The Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix announced $2.1 million in allocations for the 2015 campaign, nearly a 12% increase over last year’s allocations of $1.8 million. This year, nearly $1.7 million was committed to local Jewish programs and services and $445,400 was committed to Israel and overseas.
“We are so grateful to annual campaign donors for making it possible to have more funds available to help Jews in need and to build vibrant Jewish communities in the Valley, Israel and throughout the world,” said Don Schon, co-chair of the 2015 Annual Campaign.
The federation realigned its program funding to focus on three core areas that will significantly impact the community and assure its continued vibrancy: serving seniors, engaging young Jewish adults and advocating for Israel.
Senior services received $65,000, including money to create a community concierge position to help develop a central database of community resources and to connect seniors with them. The position will be part of Jewish Family & Children’s Service.
Programs reaching the Now Gen population received $55,000, including Honeymoon Israel and Moishe House in Scottsdale, the most successful Moishe House in the country.
Advocacy for Israel received $60,000 to help counteract anti-Israel sentiment on Arizona State University campuses and to develop a strong relationship between students and Israel. The federation’s role in building collaboration was key in initiating a joint program submitted by Jewish Arizonans on Campus and Hillel.
Federation programs, including the Israel Center, PJ Library and NOWGen programs received $267,570.
School partners received a total of $157,085, each receiving $165 per student enrolled. Of the seven partner schools, Pardes and Torah Jewish day school received additional funding because of their increased enrollment.
Internationally, the Jewish Agency for Israel and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee each were among the organizations funded to help Jews in need in Israel and elsewhere overseas.
“The federation takes its role as stewards of the community’s charitable money very seriously. There are so many incredible Jewish organizations doing great work in the Phoenix area. The Community Planning Commission spent countless hours evaluating each grant request before determining how to best allocate our limited dollars to ensure funding for our strong partners and for new programs focusing on our impact areas,” said CPC chair Barry Markson. “More than 40 volunteers participated in the allocation decision process this year representing every part of the Valley and the Jewish community. We are fortunate to have so many dedicated individuals who give their time and skill to the federation and the community.”
Detailed allocation information can be found at jewishphoenix.org/funding.
