Jewish Clevelanders Raise a Record $38,087,175 in Annual Campaign

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland announced that a record $38,087,175 has been raised by 9,206 gifts representing 12,275 donors in the 2025 Campaign for Jewish Needs. The Federation’s annual Campaign provides the critical dollars necessary to help keep our diverse, local community safe, strong, vibrant, and welcoming, as well as serve the needs of the global Jewish community.

Additionally, the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation matched all new gifts dollar for dollar, and matched every additional dollar when gifts were increased by 10% or more. 2,447 donors qualified for the "Mandel Match" – which ran from September 8 through November 1. Likewise, Brunswick Companies donated an additional $1,000 to the 2025 Campaign in honor of every woman who became a new Lion of Judah Society member and every Lion of Judah who advanced to the next recognition level. 65 women took advantage of the Brunswick Challenge this year. Lion of Judah Society celebrates women who make individual gifts of $5,000 or more to the annual Campaign for Jewish Needs.

All of these totals were shared at the Campaign Closing Celebration at Joseph and Florence Mandel Jewish Day School on December 11.

“As we reflect on the Campaign for Jewish Needs and the impact we’ve had this year, I feel pride, gratitude, and awe at what we’ve accomplished together,” said Amir Jaffa, general Campaign chair. “In a time when so many of us face challenges and uncertainties, we have witnessed an outpouring of support like never before. I have seen firsthand how much this community cares about helping others, and I am grateful to know that we can rely on one another to support our shared values and mission.”

Jaffa will remain general chair for next year’s Campaign for Jewish Needs. In this volunteer role, he is responsible for providing leadership, vision, and strategy for the Federation’s annual fundraising effort.

In addition to highlighting the community’s various accomplishments of the 2025 Campaign, attendees also recognized Ryan Levine, recipient of the 2024 Ambassador Milton A. and Roslyn Z. Wolf Young Campaigner of the Year Award. Ryan has proved himself to be a great campaigner and someone with terrific leadership skills. In 2022, he was the YLD Board Chair and since then, has continued to contribute to the success of Federation as a volunteer leadership, especially his ability to recruit others to become involved in the Campaign.

For more information about the Jewish Federation of Cleveland and the Campaign for Jewish Needs, visit www.jewishcleveland.org.

2025 Campaign for Jewish Needs Totals:

Total Dollars: $38,087,175
Total Donors: 12,275 donors representing 9,206 gifts

Young Leadership Division raised $1,000,971 from 1,581 donors

Women IN Philanthropy raised $5,126,192 from 3,108 donors

High School/College raised $62,514 from 959 donors

On behalf of those whose lives will be improved by this amazing communal support, thank you!