The International Service Fund (ISF) is BBYO’s teen treasury or philanthropic fund, and is supported and fundraised for by our teen network. The International Gizborim and Executive Body, on behalf of the Gizborim Network and Alephs and BBGs around the world, are entrusted with the responsibility to manage the International Service Fund — both the fundraising for it and the allocations of its funds. The International Service Fund is fundraised by chapters, regions, and the Movement through events, campaigns, and experiences held at all levels of BBYO. 

The ISF exists to provide means for Alephs and BBGs to allocate funds where they best see fit. This includes, but is not limited to, scholarship for BBYO experiences, charitable causes by giving Stand UP philanthropic donations on behalf of the Movement, and charity when it is needed in times of crisis (i.e., natural disaster relief, etc.). This fund serves as an opportunity for BBYO teens, as responsible Jews, to give back to our organization and the greater world at hand. Donating philanthropically is rooted in the Jewish value of Tzedakah, Charity.

Tzedakah means much more than just giving money away. Tzedakah is derived from the word justice, which implies that giving to those less fortunate than us is the just - or right- thing to do. Often in Judaism it is said that we as Jews have an obligation to our community to give back with Tzedakah. 

Tzedek Tzedek Tirdof, Justice Justice you shall pursue, serves as a strong foundation behind the International Service Fund as we use our organization and our platforms as the executive body to give back to communities and initiatives in need. It is our responsibility in our positions to not only support the communities around us but help others as we notice issues in our world. 

At International Convention this year, we raised over $10,000 for the ISF through our partnership with the IC Shuk! The Executive Body came together and picked three organizations for this money to be dispersed to. 

These are:

• Friendship circle is an organization that brings happiness and companionship to children and young adults with special needs by celebrating their individuality, as well as bringing energy, support, and peace of mind to their families. Find out more here. 
• Children's Miracle Network’s mission is to increase funds and awareness for local children's hospitals and other Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Find out more here. 
• Trevor Project’s mission is to end suicide among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning young people. Find out more here. 

We hope you all join us to raise money to further support these organizations and more like these in the future.  You can learn more about the ISF here!