Federation Celebrates Historic 2025 Annual Campaign

Contact: Sarah Manley
Communications and Public Relations Coordinator
Jewish Federation of St. Louis
314-442-3813 | SManley@JFedSTL.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jewish Federation of St. Louis Celebrates Historic 2025 Annual Campaign, Raising Over $10.55 Million

ST. LOUIS, MO – Jan. 8, 2026 – The Jewish Federation of St. Louis proudly announces the successful close of its 2025 Annual Campaign, which concluded on December 31, 2025, raising more than $10.55 million. These important funds will go to more than 70 Jewish agencies across St. Louis and globally, continue initiatives such as PJ Library, travel experiences, fellowship programs, and community security services, and support social services in our partner communities, Yokneam-Megiddo and Nahal Oz, in Israel.

This achievement marks a 9 percent increase compared to 2024, is the highest Annual Campaign total since 2009, and reflects a powerful display of our community’s unity, purpose, and care.

The success of the 2025 Annual Campaign comes at a critical time. As antisemitism has continued to increase, Federation expanded its security efforts to meet the needs of synagogues, schools, and community centers. As a result, safety and security expenditures exceeded $1.5 million in 2025—$500,000 over budget.

“The generosity of our community makes it possible for Federation to address today’s urgent safety and security needs, while also sustaining the full range of programs that strengthen Jewish life, care for those in need, invest in future leaders, and ensure a thriving Jewish community for generations to come,” said Danny Cohn, President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis. “I continue to be inspired by our community’s passion for Jewish life, and its unwavering commitment to showing up for one another, today and for the future we are building together.”

Annual Campaign Co-Chairs Galia Movitz and Janie Roodman Weiss provided exceptional leadership, vision, and dedication throughout the campaign, alongside Toby Warticovschi, 2025 Vice Chair of Development on Federation’s Board of Directors.

“The 2025 Annual Campaign success reflects the extraordinary dedication of our lay and professional leadership,” said Todd Siwak, Federation Board Chair. “Galia, Janie, Toby, our volunteer group of Mitzvah Makers, and the entire Federation professional team didn’t simply reach out to donors; they shared a powerful story about who we are, and who we aspire to be as a Jewish community. Their passion, combined with the generosity of our donors, gives me great confidence and optimism as we advance our priorities, deepen our impact, and build a close-knit, secure, and vibrant Jewish community for the future.”

Guided by its Strategic Plan and made possible through the generosity of Annual Campaign donors, the Jewish Federation of St. Louis advanced several major initiatives in 2025 to strengthen security, expand impact, and modernize community engagement.

Federation launched a new Impact Grants program, awarding more than $240,000 to local nonprofit partners for initiatives aligned with strategic priorities, including campus engagement, social services, Israel-related programming, and inclusion. The success of the 2025 Annual Campaign will allow Federation to continue to expand this program.

To enhance digital accessibility and experience, Federation launched a redesigned, user-friendly website and a new Donor Advised Fund portal that makes it easier for fund holders to direct their philanthropic dollars. Behind the scenes, technology upgrades advanced grants management, financial systems, and preparation for a new customer relationship management system launching in 2026.

Federation also unveiled the findings from its 2024 Community Study and met with agency partners throughout the year to help connect the data to organizations’ priorities and engagement opportunities.

“These investments brought our Strategic Plan to life. They reflect how Federation continues to evolve in service to our community and respond to urgent needs, all while planning thoughtfully for the future,” said Cohn. “The success of the 2025 Annual Campaign is a powerful testament to what we can achieve together. As we enter our Federation’s 125th anniversary in 2026, As One, our community reaffirmed its commitment to safety, sustainability, and a vibrant, connected Jewish future.”

On February 17, 2026, the Jewish Federation of St. Louis invites our community to gather at the Kaplan Feldman Complex for the Annual Evening of Impact, celebrating the shared achievements of Federation, our 70 partner agencies, and the people who make Jewish life in St. Louis thrive. Click here to register for the Evening of Impact.

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Jewish Federation of St. Louis mobilizes the Jewish community—its people, philanthropic power and financial resources—to grow, sustain and enhance Jewish life in St. Louis, in Israel and around the world. Founded in 1901, it serves as the community’s central philanthropic, planning and community-building organization. Federation engages more than 85 local, national and international agencies, programs, services and innovative initiatives to strengthen Jewish identity, build vibrant community, and meet the needs of our most vulnerable. Through its Annual Campaign, corporate and foundation partnerships, and planned giving opportunities, the Federation raises and invests mission-critical resources to foster Jewish connection, ensure a secure Jewish future and empower leadership for tomorrow. Find out more at JFedSTL.org.