Federation increases allocations to local agencies | Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle

Federation increases allocations to local agencies

MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee Jewish Federation is increasing allocations to local agencies, Israel and other overseas work, thanks to an increase in Annual Campaign results this year.

“The pie is growing and for that we’re grateful,” said Hannah Rosenthal, president and CEO of Milwaukee Jewish Federation. “But it’s nowhere near enough to meet community needs, and we have more work to do.”

Nearly 100 donors and volunteers monitor how Federation allocates contributions to the Annual Campaign, participating in the decision making, according to Stephanie Wagner, the Federation’s chief marketing and planning officer.

The pie has grown because donations again increased, beating the $6.15 million goal for the Annual Campaign in 2018. The total has been rising in recent years and compared with just four years ago, the 2018 amount represents an increase of more than $600,000. Women’s Philanthropy raises about 30 percent of the funds each year.

The Federation is therefore increasing allocations by 4 percent this year for all agencies that are supported by the Annual Campaign. The allocation for Federation operations will continue to remain flat as it has for the past seven years.

Local agencies include Bader Hillel Academy, BBYO-Wisconsin Region, Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center, Hillel Foundation in Madison, Hillel Milwaukee, Jewish Beginnings Lubavitch Preschool, Jewish Family Services, Milwaukee Jewish Day School, Ovation Communities and Yeshiva Elementary School.

“I know that the agencies do their part to help Federation’s Annual Campaign succeed,” said Sara Hermanoff, co-chair of the Federation’s community planning and allocations committee with Barbara Glazer.

“They should share in that success. We appreciate their hard work for our community,” Glazer added.

In all, the Federation is granting more than $2.7 million to local agencies. In addition, about $260,000 will be given to national agencies and more than $1.1 million has been earmarked for Israel and overseas work. These dollar amounts similarly represent 4 percent increases.

“We are contributing to overseas work that strengthens Israel and Jewish communities around the world,” said Sharyl Paley, outgoing Israel and Overseas chair. “We are also funding support for religious pluralism that encourages respect for the diversity of Jewish life and practices. It is exciting to be part of this important work.”

Rosenthal added, “This community is very generous.”