The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, racing to fight simultaneous crises of the pandemic and rising antisemitism, today announced a record $52.6 million in 2020-2021 fiscal-year fundraising.
“Thanks to our donors, volunteers and staff, this amazing achievement will help people in a time of unparalleled need. The growth of our Jewish Community Foundation will make Jewish Pittsburgh more resilient for years to come.”
David D. Sufrin, chair of the Federation’s Board of Directors
The Federation’s Jewish Community Foundation grew to $335 million in assets under management because of additions of more than $26.9 million — also a record achievement — and investment growth.
The $52.6 million total included $13.675 million pledged to the Federation’s annual Community Campaign.
In recent years, the Jewish Federation has dramatically increased total fundraising with expansions in government and foundation support, corporate sponsorship and private supplemental giving. Federation leaders attribute much of the fundraising success during the COVID-19 pandemic to the Federation’s strong annual Campaign, a core support base that enables fundraisers to secure the other revenue streams.
Jan Levinson, Community Campaign chair, commented, “As the Jewish Federation’s COVID response showed, our Community Campaign ensures that we can meet the needs of vulnerable populations whenever Jewish Pittsburgh faces a crisis.”
Including $6.1 million in COVID relief distributions this year (part of $9.2 million since the pandemic began), the Federation supported causes including aging and human needs, community programs and Jewish agencies that serve both Jews and non-Jews, Israel travel and local Israel-related programming, Jewish community life and Jewish learning, and national and overseas Jewish agencies that support Jewish life around the world.
“This year’s fundraising total represents a monumental achievement at a critical moment for Jewish life,” said Jeffrey Finkelstein, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation. “I am so grateful that the outpouring of community support will help our city in a time of need and help to face future crises. We are lucky to be part of such a generous and caring Jewish community.”