2013 Annual Community Campaign raises nearly $9.4 million with an increase in new gifts
Jewish Federation of St. Louis raised $19,685,545 in 2013, $9,368,741 of which was raised in the unrestricted annual Community Campaign. An additional $1,791,279 was raised in restricted funds, including donations for specific programs, crisis funds and sponsorships. In addition, $8,300,525 was realized through the Create a Jewish Legacy effort of the Jewish Community Foundation (JCF), and $225,000 was secured in future legacy gifts.
“We are so thankful for the continued generosity of our donors in 2013,” says Andrew Rehfeld, Ph.D., president and CEO of Federation. “The amount of money raised means Federation will be able to continue to support the community at the same level as last year. We look forward to allocating these funds to our partners and agencies that do so much positive work, addressing the most pressing issues facing our community every day.” Funds raised by Federation support a community-wide network of organizations that care for people in need and nurture and sustain Jewish life and learning in St. Louis, in Israel, and around the world.
Rehfeld says a focus in 2013 was increasing new gifts. “We saw the first notable increase in the number of new gifts in the last seven years,” he says. The number of new gifts was up six percent in 2013, representing a reverse in a trend of decline. More importantly, the total value of new gifts almost doubled over 2012, increasing $113,269 or 82 percent.
Donors who gave in 2012 also increased the amount of their gifts an average of 3.1 percent. “We’re on the right track—donors have expressed their confidence in us by increasing their gifts,” says Rehfeld.
The restricted and JCF numbers are being reported in a different way than in past years to make them clearer and more precise. The new reporting method will help donors see exactly where their money goes, Rehfeld says.
“My co-chair, Lee Wielansky, and I are so thankful and proud of how our donors step up to help our community,” says Patty Croughan, 2013 Community Campaign co-chair and current chair of Federation. “The passion and dedication of our donors and volunteers truly change lives and make sure that the programs, institutions and values that enrich our Jewish community remain vibrant and strong.”
