Fundraising - Case Histories
Banquet Campaign
Meor Hatorah Yeshiva High School, Chicago, IL

Challenge
  • School grew from 6 to 60+ students in four years on basis of one-time gift that had now run out.

  • No business or fundraising infrastructure in place; donors impatient with repeatedly having to bail out the school.
Banquet campaign needed to put the school on solid financial footing, enhance its reputation, and keep the doors open.

Action
  • Solidified school's reputation as providing excellent religious and secular studies.

  • Campaign drew $250,000 additional donations toward down payment on new facility.

  • Revitalized status attracted $1 million+ donor and his list of potential partners.
Results
  • Event Sold Out - 275 Attendees.

  • $1.5 million raised in 4 months.

Building Dedication
Ohel Shalom Educational Center, Chicago, IL

Challenge
  • Original vision was to create an educational center attracting members from across the religious spectrum.

  • Limited membership and shaky finances put Center in danger of closing.

Ohel Shalom needed a bold event to raise its "market presence," attract significant donations and breathe new life into its mission.

Actions

  • Events included Grand Opening, Torah Dedication and Banquet in one day.

  • Synagogue drew renewed interest from community and praise from Chief Rabbi of Israel.

  • Secured ongoing commitment from major donor.
Results
  • Day drew 500 people.

  • Dinner raised $100,000 over costs.
Annual Dinner
Torah Academy of Milwaukee, Glendale, WI

Challenge
  • Recent building campaign and growth in enrollment put severe financial constraints on the school.

  • No formal Director of Development, for fundraising system in place to engage surrounding community to support the school.

TAM needed a comprehensive, systematic program for ongoing development and fundraising efforts.

Actions

  • Created hierarchy for banquet campaign, including lines of authority and accountability.

  • Coordinated strategy for ongoing development projects.

  • Produced banquet marketing material, ad journal, donor correspondence.
Results
  • Launched Endowment Campaign.

  • 190 Attendees - Sold Out Crowd.
Grants & Funding Proposals
Aish Hatorah Los Angeles, LA, CA

Challenge
  • Aish LA often launches ambitious programs without long-term funding.

  • Fundraising efforts had no formal system to attract new donors or grants.

Aish LA needed to expand beyond one-on-one fundraising strategies to remain competitive and viable in the changing nonprofit market.

Actions

  • Created business plans, executive summaries, budgeting proposals.

  • Wrote funding proposals for grants and for private donations from existing and new supporters.
Results
  • $350,000 raised for trips for college demographic.

  • $50,000 New & Innovative Grant