The Women’s Division of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation announced at a recent board meeting that several leaders have established a matching fund for the 2011 Campaign. Joan Lubar, Lauri Roth, Idy Goodman, Sue Strait, Patricia Chamoy, Marilyn Pelz and an anonymous donor have together contributed $50,000. The challenge program, which runs though November 1, will match all increases of $118 or greater to the Women’s Campaign. Campaign leadership is considering extending the deadline if there are any unspent dollars in the Matching Fund account after November 1.
The idea of a matching gifts fund is one that has been discussed for a few years, and this year, in view of the great needs of the community, the contributors decided it was time to turn the idea into a reality. “So many people tell me that they wish they could do more, and this gives them the opportunity to double the impact of their increase,” said Women’s Division past President Idy Goodman.
Regardless of the size of her gift, every woman is encouraged to take advantage of this exciting program. “This is free money. It’s like a 2-for-1 sale! One of our younger donors was thrilled to realize that, even though she and her husband were just starting out as Federation donors, this matching fund has allowed them to make a gift they feel is truly significant,” said Lauri Roth.
Women whose gifts are approaching recognized giving levels (Ben Gurion Society donors under 45 years old give $1,000, Pomegranate donors give $1,800, and Lions of Judah give $5,000) are especially encouraged to give before November 1. If a woman’s 2010 gift was $1,400, she need only increase her gift by $200 to become a Pomegranate level donor under the matching fund program.
Women’s Division Campaign Chair Joan Lubar feels the matching fund will further empower women and enhance for them the importance of philanthropic giving. “Women hold a very important position in our community as the drivers of philanthropic values in many families; they set the tone for tzedakah in their families.”
The energy the matching fund has created is already noticeable. Nearly 45% of donors to the Women’s Campaign have made increases in their Annual Campaign gifts, and many of those gifts qualify for the match. “We all want our giving to be significant and have an impact, and this is a unique opportunity to really increase that impact, making our gifts greater than those we already make and consider meaningful,” said Women’s Division past President Sue Strait. Strait continued: “Our entire community will grow from the challenge opportunity this new Fund gives us.”
Donors to the Women’s Division will have an opportunity to have their increased gifts matched on Sunday, October 24. Answer the call when a Super Sunday volunteer calls for gifts to the 2011 Annual Campaign of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation: a gift that builds and strengthens families and Milwaukee’s Jewish community.
If you prefer, you can make your gift by mailing a check payable to the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, 1360 N. Prospect Avenue, Milwaukee WI 53202 or by visiting www.milwaukeejewish.org
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