As we continue to navigate the lasting impact of October 7th and the ripple effects of foreign aid policy changes in the US, UK, and beyond, our collective commitment to the world’s most vulnerable people remains essential.
Join us at Focal Point, the premier Jewish gathering for people passionate about international development, humanitarian aid, and global service. Together, let’s confront global challenges, strengthen our networks, and reimagine what’s possible.
Big Questions, Powerful Connections:
What Awaits You at Focal Point 2025?
Global policy shifts in international aid
Discuss how foreign aid policy changes, program shutdowns, and the layoff of thousands of aid workers are reshaping global development and aid efforts. Share strategies to support those affected - in our network and in vulnerable communities around the world.
The ongoing impact of Oct. 7th
Engage in meaningful conversations around the ongoing impact of October 7th and subsequent war on our network, including shifting philanthropic priorities that continue to affect funding, the role of Jewish and Israeli humanitarians in providing aid in Gaza, and navigating complex relationships with colleagues.
Opportunities for job seekers
Seeking your next job in international development or humanitarian aid? Focal Point offers networking opportunities, practical training on finding a job during a time of turmoil in our sector, and a welcoming and supportive environment with people in similar situations.
Sector-specific networking
Connect and exchange information and best practices with peers working in your sector, and explore potential collaborations for impactful projects across the globe.
Funding-focused sessions
Getting funding is on everyone's mind. Dive deep into the topic of fundraising, hone your pitch for the current moment, discuss the future of international development funding following foreign aid cuts, and hear directly from Jewish funders about their priorities and advice.
CEO-only space
CEOs and executive directors will have an exclusive opportunity to network and discuss strategic priorities unique to Jewish and Israeli organizations - with those who best understand their challenges.
The future of our field
Problem-solve with peers on how to move forward in times of uncertainty, and explore the role of OLAM's network and the global Jewish community in advancing the broader fields of international development, humanitarian aid, and global service - from a place of deep Jewish values.
10 years of connections & impact
Join us on the evening of June 24th for a special 10th-anniversary celebration, to raise a glass to our founders, board members, and network, reflect on a decade of transformative work, and honor the strength and resilience of our community.
And so much more!
Who is Focal Point for?
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Global Development Practitioners
Join OLAM's individual members, staff members of our partner organizations, and other practitioners.
Staff members at all levels are welcome, including CEOs, program staff, local staff who can bring important perspectives, communications staff who can engage in discussions around how to tell your story, and those who are new to the field.
Jewish Leaders & Funders
Meet, share ideas, get inspired, and network with other Jewish leaders, foundation professionals, and philanthropists supporting some of the most vulnerable populations.
Think together about Jewish global responsibility, and the Jewish community's role in addressing global issues.
Students & Young Professionals
Network with practitioners on all levels and from all sectors, as you learn about the fields of international development, humanitarian aid, and global volunteering.
Meet potential mentors, get practical tips on job searching within OLAM’s network and beyond, and meet the people who can become your peers, colleagues, and counterparts.
Are you seeking your next job in international development or humanitarian aid?
Focal Point offers networking opportunities, practical training on finding a job during a time of turmoil in our sector, and a welcoming and supportive environment with people in similar situations.
Registration Rates
OLAM partners & individual members
Early bird rate (until April 21): $250
Regular rate: $350
Everyone else
Early bird rate (until April 21): $350
Regular rate: $450
The registration fee is non-refundable and covers conference attendance and meals.
Please see the Focal Point Info Hub below for information on hotel and travel subsidies for partners and members.
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What people are saying about Focal Point
Rabbi Dina Brawer, World Jewish Relief USA
Debra Slonim, Israel Trauma Coalition
Jesica Scheimberg, AJEEC-NISPED
Desiree Zwanck, OLAM Individual Member
Nicole Collins, JBN Foundation, Jewish communal professional
Chani Kolan, The Jewish Agency
Focal Point Info Hub
The conference will take place in Lower Manhattan. The precise location will be shared with attendees once you register.
We have organized hotel accommodation for partners and members at the DoubleTree by Hilton New York-Downtown: 8 Stone Steet in Lower Manhattan. The hotel is a 10-minute walk from the conference venue.
Thanks to the generous support of OLAM's funders, we can subsidize 2 nights of accommodation at the hotel - Monday, June 23 and Tuesday, June 24 - for the first 120 partners and individual members from outside NYC who register. Partners and members can request the subsidy on the registration form.
The subsidy will cover a double-occupancy room. You may reserve a single-occupancy room for an upgrade cost of $130.
As a courtesy, we have also reserved 20 additional rooms for the night of Sunday, June 22, for those arriving from abroad. This night is not subsidized by OLAM, however we can book the room for you at OLAM's block rate on a first-come-first-serve basis. You will be responsible for paying for this additional night at check-in.
We recommend that anyone flying into New York for Focal Point purchase refundable or flexible airline tickets in case you need to cancel your attendance for any reason.
Need-based travel subsidies are available for up to one staff member of each partner organization, as well as for individual members. Funds are limited and will be approved on a rolling basis, so apply for your travel subsidy here, as soon as possible!
Subsidies may be used for economy class round-trip flights or trains. They will not cover the costs of taxis, gas use in personal vehicles, cancellation fees, flight or train class upgrades, visas, or any other travel-related expenses.
We invite all Focal Point attendees to submit a topic for a breakout session. This year, we are looking for topic ideas, rather than fully developed presentations. If your topic is selected, OLAM will match you with other speakers and support you in co-creating a dynamic, impactful session. Between 30-50 participants are expected to attend each breakout session.
This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your expertise, share knowledge, and highlight your organization’s work. Please review our Focal Point 2025: FP Process Criteria & Tips for guidance on crafting a strong proposal. Submit your topic proposal here.
Deadline to submit is April 21st, but proposals are reviewed on a rolling basis, so earlier submissions have a higher chance of being selected.
Focal Point will be providing participants lunch and dinner on June 23 and breakfast, lunch, and dinner on June 24.
All food will be vegetarian (with vegan options), strictly kosher, and delicious!
There’s no dress code for Focal Point, but we recommend business-casual attire during the conference sessions. Feel free (but not obligated) to wear more festive attire for our 10-year celebration evening on June 24.
Late June in New York City is warm, but rain is possible, so we suggest bringing layers to stay comfortable both indoors and outside.
OLAM is committed to minimizing our carbon footprint in all our programs and engaging in sustainable climate practices when possible.
Travel: OLAM is offsetting the carbon emissions of all staff flights and encourages participants to do the same. We recommend choosing carbon-friendly options such as direct routes and flying with eco-conscious airlines. You can use this emissions calculator to estimate your flight's footprint and then select a trusted offset provider, such as The Ocean Foundation or Good Energy Initiative. We also recommend making the most of your travel by scheduling meetings before and after the conference, to save you a future flight to NYC.
Food sustainability: Our menu is fully vegetarian with vegan options, as these have a lower environmental impact.
Reducing waste: We're asking all participants to bring reusable mugs and water bottles to reduce disposable cup use. We are also digitizing conference materials when possible and skipping the distribution of swag items that often end up in the trash.
Learning: Focal Point will feature discussions on ethical climate practices and what practitioners can do to improve the environmental impact of their work.
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