About Women's Philanthropy
As the face of philanthropy changes, so is the way that people are choosing to express their philanthropy. The Dorothy Seaman Department of Women’s Philanthropy offers women a variety of ways to be involved in the Jewish community including but not limited to our annual campaign and educational programs, endowments, Metro Women and Jewish Women’s Foundation. Because women’s philanthropy is a driving force in this community — accounting for nearly 50% of the annual campaign — we have a real opportunity to flex our philanthropic power and make a difference in the lives of Jews living here in South Palm Beach County, in Israel and in more than 60 countries around the world.
Share in our success! We’re proud to report these stunning accomplishments from our 2008 Campaign Year (statistics from 9/1/07 through 8/30/08):
- Over 5,400 women contributed over $10 million to the 2008 annual campaign, representing a $400,000 increase over last year.
- We have 921 Lions in our community (women making annual gifts at the $5,000 level and above), making us number 2 in the nation, second only to New York!
- Thirteen women committed to becoming Lions forever this year by establishing a Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJE) fund — bringing our total number of LOJE to 216. This represents commitments of over $27 million in current gifts and future expectancies.
- South Palm Beach County leads the way with the largest number of women who have established Lion of Judah Endowments (LOJE) nationally.
- Lions grew to more than 16,000 strong nationwide.
- 2,900 women in the U.S. have endowed their Lion-level gifts at a minimum of $100,000. This perpetuates nearly $440 million to Jewish federations across the country.
- The Jewish Women’s Foundation has grown to 67 Trustees with over $400,000 in assets and $660,000 in total commitments. Over $40,000 has been distributed to fund programs that work to empower Jewish women and girls.
How to Participate
Under the guidance and leadership of Anne Jacobson, Women’s Philanthropy Chair, and Dorothy Wizer and Barbara Levy, Campaign Vice Chairs, the Dorothy Seaman Department of Women’s Philanthropy provides events and points of entry for women who wish to be involved:
Lion of Judah
The Lion of Judah program recognizes women who make generous individual gifts at the $5,000 level and above to the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s Annual Campaign. Lions attend exclusive events such the annual Lion of Judah luncheon and the International Lion of Judah Conference, and are encouraged to wear the internationally recognized Lion of Judah pin with pride. The stunning Lion of Judah pin represents sisterhood and connectedness, leadership and power, and is enhanced further as women continue or increase their giving levels. When you become a Lion, you have a unique opportunity to secure our Jewish future, to forge new opportunities for creative philanthropy, and to influence the global agenda with the Jewish values of compassion and loving kindness.
Crown of Judah Society
The prestigious Crown of Judah Society identifies and unites those women whose annual campaign gifts are $10,000 and higher. These very generous women attend the annual Crown of Judah luncheon.
Lion of Judah Endowment
The Lion in you can roar far into the future through a Lion of Judah Endowment. This esteemed program recognizes the most philanthropic women who have established a minimum endowment of $100,000 to perpetuate their Lion gift to the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s Annual Campaign. Those who make the commitment to be a “Lion forever,” receive a “flame” that is added to the Lion’s paw on their pins. Each spring, they celebrate at the Lion of Judah Endowment Ultimate Thank You event. And those whose Lion legacy funds total $200,000 or more also become of the elite national Star of David Society.
Synagogues & Temples
