Welcome Committee

Structure & Oversight

The Welcome Committee is overseen by the Vice Chair of Philanthropy. Welcome 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

Welcome Committee members are responsible for outreach to new or prospective donors at the Pomegranate Society level, Lion of Judah level, and/or Forever Lion level. Giving society membership is based on total annual household giving to the Community Campaign. Pomegranate Society: $1,800+ annual commitment Lion of Judah: $5,000+ annual commitment Forever Lions/LOJEs: Have established a Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJE) Legacy Fund in the Jewish Community Foundation. Upon the Forever Lion’s death, her endowment will generate a Lion of Judah level gift in perpetuity. Note: Forever Lions are also stewarded by the Legacy Committee. New or prospective donor names will be provided to Welcome Committee members on a regular basis. Welcome Committee members will be provided with information to serve as concierges to new donors in the following ways:

• Maimonides & Cardozo Society: Provide basic information to medical and legal professionals regarding the Maimonides and Cardozo Societies, respectively.
• Women’s & Federation Events: Provide information about and/or recruit for upcoming events according to giving level.
• Step Up to Lion Program: Welcome Committee members will serve as champions of the Step Up to Lion program. The Step Up program serves as a way for women to achieve Lion-level giving on a two- to three-year schedule while enjoying Lion of Judah benefits from the first year.

Term Limits

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

Member Expectations

Welcome Committee member expectations are as follows:

• Committee Description Review: Welcome 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: Welcome Committee members are expected to commit to an average of approximately 4-6 hours per month. Hours may fluctuate from week to week according to availability, Women’s event scheduling, and other factors that may arise.
• Meeting Attendance: Welcome Committee meetings are held every other month with the Vice Chair of Philanthropy and Manager of Women’s Philanthropy & Engagement. Meetings are held either in person or virtually at mutually agreed-upon times. Committee members are expected to attend at least three of these meetings per year. The Committee will receive an email update which may include action items on alternate months.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
  • Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s Annual Meeting (optional)
  • Jewish Federation Community Campaign Launch
  • Biennial International Lion of Judah Conference (attendance encouraged)

• Community Campaign Volunteer Fundraising: Members of the Welcome 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 strongly encouraged to participate in the Super Sunday fundraising event.

Community Campaign Commitment

Welcome 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 at or above Lion of Judah level ($5,000+). This demonstrates personal commitment and ensures members are eligible to participate fully in specific events or activities (e.g., the International Lion of Judah Conference or local donor events). Please note: Community Campaign contribution amounts are determined by total household contributions in a given year.

If a member serves on two committees with different giving expectations, the member is expected to contribute at or above the higher amount.

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.