At its June 28 board meeting, the Milwaukee Jewish Federation approved $10.7 million in allocations for local, national and overseas agencies for the 2005-’06 fiscal year, which began July 1. The $10.7 million represents an almost four percent increase over available funding last year, and marks the second consecutive year of increased allocations.
The primary source of these funds remains the Annual Campaign, which in 2005 achieved $8,088,260, almost $125,000 more than was raised in 2004. The campaign funds, which were energized by a $100,000 anonymous challenge grant, are combined with a portion of the income from the unrestricted funds of the Jewish Community Foundation, the federation’s endowment development program. Both these funding streams are buttressed by fiscal policies designed to ensure long-term financial stability and growth.
“With the support of our inspired donors, volunteers and staff, the federation is able to meet various needs in Milwaukee, throughout the United States, in Israel and around the world,” said federation president David J. Lubar.
“We are truly grateful for this devotion to a strong Jewish community and for all that it makes possible.”
Following are some questions and answers regarding this year’s allocations.
Q. What is the process for decisions on allocations and who is involved?
A . Four allocation panels reviewed budgets, met with agency and program representatives, and recommended local allocations to the Agency Relations Committee, which made specific recommendations to the Executive Committee based on community needs. The Israel and Overseas Committee also made its recommendations to the federation’s Executive Committee. The Board of Directors made the final decisions based on these recommendations.
“It was an interesting and engaged process this year,” said Abigail Nash, co-chair with Michael Lappin of the Agency Relations Committee. “Nearly 70 community volunteers participated, and there were a number of new and younger people involved, which was great.
“Many different points of view were expressed, and we had some vigorous give and take,” Nash added. “But in the end, we were able to come to consensus. It’s how the process is supposed to work.”
“Panel and committee members took their assignments very seriously,” Lappin said. “Everyone took the time to understand the agencies and the opportunities and difficulties they face. Ultimately, decisions were made that are in the best interest of the community as a whole.”
Q. What’s important to know about local allocations?
A. Total local allocations, including direct service programs run by the federation, are $4,642,919, up 2.4 percent from $4,532,390.
Local allocation recommendations were guided by a priority setting survey sent to almost 700 active members of the community. Responses placed education programs for children as the top priority. That was followed by identification with Israel, programs for teens and college students, and reducing the spread of anti-Semitism.
In addition, agencies and programs submitted detailed summaries of their work, including budgets, balance sheets, list of capital acquisitions and budget variances.
Allocations to the following programs and agencies increased from the previous fiscal year:
• Coalition for Jewish Learning
• Children’s Lubavitch Living and Learning Center
• Hillel Foundation University of Wisconsin (Madison)
• Hillel Foundation — Milwaukee
• Interfaith Conference
• Israel Center
• Jewish Family Service older adults programs
• Jewish Family Service special needs programs
• Milwaukee Jewish Council for Community Relations
• Wisconsin Jewish Conference
Allocations remained the same for Aurora Sinai Medical Center, B’nai B’rith Youth Organization, Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center, Jewish Chaplaincy Program, Jewish Home and Care Center Lakeside Senior Enrichment Program, Milwaukee Jewish Day School and Yeshiva Elementary School.
Hillel Academy’s allocation was reduced by 8.1 percent, reflecting decreased enrollment at the school. However, federation leaders are encouraged by the progress Hillel management has made during the preceding year and anticipates increased enrollment in the coming year, according to Betty Lieberman, director of planning.
Q. What about international allocations? How does our local community reach out to the Jewish world in Israel and overseas?
A. Total allocations for Israel and overseas are $2,844,826, up from $2,842,028.
“These funds will meet critical social service and educational needs in Israel, the Former Soviet Union, Argentina and elsewhere overseas,” said Moshe Katz, chair of the 31-member Israel and Overseas Committee.
“Our support includes feeding senior citizens, and addressing continued safety and security issues as well as immigrant and absorption of new immigrants. It’s a pleasure to have a responsive community that recognizes not just our local needs, but also needs overseas, including Israel and other countries.”
Q. What is the Federation budget for the 2006 fiscal year? How does the federation rate as a philanthropic organization?
A. The Federation core operation, or total budget, is $2,506,088, up 3.4 percent from the previous year. That increase is a result primarily of increased employee health benefit costs. Approximately 71 percent of the operating expenses are salaries and benefits for the 25 full-time federation employees. The other major category of expenses is programs and events.
Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator, gave the federation the highest possible rating as a philanthropic organization.
Q. How can the community learn more?
A. A full listing of sources and distribution of funds for the 2005-2006 fiscal year will be available in the federation’s annual report, which will be published next month.
In addition, an increase in funds from the 2005 Annual Campaign and other sources, has created a surplus of $250,400, which came in after the allocations process and will be allocated at the August board meeting.
Katherine Hicks is the marketing specialist of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation.
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