Jewish Federation Annual Campaign Exceeds Goal, Generates $8.7 Million for Community Needs
VANCOUVER, BC (April 27, 2018) – The Federation Annual Campaign has surpassed its 2017 goal and generated $8.7 million to meet community needs, including $850,000 in targeted funding. An additional $1.1 million in funding was generated outside the campaign for specific projects designed to meet community needs. Nearly 500 new or lapsed donors were inspired to give for the first time or to renew their giving, which is a record.
As the local Jewish community’s primary fundraising initiative, the Federation Annual Campaign supports vital programs and services delivered by 35 partners locally and globally, reaching thousands of community members who rely on them.
Targeted funding supports specific programs that address particular community priorities. Many steadfast supporters of the Annual Campaign have the capacity and motivation to fund projects or programs that meet high-priority community needs. Jewish Federation works with these donors to connect them to the vital priorities that align with their philanthropic interests.
Exceeding the campaign goal and growing the donor base positions Jewish Federation and its partners to continue to address the many community needs identified in Federation’s 2020 Strategic Priorities. It's a clear indication that partner agencies can continue to rely on the campaign as a consistent source of ongoing funding.
“The strong campaign achievement means we can make an impact on the issues of affordability and accessibility of Jewish life, which affect people across our community,” said Alex Cristall, chair of the 2017 Federation Annual Campaign.
In the emerging Jewish communities outside of Vancouver, Jewish Federation is focused on extending its reach and that of its partners to develop grassroots Jewish programming, such as its Connect Me In initiative. In Vancouver, with its very high cost of living, the focus is on keeping the cost of Jewish programs and services low, and on funding more robust subsidies for those who need additional help.
“At its heart, Jewish life is about community, and this year’s campaign reflected that. We could not have achieved this incredible result without the support of our nearly 3,000 donors. I would like to extend a huge thank-you to everyone who donated,” said Cristall.
Overall, Jewish Federation generated an unprecedented $18.5 million this year. This includes a record $8.7 million in contributions to endowment funds at the Jewish Community Foundation, along with the $8.7 million Annual Campaign total, and the additional $1.1 million in targeted funding.
Karen James, Jewish Federation’s Board chair, believes that meeting changing community needs requires transforming the ways in which funds are generated, and providing multiple pathways for partner agencies to access support.
“Diversifying the ways in which Jewish Federation generates funds is a key factor in being able to address growing and evolving community needs. Jewish Federation is adapting to changing philanthropic trends and working proactively with donors to meet these needs. At the same time, we continue to deliver a strong Annual Campaign that benefits thousands of people, and that is great news for our community,” said James.
About Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver
Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver changes countless lives by developing the financial resources to address community needs locally, in our partnership region in Israel, and in Jewish communities in need around the world. Jewish Federation is also the central planning organization for the Jewish community, and sets priorities to ensure our community can respond effectively to new and emerging issues. Its efforts are combined with other Jewish communities in Canada through Jewish Federations of Canada-United Israel Appeal, and in Israel through Keren Hayesod-United Israel Appeal and the Jewish Agency for Israel.
For more information, please contact:
Kim Werker
Manager, Marketing and Communications
Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver
Direct: 604.257.5191
kwerker@jewishvancouver.com | www.jewishvancouver.com