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 will match all increases of $118 or greater to the Women’s Campaign, through the end of November or until the matching fund is depleted.
Women’s Division leaders had discussed the idea of a matching gifts fund for a few years. This year, in view of the great needs of the community, 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 Idy Goodman, past president of the Women’s Division.
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 make their gifts as soon as possible so they can take advantage of the match.
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,” she said.
The energy the matching fund has created is already noticeable. Nearly 45 percent of donors to the Women’s Campaign have increased 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 Sue Strait, a Women’s Division past president.
Strait continued: “Our entire community will grow from the challenge opportunity this new fund gives us.”
To give a gift that builds and strengthens community, you can mail a check payable to the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, 1360 N. Prospect Avenue, Milwaukee WI 53202 or visit www.milwaukeejewish.org.
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