Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City raised more than $5.5 million via its 2024 campaign, marking the largest amount raised in an annual campaign to date.
This follows 2023, when Jewish Federation took in more than $10 million in total fundraising, including $3.6 million for Israel.
“This remarkable success reflects so much hard work by our volunteer and professional leadership, but it really speaks to our incredible donors,” said Jay Lewis, president and CEO of Federation. “Kansas City is such a special Jewish community. The generosity and commitment to Jewish life is truly humbling.”
More than 1,100 people, some giving as households, contributed to the campaign, with more than 225 being new or renewed investments from those who had stopped giving to the campaign for at least a year. Some 37% of donors increased their giving to the campaign in 2024, including many who supported the Israel emergency campaign in 2023.
“I am so proud that so many people trust the Jewish Federation with their philanthropic dollars to make an impact on this community and Jewish communities around the world,” Lewis said.
Examples of this trust include a large IRA distribution last May that was extra impactful given the 2:1 match available on new gifts, thanks to Shirley and Barnett C. Helzberg Jr. and funds raised in their honor.
“It is important to thank and recognize both our volunteer leadership and our hard-working staff,” said Derek Gale, vice president and chief operating officer for Federation. “Campaign Chair Jeremy Antes brought key relationships to our fundraising efforts, and the staff team worked extra hard to bring more than 20 new Ben Gurion Society households into the fold. These young philanthropists represent the future of our community.”
Gale noted that some young couples went from giving $180 in 2023 to $500 or $1,000 in 2024.
Funds raised in Federation’s annual campaign are put toward fulfilling Federation’s mission of sustaining and enhancing Jewish life at home and around the world. Millions of dollars are allocated each year to partner agencies and programs across the Kansas City Jewish community, and millions more to support Israel and global Jewry.
Aside from the $5.56 million raised in the annual campaign, Federation also raised money last year for several special funds. The Chesed Fund, for example, providing lifesaving help to those in need of both emergency and longer-term financial assistance, was replenished as Federation staff — in partnership with the Jewish Community Foundation — raised more than $250,000 last year for this purpose. Sasone, Federation’s program ensuring access Jewish opportunities and education to students and community members with disabilities, received some $180,000 in grants and donations.
