Donor Events Committee

Structure & Oversight

The Donor Events Committee is overseen by the Vice Chair of Philanthropy. Donor Events Committee activities are developed and coordinated collaboratively between Committee members, the Vice Chair of Philanthropy, and the Manager of Women’s Philanthropy & Engagement.

Roles & Responsibilities

The Donor Events Committee includes women serving as Event Chairs or otherwise involved in an upcoming donor event (e.g., Host Committee members). Committee members’ primary focus is the annual Hannah Kamin Lion of Judah event and the Fall Women’s Philanthropy event; however, there may be additional opportunities for donor events in a given year. Each Committee member has specific responsibilities according to her role. Event Chairs/Co-Chairs & Host Committee: Event Chairs or Co-Chairs collaborate on high-level event decisions with the Manager of Women’s Philanthropy & Engagement, the Events Manager, the Vice Chair of Philanthropy, and the Women’s Council Chair.

As soon as Event Chairs have committed to their roles, they are provided with a list of women whose Community Campaign giving qualifies them to attend the event. From this list, Chairs identify and invite women to serve on the Host Committee. Event Chairs are also expected to encourage women from the list to save the event date until registration opens. When event registration opens, Chairs and Host Committee members are asked to begin heavier recruitment efforts.

Event Chairs are also asked to assist in setting the theme, selecting a speaker or panel of speakers, selecting a venue, and reviewing elements such as menu. Finally, Event Chairs are given the opportunity to deliver remarks during the program.

Term Limits & Time Commitment

Donor Events Committee members serve a one-year term with an option to serve in a different role on the Women’s Council.

Member Expectations

Donor Events Committee member expectations are as follows:

• Committee Description Review: Donor Events Committee members receive a Committee description (i.e., this document) prior to joining the Committee and on an annual basis. Members review these descriptions and recommit to their specific responsibilities and expectations at the start of each year of their term. Any changes to the Committee description will be discussed with the Vice Chair of Philanthropy, Women’s Council Chair, and/or the Manager of Women’s Philanthropy & Engagement.
• Time Commitment: Time commitment is determined by the event timeline. Approximately six months prior to an event, Co-Chairs meet a total of 1-2 hours to identify and secure Host Committee members; discuss potential event themes or speakers; and brainstorm potential venues or other details requiring a long lead time. One to two months prior to the event, Chairs are expected to spend a maximum of ½ to 2 hours per week recruiting and/or in meetings regarding event logistics. In the four weeks directly preceding the event, chairs receive final updates, approve remarks, and continue to recruit attendees.
• Meeting Attendance: Donor Events Committee meetings are held on an ad hoc basis when Event Chairs have been identified and confirmed. These meetings are held either in person or virtually at mutually agreed-upon times. Host Committee members should make every effort to attend one brief virtual training meeting to be held between four and six weeks prior to the event. Committee members should also make every effort to attend the following meetings:

• • Women’s Council annual meeting (late summer/early fall)
  • Fall Women’s Philanthropy event
  • Hannah Kamin Lion of Judah event (if applicable)
  • Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s Annual Meeting (optional)
  • Jewish Federation’s Community Campaign Launch
  • Biennial International Lion of Judah Conference (attendance encouraged if applicable)

• Community Campaign Volunteer Fundraising: Members of the Donor Events Committee are asked to participate as volunteer fundraisers for the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s Community Campaign. Participation may include directly soliciting 1-3 existing or prospective donors and/or facilitating introductions between donors and staff/volunteer fundraisers. Committee members will receive fundraising training and are encouraged to participate in the Super Sunday fundraising event.

Community Campaign Commitment

Donor Events Committee members are expected to demonstrate their support for the mission of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh through a contribution to the Community Campaign. For Donor Events Committee members involved with events including Pomegranate Society members, the contribution should be at or above Pomegranate Society level ($1,800). For those Committee members involved with events targeting Lions of Judah, the contribution should be at or above the Lion of Judah level ($5,000). Please note: Community Campaign contribution amounts are determined by total household contributions in a given year.

Members serving on multiple committees should base minimum annual Community Campaign contributions on the committee with higher giving expectations.

The Women’s Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh engages female-identifying members of the Pittsburgh Jewish community to inspire a culture of philanthropy and further the organization’s overall mission. The Women’s Council unites constituents in areas of interest to create meaningful personal, professional and social relationships that enhance their lives and benefit the community.