lappin foundation
Lappin Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit that delivers free Jewish educational, identity-building, and Holocaust/antisemitism education programs for all ages across the North Shore of Massachusetts, Greater Boston, and the Merrimack Valley, funded through its Annual Campaign and the Robert I. Lappin Charitable Foundation.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1970
- HeadquartersBeverly, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What lappin foundation does
Lappin Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization headquartered in Beverly, Massachusetts (100 Cummings Center, Suite 220-G), that delivers free Jewish educational, identity-building, and Holocaust and antisemitism education programs across the North Shore of Massachusetts, Greater Boston, and the Merrimack Valley. Founded in 1970 by philanthropist Robert Israel Lappin (operational activities began then; the 501c3 entity is dated 2012 in some filings, EIN 46-1614193), the foundation operates roughly 25 programs spanning newborns through adults, with the flagship Youth to Israel Adventure (Y2I) running since inception and serving over 3,000 teens cumulatively, 100+ per summer with full subsidies since 1996. Core programs include PJ Library and PJ Our Way (free monthly Jewish books for ages 0-12), Rekindle Shabbat (family Shabbat kits with catered dinner), Teen Advisory Board, TeensFeed (volunteer meal preparation for Lifebridge North Shore), the Speakers Bureau, the Israel Land Map, Holocaust and antisemitism education, Introduction to Judaism (free 21-week course), and interfaith outreach.
The foundation does not sell products or services; revenue is donation-funded. The Annual Campaign raises approximately $500,000 per year for direct program expenses, while total annual program costs exceed $1,000,000. The shortfall is covered by the Robert I. Lappin Charitable Foundation, donor-advised funds, and legacy giving. All programs are free to participants, removing financial barriers to engagement. Programs are delivered through a small in-house staff (1-10 employees) operating across distributed coordinator roles for the North Shore and Merrimack Valley, executed primarily in person at partner venues (synagogues, JCCs, libraries, schools) with supplementary Zoom adult education and an emerging PJ Library Podcast. Marketing is community-led via the foundation's website, email list, social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn), and referrals through a partner network of 14+ named institutions.
The foundation has navigated multiple inflection points, most notably the December 2008 Madoff Ponzi scheme fraud which destroyed $8 million of foundation assets and $83 million in founder wealth, prompting a brief closure and six-month operational recovery funded by an anonymous $100,000 incentive gift and subsequent fundraising; the Lappin family subsequently restored more than $5 million in employee retirement accounts. Founder Robert Israel Lappin passed away in April 2020, with executive leadership continuing under Deborah Coltin.
lappin foundation firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- lappin foundation
- Legal name
- Lappin Foundation
- Website
- https://lappinfoundation.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1970
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Lappin Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit that delivers free Jewish educational, identity-building, and Holocaust/antisemitism education programs for all ages across the North Shore of Massachusetts, Greater Boston, and the Merrimack Valley, funded through its Annual Campaign and the Robert I. Lappin Charitable Foundation.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
lappin foundation industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Nonprofit Jewish Education
- NAICS
- Educational Services (611), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Child and Youth Services (624110)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Faith-Based Education & Formation (Seminaries, Religious Schools, Catechesis) (BPAGAJAD)
Keywords
Where lappin foundation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Beverly
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
lappin foundation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Others, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Donations and Annual Campaign: The foundation raises approximately $500,000 annually through its Annual Campaign for direct program expenses. Additional funding comes from the Robert I. Lappin Charitable Foundation to cover balance of expenses including personnel, overhead, and other program costs. The foundation also accepts legacy gifts and planned donations.
- Donor-Advised Fund Contributions: The foundation accepts donations through Donor Advised Funds, allowing donors to direct charitable contributions.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Others | All programs are FREE to participants |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
lappin foundation product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Lappin Foundation delivers free Jewish educational, identity-building, and Holocaust and antisemitism education programs for children, teens, families, and adults on the North Shore of Massachusetts, Greater Boston, and Merrimack Valley. Offerings center on the fully subsidized Youth to Israel Adventure (Y2I) teen trip, the PJ Library and PJ Our Way monthly book programs for ages 0–12, Rekindle Shabbat family kits, teen leadership and volunteer initiatives, Introduction to Judaism courses, and interfaith outreach, all provided at no cost to participants.
Product overview
Lappin Foundation is a non-profit organization (501c3) focused on enhancing Jewish identity across generations through free programs for children, teens, and adults. The foundation operates various interconnected programs including Youth to Israel Adventure (Y2I) for high school students, PJ Library and PJ Our Way book programs for children ages 0-12, Rekindle Shabbat for families, Teen Advisory Board and TeensFeed for teens, and various educational resources such as the Israel Land Map, Ethiopian Jewish Curriculum, and Time Tent. Additional offerings include Interfaith Outreach, Introduction to Judaism courses, Holocaust education, Jewish American Heritage Month resources, Scholarships, Speakers Bureau, and Caring Cards Project. The organization serves communities on the North Shore and Merrimack Valley of Massachusetts.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Youth to Israel Adventure (Y2I) A fully subsidized program that sends Jewish high school sophomores and juniors from the North Shore of Massachusetts and Greater Boston to Israel for two weeks to strengthen Jewish identity, commitment, and pride.
- PJ Library An international Jewish family engagement program that sends free high-quality Jewish children's books to families with children ages newborn to 8 every month, co-sponsored with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation.
- PJ Our Way The next chapter of PJ Library for kids ages 9–12, allowing children to choose a free book every month and participate in reviews, videos, and polls.
- Rekindle Shabbat A program that provides everything needed for a meaningful Shabbat experience, including candles, kiddush cup, challah, and fully catered dinner for families.
- Teen Advisory Board A leadership program for Jewish teens ages 13–18 that provides impact on the local Jewish community, input into program development, and networking opportunities.
- TeensFeed A volunteer program for Jewish teens in grades 7–12 to participate in caring for the stranger by preparing meals for Lifebridge North Shore.
- Caring Cards Project A volunteer program inviting teens, tweens, and adults to design Caring Cards for homebound older adults who are clients of Jewish Family & Children's Service.
- Speakers Bureau A service to help identify speakers on various Jewish subjects including Holocaust Survivors, Jewish Tradition, Women in Judaism, Israel, and Jewish Diversity.
- Israel Land Map A giant 30' x 15' interactive floor map for teaching all aspects of Israel including geography, history, and religion, available for borrowing by institutions in serviced communities.
- Gather Us Together (Ethiopian Jewish Curriculum) A traveling exhibit called 'Gather Us Together' about the Ethiopian Jewish experience through images, music, artifacts, DVD, oral histories, and learning activities.
- Time Tent A 10' x 10' easy-open structure for inspirational Jewish teaching that transports students to meet Biblical or historical personalities.
- Introduction to Judaism A free 21-week course designed for individuals of faiths other than Judaism who want to explore Judaism or consider conversion.
- Interfaith Outreach Programs designed to build bridges between Jewish and other faith communities.
- Jewish American Heritage Month Resources helping teachers create exciting lessons to celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month in May, including curated resources, consultations, speakers, and a program bank.
- Holocaust & Antisemitism Education Programs and resources for Holocaust education and combating antisemitism, delivered through the foundation's Center for Antisemitism and Holocaust Programs and Resources.
- Scholarships for Jewish Students Financial assistance scholarships for Jewish students pursuing education.
Quantifiable outcome
- More than 70 percent of Y2I alumni marry Jewish mates
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use lappin foundation
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments1 record
Ideal customer profiles4 records
lappin foundation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
lappin foundation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Harold Grinspoon FoundationcoreCo-sponsor of PJ Library program. Harold Grinspoon Foundation created PJ Library and provides 25% match for donations to PJ Library Endowment. Major strategic partner for children's programming.
- Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP)coreFunder and supporter of PJ Library North Shore program. Provides financial support for Jewish programming in the Greater Boston area.
- Jewish Family & Children's Service (JF&CS)corePartner for Caring Cards Project - Jewish teens and tweens design cards for homebound older adults who are JF&CS clients. Intergenerational programming connecting youth with seniors.
- Jewish Community Center of the North Shore (JCCNS)coreVenue partner for Israeli Folk Dancing, Tot Shabbat programs, PJ Library Shabbat Shalom Circle, Splash N Play, and other family programs. JCCNS serves as physical venue and co-branded program host.
- Temple Emanuel of AndovercorePartner for Tot Shabbat programs, Babies Bagels and Beyond, and PJ Library Merrimack Valley. Host venue and co-program provider for family programming.
- Temple Tiferet ShalomcorePartner for PJ Library BalaGan toddler program. Venue host and co-program provider for families with young children.
- Congregation Ahavas AchimcorePartner for PJ Library programs including Tot Shabbat, Friday Night Shabbat, PJ Our Way Book Club, and Sensory Seder. Host venue and co-program provider. Member of PJ Library North Shore co-sponsorship.
- Congregation ShalomcorePartner for Tot Shabbat programs and PJ Library Sweet Treat for Shavuot. Venue host and co-program provider for family programming.
- Temple Ner Tamid (TNT)coreVenue partner for PJ Library Shabbat Shalom Circle programs. One of the locations for family Shabbat programming.
- Congregation Ahavat OlamcorePartner for Tot Shabbat Sing-Along and PJ Our Way Book Club. Host venue for teen and family programming.
- Hamilton Wenham Public LibraryminorPartner for PJ Library Holiday Story Time. Venue host for Jewish holiday educational programming for children.
- Levine's Kosher DeliminorKosher catering partner for Rekindle Shabbat program. Provides catered Shabbat meals that families pick up for their home Shabbat dinners.
- Cider Hill FarmminorFarm venue partner for PJ Library New Year at the Farm - Rosh Hashanah celebration event.
- Lifebridge North ShorecorePartner for TeensFeed program - Jewish teens prepare meals for Lifebridge residents. Community service and volunteer programming connecting teens with local seniors in need.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
lappin foundation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Anti-Defamation League (ADL): National organization providing Holocaust education and antisemitism response programming. Lappin Foundation's Holocaust & Antisemitism Education Center operates in a similar space but as a regional complement to ADL's national scope.
- JCC Association of North America: Umbrella body for Jewish Community Centers, several of which (e.g., JCCNS) are direct venue partners of Lappin Foundation. JCCs run overlapping family, teen, and adult Jewish programming at scale.
- Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP): Greater Boston's central Jewish federation and a major funder of Lappin's PJ Library North Shore program. Operates a broader portfolio of Jewish education and social services across the same geographic region.
- Jewish National Fund (JNF): Operates Israel education and engagement programs including alternative Israel trips and educational resources. Comparable in Israel-focused identity-building but with a national fundraising footprint and broader scope.
- USCJ (United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism): Denominational body supporting Conservative Jewish congregations and their educational programming. Lappin partners with Conservative synagogues (Congregation Ahavas Achim, Temple Emanuel of Andover) on shared programs.
Emerging players
- Hillel International: Operates Jewish campus organizations serving college students with identity-building and antisemitism response programs. Lappin's programming targets teens before college and overlaps for the post-college interfaith adult segment.
Direct peers
- March of the Living: Organizes Holocaust education trips to Poland and Israel for Jewish teens. Closely aligned with Y2I's identity-building trip model and provides relevant benchmarks for educational youth travel outcomes.
- Birthright Israel Foundation: Funds free Israel trips for young Jewish adults globally. Lappin's Y2I teen Israel trip program is directly comparable in mission (free Israel travel for Jewish youth to strengthen identity) but operates at a smaller, regional scale.
- Harold Grinspoon Foundation: Creator of the PJ Library program and a direct strategic partner of Lappin Foundation. Both are Jewish family engagement nonprofits focused on Jewish identity through free programs; HGF is the originating foundation and Lappin operates the North Shore regional affiliate.
Regional players
- Israeli American Council (IAC): Operates Israeli and Jewish cultural programming across US regions with a focus on Israel identity. Provides Israeli folk dancing, holiday programming, and community events comparable to Lappin's Israel-centric offerings, but with a national footprint.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
lappin foundation social profiles
Digital presencelappin foundation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
lappin foundation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
lappin foundation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
lappin foundation M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
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Frequently asked questions about lappin foundation
What does lappin foundation do?
Lappin Foundation delivers free Jewish educational, identity-building, and Holocaust and antisemitism education programs for children, teens, families, and adults on the North Shore of Massachusetts, Greater Boston, and Merrimack Valley. Offerings center on the fully subsidized Youth to Israel Adventure (Y2I) teen trip, the PJ Library and PJ Our Way monthly book programs for ages 0–12, Rekindle Shabbat family kits, teen leadership and volunteer initiatives, Introduction to Judaism courses, and interfaith outreach, all provided at no cost to participants.
Is lappin foundation a public or private company?
lappin foundation is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was lappin foundation founded?
lappin foundation was founded in 1970. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is lappin foundation based?
lappin foundation is headquartered in Beverly, United States, in the North America region.
How does lappin foundation make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Donations and Annual Campaign is the primary driver. The others are donor-Advised Fund Contributions.
Who are lappin foundation's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Anti-Defamation League (ADL), JCC Association of North America, Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP), Jewish National Fund (JNF) and USCJ (United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism). Hillel International is listed as an emerging player. Direct peers are March of the Living, Birthright Israel Foundation and Harold Grinspoon Foundation. Israeli American Council (IAC) is listed as a regional player.
Does lappin foundation have an API?
No public API is recorded for lappin foundation.
What industry is lappin foundation in?
lappin foundation's product category is Nonprofit Jewish Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAJAD, Faith-Based Education & Formation (Seminaries, Religious Schools, Catechesis). Its NAICS code is 611 and its SIC code is 8200.