SAN FRANCISCO (JTA) — North American Jewish federations generated nearly $2.5 billion for program needs in 2010, according to their umbrella group.
The Jewish Federations of North America raised about $925 million last year in its 157 federated and 300 network communities, down from the 2009 campaign totals of $938 million. JFNA spokespeople attributed the dip to the continued economic downturn. In 2008, the annual campaign raised $1.04 billion.
Fundraising in 2011 is "looking up," a spokesman told JTA.
An additional $1.5 billion was generated in 2010 in endowment funds for specific charitable projects in North America, Israel and dozens of other countries, totaling more than $2.4 billion for global needs in 2010. Jewish Federations’ philanthropic endowment portfolio is worth $13.5 billion and currently yields approximately $1.5 billion in yearly earnings.
"We are incredibly proud that thanks to our generous donors and the hard work of federation professionals and lay leaders, the Jewish Federations continue to help enrich and sustain Jewish life around the world,” Kathy Manning, JFNA’s board chair, said in a written statement.
