The Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City announces another record year in its 85-year history. For the second year in a row, Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City raised its highest-ever Community Campaign of $5.46 million, exceeding 2017’s campaign by approximately $30,000. The money raised in 2018 will be used to support more than 80 programs and services that sustain and enhance Jewish life at home and around the world.
“The beauty of Jewish Federation is that we utilize the power of the collective — locally and across our North American system — to effect positive change in our world. Without this collective effort of volunteers, donors and staff, we wouldn’t be able to do this important work each year,” said Jewish Federation President & CEO Dr. Helene Lotman.
“In 2017, we implemented many changes to the Community Campaign. In 2018, we were able to build upon our successes and test new avenues to continue growing the annual campaign. It’s a testament to our dedicated development staff and more than 60 campaign volunteers,” said Lisa Schifman, director of financial resource development (FRD) at Jewish Federation.
Through its network of 147 Jewish Federations and more than 300 additional network communities, the Federated system raises and distributes more than $2 billion annually to support social welfare, and social and educational services in Jewish communities around the world. The Federation movement is collectively among the top 10 charities in North America and has become a major funder for crisis relief. One recent example is Jewish Federation’s significant efforts — raising millions of dollars — to help the Jewish community recover from Houston’s Hurricane Harvey.
“Our community members demonstrated their generosity time and time again over the last year. Whether in the form of a monetary donation or the gift of your time and skills to help engage others and advocate for our cause, our 2018 success shows what we can accomplish as a community,” said Jewish Federation’s Board Chair Michael Abrams.
Another significant achievement for Jewish Federation in 2018 comes in the form of a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, its highest available rating. Charity Navigator, an independent, third-party nonprofit organization that reviews nearly 10,000 nonprofit organizations each year, bases its ratings on the financial health, accountability and transparency of the organization.
Other Jewish Federation successes in 2018 include:
-- The Right Start Preschool Initiative, which gives qualifying families a $1,000 grant upon enrolling their children in a local Jewish preschool;
-- The launch of PJ Library’s Gathering for Good program, in which a cohort (chavurah) comprised of 20 local families with young children will gather regularly over the course of a year to connect with one another through social action projects and family-friendly volunteer opportunities; and
-- The roll out of the Dr. Harry and Alice Statland Young Leadership Institute, which connects young Jewish professionals to Kansas City’s Jewish community in a meaningful way. The pilot program begins this month.
“We are poised for an exciting future, and I am grateful to be a part of it. If you haven’t yet been involved with Jewish Federation, we encourage you to take some time to learn more about us. Join us at an upcoming event, read more about us at jewishkansascity.org, or talk to a volunteer or staff member about how you can get involved,” Abrams said.
While many were involved in the success of 2018, both Abrams and Lotman agree key leadership was a critical component of the success.
“On behalf of Helene, the board and staff, I thank Sandi Fried, campaign chair; Barbie Rogoff, Women’s Philanthropy campaign chair; Women’s Philanthropy Board Chair Barb Kovacs, and Lisa Schifman, FRD director. I would also like to personally thank Immediate Past Chair John Isenberg, for his leadership and support as he passed the baton to me in 2018,” Abrams said.
Jane Martin is director of marketing and communications for Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City.
