Some error occured while loading the Quick View. Please close the Quick View and try reloading the page.
You can achieve your dreams of financial stability for your congregation.
"At almost every institution around the country, there is money left unasked for and, as a result, not given. 'Wait,' you might say. ’We have an annual appeal every year! Every family in our congregation is asked for a donation at High Holiday services. If they haven’t given, they just don’t want to give to us.‘ That may be how you perceive the interaction, but do your congregants see it the same way?“
—from Chapter 1
Successful synagogue fundraising is no easy task, but it is possible—for all congregations. Development consultants Rabbi David A. Mersky and Abigail Harmon outline a practical, step-by-step approach to fundraising programs and systems that can help your synagogue achieve growth and sustainability. They show you how to:
- Create excitement about new models of fundraising
- Set up a comprehensive development program
- Find and engage current and prospective donors
- Choose effective staff, volunteers and consultants
- Create a culture of asking and giving that everyone feels positive about
- Bring your community together to support the congregation’s mission and vision
"Of immense practical value.... David Mersky's insights into the theory and process of development enabled me, my lay leadership and staff to achieve success beyond our expectations."
—Rabbi Joshua M. Davidson, senior rabbi, Congregation Emanu-El of the City of New York
“A great resource for every synagogue seeking to move from a culture of fundraisers to a culture of philanthropy that ... engages life-long donors. A comprehensive primer.”
—Margo Gold, international president, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
“A must-read for synagogue boards, clergy and staff.”
—Dr. Ron Wolfson, Fingerhut Professor of Education, American Jewish University; author, Relational Judaism: Using the Power of Relationships to Transform the Jewish Community
“Concrete tips and practical guidance from fundraising professionals who really know what they are talking about. This book is all you need to succeed in synagogue fundraising.”
—Rabbi Kerry M. Olitzky, executive director, Big Tent Judaism; coauthor, New Membership and Financial Alternatives for the American Synagogue
“Lifts us up from the bottom line to an elevated plane of meaningful relationship for sustained growth.”
—Rabbi Elaine Zecher, Temple Israel, Boston
“Takes you through the entire process step by step in an easy-to-read format that provides checklists, charts and many innovative ideas for a successful campaign.... Highly recommend[ed].”
—Maria Benet, past president, Congregation Kehillath Israel, Brookline, Massachusetts
“A sorely-needed pragmatic guide.”
—Rabbi Jonathan Schnitzer, senior rabbi, B’nai Israel Congregation, Rockville, Maryland
“Comprehensive.... The perfect guide for any synagogue leadership group seeking to improve its financial health (and the engagement of its congregants) through philanthropy.”
—Frederic L. Bloch, past president, Larchmont Temple, Larchmont, NY; senior vice president of development, New Jewish Home, New York City
Introduction
Part I What Can Fundraising Help You Achieve?
Chapter 1 Financial Sustainability: Increasing the Money Raised on an Annual Basis
Chapter 2 Building Community: An Added Benefit of Successful Fundraising
Chapter 3 The Major Gift Engagement Plan
The Major Gift Engagement Plan Chart
Part II Who Should Be Charged with Fundraising?
Chapter 4 Volunteer Leaders
Fundraising Committee Questionnaire
Who Should Chair Your Development Committee?
Chapter 5 The Role of Clergy, Staff, and Volunteer Leadership in the Development Process
Chapter 6 What All Fundraisers Need to Know
Chapter 7 When to Call in the Consultants
Part III Tools for Donor Engagement
Chapter 8 Where Will You Find Your Donors?
Chapter 9 The Case for Giving
Chapter 10 The Effective Annual Fund
Fundraising by Source: Budget versus Actual
Part IV Why It's Okay to Ask for a Donation
Chapter 11 Creating a Culture of Asking
Chapter 12 Basic Fundraising Skills
Chapter 13 The Individual Ask
Part V How Great Fundraising Will Improve Your Synagogue Culture
Chapter 14 Stewardship: The Path to Donor Retention
Chapter 15 Moves Management: A Disciplined Approach to Securing Major Gifts
Chapter 16 The Cycle Repeats
Conclusion: This Is Not the End . . . It Is But the Beginning
Acknowledgments
Appendix 1: Donor Recognition Policy
Categories of Giving
Appendix 2: Major Gifts Moves Management Worksheets
Prospect Identification
Prospect Review Form
Call Report
Weekly Summary
Dashboard
Glossary