As The Million Dollar Match draws to a close we say Thank you to all our generous donors!
Launched in April as part of our 60th Anniversary, the Million Dollar Match was introduced as a way to say thank you to our donors' commitment to their community, a way to celebrate our past while shaping our future.
This initiative saw the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba match all new gifts from individuals up to $18,000, dollar for dollar.
To no one's surprise, the generosity of Manitoba's Jews and our friends shone brightly yet again. We are thrilled to report that in only five short months since the program opened, it has already reached its mark. To all who participated on behalf of the JFM and the charities it supports, thank you!
As all new gifts were matched, the incentive allowed our community organizations to discuss the benefits of their Organizational Endowment Funds with their constituents in hopes of bolstering the annual income these funds provide.
These critical institutions support those in need, foster education, nurture Jewish culture, and preserve our shared values, all of which become a reality through the incredible support of our donors.
One terrific example of an organization that took advantage of the opportunity is Chesed Shel Emes.
Recently, Chesed Shel Emes held a capital campaign that raised over $3.8 million to demolish their old building and the subsequent construction of their new one.
"When we started that campaign, we also started an endowment fund for ourselves," explains Rena Boroditsky, Executive Director of Chesed Shel Emes. "We do not have an enormous donor base, but we knew that some of our supporters would prefer this instead."
At the outset, their Organizational Endowment Fund had roughly $15,000 of contributed capital.
Since the Million Dollar Match launch, that number has grown to over $120,000.
One of the most exciting aspects of this for Boroditsky is the influx of more than a dozen new donors who have made contributions. Chesed Shel Emes is also part of the FundMatch program at the JFM and has qualified for an additional $18,000 after building their fund to a certain level.
"Our donor base is not huge, but despite that, we've successfully engaged new supporters through targeted emails, Facebook posts, and personal phone calls," she says. "It started with the board of directors and took off from there."
A significant part of Chesed's mission is to ensure that no one is turned away due to financial constraints. This year has been particularly challenging, with the organization waiving over $25,000 in fees, a number that is double their highest total from previous years.
This situation highlighted the need for a sustainable fund to support those who cannot afford services, something the growth of their Organizational Endowment Fund will help with going forward.
"We run a very lean operation, and every little bit helps," explains Boroditsky. "The annual distribution from the endowment is so exciting for us. There are so many expenses involved in this process, and this helps us in the instances where we waive fees for the families."
Matching programs like this are a terrific way for organizations and individuals to reach and exceed their philanthropic goals.
Chesed Shel Emes's success in raising funds is just one example of the many organizations and donors who have taken advantage of the Million Dollar Match opportunity.
"I want to personally thank everyone who took advantage of this opportunity," says John Diamond, JFM CEO.
"Building these funds means more grants can be awarded, more terrific programs can be completed, and most importantly, ensures our community's future will remain healthy and bright."
"The pride we all feel at the JFM to be able to advocate for and represent the most giving and inspired group of donors I have ever seen is beyond words. So again, thank you!"