JScreen, a national at-home genetic screening program based out of Emory University, Department of Human Genetics, has been named one of North America’s top innovative Jewish organizations in the 2014-2015 Slingshot Guide. The Guide, published today, is a go-to resource for volunteers, activists and donors interested in supporting innovative projects that impact the Jewish community.
Selected from among hundreds of finalists reviewed by professionals with expertise in grant-making and Jewish communal life, the Guide says JScreen is “well positioned to change the face of genetic testing.”
Organizations included in this year’s Guide were evaluated on their innovative approach, the impact of their work, leadership in their sector, and their effectiveness at achieving results. Being listed in the Guide is often a critical step for selected organizations to attain much needed additional funding and to expand the reach of their work.
According to the Slingshot Guide, “the organizations included in the Guide are driving the future of Jewish life and engagement by motivating new audiences to participate in their work and responding to the needs of individuals and communities – both within and beyond the Jewish community – as never before.”
“JScreen is proud to be selected for this year’s guide, and to be recognized as one of the most innovative Jewish organizations making a positive impact on the lives of those in the Jewish community,” says Karen Arnovitz Grinzaid, JScreen senior director.
Through a simple, at-home saliva test, JScreen allows prospective parents to determine their risk of carrying any of 40 inherited conditions that are more common in the Jewish community and could be passed on to their future children. The program also provides private counseling to help address test results and risks for these hereditary diseases.
JScreen was launched in 2013 with seed funding from The Marcus Foundation.
About the Slingshot Guide
The Slingshot Guide, now in its tenth year, was created by a team of young funders as a guidebook to help funders of all ages diversify their giving portfolios to include the most innovative and effective organizations, programs and projects in North America. The Guide contains information about each organization’s origin, mission, strategy, impact and budget, as well as details about its unique character. The Slingshot Guide has proven to be a catalyst for next generation funding and offers a telling snapshot of shifting trends in North America's Jewish community – and how nonprofits are meeting new needs and reaching new audiences. The book, published annually, is available in hard copy and as a free download at www.slingshotfund.org.
For more information about JScreen, or to request a screening kit, visit www.JScreen.org
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