The On-Going Success of the Synagogue-Federation Partnership

Local synagogues reported dramatic operational improvements at last week’s Synagogue Federation Partnership convening at Beth Israel Judea in San Francisco. Three “capacity-building” projects supported in large part by the JCF have led to substantial progress in fundraising, planned giving and membership. The August 26 convening was an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable results the Partnership has achieved so far and hear from community leaders and professionals how to further grow the impact of the Partnership.

Congregation B'nai Emunah

 

“We have never received support like this and are thrilled to have resources brought to our congregation,” says Bonnie Lindauer, whose synagogue, Congregation B’nai Emunah, is one of eight participating in the Membership Initiative, which connects local synagogues and nonprofits to experts in the field of fundraising and membership development. “It gives us renewed energy and a burst of ideas.”

The second capacity building project, the Fundraising Initiative, has helped seven participating synagogues to increase their annual campaigns by an average of over 57%.

The third effort, the Community Legacy Project, has seen 16 partner organizations raise more than $24 million in planned gifts. The leadership at these organizations held legacy conversations with 599 potential donors and received 324 commitments for future gifts.

The three projects have been so successful that JCF and community leaders have committed the resources to extend the initial two-year term of these vibrant and productive efforts.

Learn more about the Synagogue-Federation Partnership by contacting Rabbi Marvin Goodman, JCF Rabbi in Residence, at MarvinG@sfjcf.org.