Become an Ambassador

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 even 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 – it’s our “library of feel-good stories!”

Hope to hear from you soon,

Use this deck to familiarize yourself with JewishColumbus and the community conversation process. 

This training was led by Adam Miller, Senior Vice President of CCS Fundraising.

They Said No! How Do I Respond? We all encounter community members who say no when first asked for a commitment. There are a variety of reasons and objections that you may hear, but we don’t want you to be caught off guard. Here are some common objections you might hear and responses to address them.

• 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 of its funded agencies, ensuring that your giving has the highest impact and goes to the areas of greatest need.
  • It is a minimum gift of $10,000+ for a directed gift to a community partner.

• I’M HAVING ECONOMIC DIFFICULTIES AND CANNOT GIVE THIS YEAR. [Please stop soliciting money.]
  • 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 his/her 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 ones 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 2022-2023 year. Your payment would not be due until December 31, 2023, and this money would help Jewish agencies starting in 2023.