Did you know that the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor raises more than a million dollars that it allocates to local and international Jewish communal organizations every year? In 2024, for the third year in a row, that amount surpassed $1.5 million.
If you’ve ever wondered how this happens, we’ve got answers for you!
Where does the money for our allocations come from?
From our generous community! Each year, dedicated volunteers and staff of the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor contact community members to ask them to support the community by donating to the Annual Community Campaign. The 2025 Annual Community Campaign began in September 2024 and is in full swing, thanks to the generosity of hundreds of members of the greater Ann Arbor Jewish community. The power of this campaign is its collective nature. Donors support the local institutions they value and participate in a national effort to care for the global Jewish community, all with one gift. You, too, can contribute at JewishAnnArbor.org. Every gift of $18 or $1800 matters!
Who decides where the money goes?
Volunteers from our community! Each year, a volunteer Allocations Committee considers proposals from organizations and initiatives that provide essential services to the Jewish community. An Israel & Overseas allocations sub-committee reviews project applications from our overseas partners. The requests include requesting unrestricted funds to enable organizations to focus on their missions – such as caring for those in need and providing Jewish educational and engagement opportunities for community members of all ages – and proposals for specific projects, such as strengthening Israeli civil society by fostering productive relationships between Jewish and Arab citizens.
“The Allocations Committees are an important way to bring community input in the process,” says 2025 Allocations Committee Chair Jeremy Bloom. “We convene thoughtful people with a range of experiences who inform our decision-making.”
The Allocations Committee presents a proposal to the Federation’s volunteer Board of Directors, which votes on the final distribution.
2025 Allocations Committee co-chair Bruce Kutinsky recognizes the significant responsibility these groups of volunteers carry. “Our goal is to ensure that every dollar entrusted to us by our community is used thoughtfully and effectively to address pressing needs, foster innovation, and strengthen Jewish life both locally and globally,” he says. “By prioritizing transparency and aligning our funding with community priorities, we aim to create a meaningful and lasting impact.”
What’s the money for?
Funds go directly to local and international organizations that enrich Jewish life and care for Jews most in need, as well as to community-wide initiatives that make Jewish Washtenaw County as strong and vibrant as it can be. For Federation’s beneficiary partners, these are funds that they don’t have to worry about raising themselves, allowing them instead to focus on the work they do best for the Jewish community.
“This year,” says Bloom, “we are exploring ways to further strengthen the process. We are continuing to explore the best ways to fund particular community priorities as determined by the recent demographic study of the local Jewish community, and spark new communal conversations. For example, in 2024, we set aside funds for Teen Engagement because it was identified as a significant need in our community through the community study.”
Have I heard of any of these beneficiaries or initiatives?
Probably some of them! Jewish Family Services, the JCC of Greater Ann Arbor, and Hebrew Day School receive allocations from the Annual Community Campaign, along with many other local institutions. So does Youth Futures, a program in Israel for youth at risk, many of whom were affected by evacuations caused by rocket fire from Lebanon last year. Examples of initiatives made possible by the campaign are collective local action combating antisemitism and the Community Engagement Fund grants that foster innovation and collaboration across the community.
When does all this happen?
Organizations seeking funding through the allocations process submit proposals that are reviewed in April each year. The Allocations Committees make recommendations for the year to the Board of Directors, which votes to approve those recommendations at its May Board meeting. An announcement of the year’s allocations is made to the entire community at the Annual Meeting in late May or early June.
I want to learn more / I might want to be part of this process
Great! The more diverse volunteer voices, the better for our community. Visit JewishAnnArbor.org/about-us/community-impact to learn more or contact the Federation at info@jewishannarbor.org to get involved.