Campaign for a Strong JCC

For over a hundred years, the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center has served as an inclusive destination for exceptional wellness, education, and community services. What was true when we first opened our doors remains true today; we are at our best when we stand together, when we work towards common goals, when we put those universal values at the forefront as we partner to build the healthiest possible Milwaukee.

Right now, the JCC is challenged like never before.

 We need your help to innovate our service, to respond to this moment in time, to build upon the successes of the past to meet the needs of the present. Consider all the ways the community of the JCC has been there for you over the course of your life.

The Campaign for a Strong JCC serves one goal – to build the resources necessary to continue this important work, to ensure future generations have access to programs and services, and to invite the entire community to invest in our shared future.

However you’ve invested in the past, investments that are deeply appreciated and have played a meaningful role in our community’s growth, we’re asking for an investment in all of the JCC’s service areas. Beyond one program, beyond one cause – consider an investment in everything the JCC stands for.

There is so much work to be done in our community – building more capacity, inspiring more justice, ensuring more equity, creating more health and joy – and we know that if any community can meet the challenge, it’s this one.

Today is the day to stand up for a Strong JCC.
For Today. For Tomorrow. For Each Other.

DONATE NOW

  • What is the goal for the Campaign for a Strong JCC?

    Our goal is $1 million—ambitious and achievable with your help.

  • When does the campaign end?

    While our most concerted efforts to raise support will occur through the end of calendar year 2020, you can donate to the Campaign for a Strong JCC through the end of our fiscal year, June 30, 2021.

  • How did we get here?

    Like many businesses throughout the world, the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to close our doors and suspend some of our programs. This reality, coupled with the natural fear and uncertainty that has delayed some families’ return to in-person JCC programs, has left us staring at a large operating deficit—despite all efforts to operate in a fiscally responsible manner. We have also incurred additional expense to deliver programs safely, per local and national health guidelines.

  • Will the JCC close without this support?

    No, the Harry & Rose Samson Family JCC is not at risk of going out of business—thanks in part to strong operational management and fiscal responsibility, as well as the generosity of our community. We are blessed to have endowment funds and Legacy giving promises that ensure our future sustainability. What we need right now is additional philanthropic support to help stabilize our budget and set us on a course for a stronger future.

  • What will my donation support?

    In many ways, that is at your discretion. If you choose to invest in strengthening the JCC with an unrestricted contribution, you allow us to be flexible with your support, allocating dollars to the program or programs that need it most at the time—from Gan Ami Early Childhood Education to programs for older adults. This option offers you the chance to make the greatest overall impact on our community.

    However, we recognize that some donors may wish to continue connecting their support to a JCC service area where they find personal meaning—whether it is in Wellness, Education, or Community. An investment in one of these 3 broader service areas still allows some flexibility in how we allocate your support; yet it remains in your overall area of interest. We will also offer you the opportunity to direct your contribution to the individual program or programs that inspire your philanthropy.

  • I usually support the JCC scholarship campaign. Will you be asking me for another donation as well as this one?

    The Campaign for a Strong JCC is our sole campaign this year—and embedded within this campaign are all the other campaigns we would normally seek funding for, including the Jewish Community Pantry, the Steve & Shari Sadek Family Camp Interlaken JCC, and scholarships. We know that families are in need of scholarship support now more than ever, and we will continue to distribute that support to families throughout the year.

  • Can I pay my donation out over the year?

    Yes—we can make arrangements to charge your credit card or accept a check, quarterly or even monthly.

  • Can I make a donation using stock, a Donor Advised Fund, or a retirement account?

    We can work with you to receive funds through any of these vehicles. Please contact Senior Development Associate Ruth Wallace to discuss your plans: rwallace@jccmilwaukee.org., 414-967-8233.

Thank you to all of the generous donors who have supported the Campaign for a Strong JCC. See list.

Questions about the Campaign?

Contact Elyse Cohn, Chief Development Officer, at 414-967-8188.