Joel Blunk Fund
for Rites of Passage with Boys and Young Men

Joel Blunk has a lot of friends. He has blessed many people, especially through his work with men and boys. In particular, Joel has lead (and created) powerful rites of passage rituals and ceremonies for men in Illuman and for boys in other domains. Untold men and boys (and their wives and significant others) hold a special place in their hearts for Joel and would like to honor his work over the past thirty years.

A group of Joel’s friends came together to create the Joel Blunk Fund to support rites of passage work in Illuman, especially through scholarships for boys and young men who cannot afford to pay the full cost of participation.

An Administrative Council will receive applications for grants from Illuman chapters hosting rites of passage and distribute available funds in accordance with a set of priorities agreed with Joel. Donations will be held in a distinct account within Illuman DC and will be fully tax deductible (EIN #: 45-4929738).

Illuman USA is a nation-wide movement that provides several programs that benefit from your support. It takes 30 men a whole year to prepare for a Men’s Rites of Passage or a Young Men’s Rites of Passage. A growing group of men work on a volunteer basis to support the East Coast Collaborative community. We have started a new rites retreat for boys ages 13-15 call First Rites — Young Men Rising, which took place October 6-9, 2023.

Scholarships Make a Life-Changing Difference

Illuman DC just hosted a First Rites in 2023 – Young Men Rising for 13-16 year old guys.  Seven of the fourteen initiates and seven of their mentors from inner city Richmond (VA) were invited on full scholarships.  We can only offer these scholarships through donations from men who support this rites of passage work.  One of our partners wrote:  

“Their sponsorship provided the opportunity for them to journey into the wilderness to explore ritual, council, and time to process personal and cultural realities with a cohort of young men from various backgrounds throughout the region. They were  supported by a group of powerful adult males as well.  The young men gained an appreciation as a child of God, seeking purpose and meaning for their unique lives. The young men returned from the weekend with enthusiasm and gratitude for the amazing experience.”

We are offering a Young Men’s Rites of Passages in 2024. Here is what one young man wrote about his experience.

“I think the biggest reason I decided to do (the YMROP) was because of all the major changes that were going to happen in my life. I wanted to do something symbolic and meaningful to mark the beginning of all of that. It was such a personal, individual experience that some of the ideas may not fully impact until later in (my) life, but I’m sure that they will. Even in the short time since I went through it, I have had to come to terms with many of the lessons I learned, and being able to look back at this and some of the things I’ve endured have helped me tremendously.” – anonymous YMROP participant.

Donations may be made by check, through PayPal or using the credit card option within PayPal. To request wiring instructions, complete the simple form below. Donations are tax deductible.

100% of every donation goes directly to these efforts. We deeply appreciate your support.

By PayPal or Credit Card:

By Check:
Illuman DC
Joel Blunk Fund
PO Box 68
Hyattsville, MD 20781

By Wire:

Please send me wiring instructions to donate to the Joel Blunk Fund: