Want to put yourself on the global Jewish innovation map? Whether you're a social enterprise or a nonprofit initiative, you can become part of the growing movement of Jewish innovation by registering for the 2010 Survey of New Jewish Initiatives, launched last week by Jumpstart, The Natan Fund, and the Samuel Bronfman Foundation. The 2010 survey will also expand beyond the U.S., and cover Canada and, in a special partnership with the UK's Pears Foundation and the ROI Community of Young Jewish Innovators, extend to include initiatives in Europe. (If you or another leader of your venture hasn't already received an invitation, please register to take the survey; you may also recommend a project at: http://2010survey.jewishecosystem.org/)

"New initiatives, whether they are independent startups or intrepreneurial ventures at established institutions, are the building blocks for 21st-century Judaism," said Shawn Landres, co-founder and CEO of Jumpstart.  "By mapping the field and profiling its leaders, we can anticipate new directions for our communities and focus our efforts where support is most needed."

"The report from the previous survey changed the conversation about innovation within the Jewish world,” said Jumpstart co-founder and COO Joshua Avedon. “The leaders who take this year's survey will be able to make the case to their partners, constituents and funders that they are shaping Jewish life for the 21st century."

Based on the 2008 Survey of New Jewish Organizations and the research that yielded the concept of an Innovation Ecosystem, the 2010 survey focuses on understanding the leaders of new Jewish initiatives, in addition to documenting key changes since the previous survey was conducted in November-December 2008. The survey is open to all Jewish startups, regardless of budget size; reflecting new trends in social innovation, it also is open to non-tax-exempt social enterprises.

The survey's expansion to Canada and Europe marks the first-ever transatlantic census of innovative and entrepreneurial Jewish ventures. Jumpstart expressed a hope to expand globally next year, to include Israel and countries in Latin America. Israeli and Latin American organizations should also register for the survey.

"The Innovation Ecosystem report has served as a rallying point for innovators and their supporters," said Felicia Herman, executive director of The Natan Fund.  "By repeating the survey now, and extending its international reach, especially in the wake of the economic crisis, we hope to help current and potential funders and nonprofit leaders make data-driven decisions that will strengthen 21st-century Jewish life."

If your organization has not already received an invitation to participate, register for the survey at: http://survey.jewishecosystem.org/

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