Help tell the JewishColumbus story and strengthen our community’s future.
You Can Help Tell Our Story
The relationship between lay leaders and our professional staff makes JewishColumbus so special. As a JewishColumbus Ambassador, you help make our vital work possible.
Use the resources below to learn more about JewishColumbus, prepare for community conversations, and help connect people to the impact of giving.
Start Here
These resources can help you understand JewishColumbus’ role, funding priorities, and impact across Columbus, Israel, and Jewish communities around the world.
2024 Case for Giving
Demonstrates JewishColumbus’ funding and how it translates to community impact.
Israel Emergency Campaign Report
Explains how JewishColumbus’ funding helps support world Jewry.
Annual Campaign Video
Watch the Annual Campaign video to see JewishColumbus’ work and impact in action.
About Giving
These resources can help you talk with community members about giving options, donor tools, and ways families can build a culture of philanthropy.
B’nai Tzedek Funds
A meaningful way for kids to learn the importance of tzedakah.
Ambassador Tools
Use these tools to prepare for conversations, follow up with community members, and respond thoughtfully to common questions or concerns.
Sample Outreach Email
Dear X,
[Personal sentence] I hope you and X are doing well. I love seeing your pics on Facebook. X looks like he’s getting bigger every day!
[Acknowledge the obvious] I know this has been quite the year, and if there has ever been a time when coming together as a community was important, it is now. Luckily, I have the honor of helping JewishColumbus raise funds for the Annual Campaign and other important initiatives that make sure Jews in Columbus weather this crisis and have a vibrant sense of community now and in years to come.
[Explain the “why”] Our Columbus Jewish community is truly unique and everyone has a place in it. I was hoping we could touch base, so I could get your input on what matters to you and your family and discuss your gift to the Annual Campaign and investment in our future. Our ability to serve the community is only as effective as our knowledge of what’s important to you.
[Ask the question] Would you and [insert spouse, if relevant] be available for a conversation? It would be great to get your feedback, learn more about your interests, update you on JewishColumbus’ doings, and discuss your role in our community’s future.
[Suggest a specific time] Do you have time for a phone or Zoom meeting the week of X? In the meantime, if you want to read the latest on what we’ve been up to, check out the JewishColumbus Blog.
Hope to hear from you soon,
Ambassador Training
Use this deck to familiarize yourself with JewishColumbus and the community conversation process.
Ambassador Training on the Philanthropic Landscape
This training was led by Adam Miller, Senior Vice President of CCS Fundraising.
Helpful Tips for Your Community Conversation
We all encounter community members who say no when first asked for a commitment. There are a variety of reasons and objections you may hear, but we don’t want you to be caught off guard.
“I want to give directly to an agency or program.”
It’s great to give to individual agencies, but giving through the JewishColumbus Annual Campaign makes your dollars go further. JewishColumbus works closely with each funded agency, ensuring that your giving has the highest impact and goes to the areas of greatest need. A directed gift to a community partner requires a minimum gift of $10,000+.
“I’m having economic difficulties and cannot give this year.”
I’m sorry to hear that. The Jewish community is here to help. May I offer to put you in touch confidentially with someone who could offer services you might need?
Note their information and forward it to a JewishColumbus professional. If they are not interested in getting help, offer Jewish Family Services contact information at 614-237-9675.
“I have a major lifecycle event.”
Mazel tov! That’s wonderful. Perhaps you can take the opportunity to make a commitment in honor of your loved one’s lifecycle event?
“I cannot make an increase this year.”
I understand things may be tough for you this year. I hope you will consider when you are able to make an increased gift.
“I recently gave to JewishColumbus.”
The JewishColumbus fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30, so I hope to get your commitment for the current fiscal year. Your payment would not be due until the appropriate campaign deadline, and this money helps Jewish agencies in the coming year.
Thank You for Helping Build the Jewish Future in Columbus
Your conversations, relationships, and leadership help JewishColumbus connect more people to the work that sustains and strengthens our community.