JCC Spring Program Guide - Flipbook - Page 12
Development
Making an Impact with Jillian Kohl, Chief Development Officer
What impact does an average
donation to the JCC have on
the community? You always
hear that “a gift of any size”
is appreciated and in our case,
this is really true! The JCC
has an operating budget of
approximately $26 million.
While some programs require
dues, fees, and tuition, many
of our services are free to the
Greater Boston community.
More than 50,000 people,
representing 98 communities
and individuals of every age,
belief and ability, take part in
JCC programs and services annually. The JCC raises at least
$3 million a year in philanthropy. Those fundraising dollars
directly support all areas of our operation including (but
not limited to): every aspect of our PJ Library and Welcome
Baby programs, which are vital resources for families in
Greater Boston; scholarships for our Early Learning Centers
and JCC camps; a wide range of teen programs; and our
Jonathan Samen Hot Buttons, Cool Conversations speaker
series with WGBH. Philanthropy also supports our building
operations, underwriting the salaries of our 400+
employees and so much more. Without philanthropy,
we simply could not meet our mission and our
community’s needs. The generosity of our incredible
community is amazing, and every donation we receive is
integral to our success as an organization.
How do you imbue the JCC’s values into the fundraising
efforts you lead? Our office strives to create opportunities
for donors that are completely mission-centric. We want
our donors to truly feel invested in the work we do.
Last year, we launched new JCC Donor Circles. We have
inspirational levels for individuals and corporations to
support the JCC and as a benefit to their gift, they
reciprocally can experience some of our core offerings.
Families can receive day passes to the outdoor pool
(a hot commodity!!), free rental of a room for a
birthday party/celebration, JCC@333 or Golf tickets, etc.
It was important to create benefits that showcase and
highlight what makes the JCC unique in the community.
We also honor donors who give at any level for five
consistent years (Clock Tower Circle) and donors who have
included the JCC in their estate plans (1983 Circle). The JCC
is an inclusive environment and we want all donors to feel
that same inclusivity and pride of investment when they
support us.
How has the industry landscape changed in philanthropy
in the last five years? How are you working to address
those changes for the JCC? Philanthropy, in general, is
actually quite vulnerable to many factors outside of an
organization’s control. And yet, it is always the hope of any
organization that we will remain sustainable in our efforts
despite geopolitical, economical, and crisis-driven
challenges. This is all to say…in the last five years we have
been through a lot. Between the Pandemic and October 7th
alone, fundraising has been volatile and unpredictable. We
are fortunate to be in the position of an organization that
donors trust. We remain true to our core values. We are
also fortunate that we are in the business of delivering joy
to our community – quite literally. The JCC’s programs and
resources are filled with innovation, creativity and a sense
of belonging. So whatever the current crisis or unknown
climate of the world around us, we fundraise for joyful
Judaism and for healthy outcomes.
What excites you about the future of the JCC? We just
completed our strategic plan and now…we get to actually
do the work!! I am so excited for the JCC to grow, both
literally and figuratively. We have identified areas to
expand our outreach in the community. We will raise funds
for capital projects and program innovation to continue
to allow the JCC to be a leader in Jewish and secular
experiences and relationship building for our larger
community. As we expand our footprint, more families
and individuals will be able to participate in our excellent
programs. I am also really excited to continue to meet
new friends of the JCC. There is always a rush of hope when
we receive a gift from a new family, one that has never
given before. Each new gift brings new opportunity.
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