllison RosenBennett RosenthalMarc Rowan

Paul SchnellRobert SheftDeborah SimonHope TaitzRoss Weiner

US Executive DirectorKaren L. Berman

Israel Executive DirectorGalit Toledano-Harris

Israel Steering CommitteeEzra AvrahamAlbert BenaviMonique BenaviKobi BitonDror ChevionCliff FeligYael FishmanPua Gordon

Ran GoshenTali Barash GottliebHertzel HabasAvshalom HershcovichiTomer KarivNehama KarpolYair LapidOrly Lubash

Ron LubashGili MezzanEhud MironJill ReinachRakefet RussakRoy SegevMali ShafirGil Sharon

Amnon SorekRikki SprinzakRon TiomkinShachar ZivZvi Ziv

United States 250 W. 57th Street | Suite 632 | New York, NY 10107Phone: 212.207.3195 | Fax: 212.207.8379www.youthrenewalfund.org

Israel 56 Haazmaut Street | 1st Floor | Yehud | Israel 56304Phone: 011 972 3 632 2912 | Fax: 011 972 3 632 2913www.yrf.org.il

Youth Renewal Fund