For 116 years, the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago has been at the forefront of social action-helping Jews and others in need, creating Jewish experiences, and strengthening community connections.

“We operate from the core belief that we are all responsible for each other,” said Bill Silverstein, JUF/Federation Chairman. “No matter how overwhelming the needs may be, our generous community consistently comes together to help people in distress, protect human dignity, rescue endangered Jews around the world, advocate for Israel, and so much more.”

Community lay and professional leaders, working in partnership, have allocated $153.5 million to continue this work in Fiscal Year 2017. The largest share of funding will come from the JUF Annual Campaign, which last year raised $83.1 million. In addition, JUF/Federation distributes funds received from government agencies, foundations, endowments, donor advised funds, the United Way and other sources.

Addressing human needs

Nearly $24.6 million will be directed to human services delivered through Jewish Child & Family Services, CJE SeniorLife, HIAS Chicago, Jewish Vocational Service, Sinai Health System, the Dina & Eli Field EZRA Multi-Service Center, and The ARK, which are among JUF/Federation’s network of approximately 70 agencies and programs.

This funding provides emergency financial and medical assistance, supports advocacy and protection programs, sustains Holocaust survivors and people with disabilities, and makes available numerous other services addressing basic human needs.

“Each year, we impact the lives of 300,000 Chicagoans of all faiths through its network of social service agencies and brings relief to 2 million Jews around the world,” Silverstein said.

Supporting Israel and overseas programs

Approximately $34.9 million will go to help vulnerable populations in Israel, Ukraine and elsewhere overseas, providing significant support for Jews in crisis through JUF/Federation partner agencies and programs that include Jewish Federations of North America, American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, Jewish Agency for Israel, and World ORT.

This allocation strengthens overseas initiatives and programs such as Partnership Together, which assists the most vulnerable in Israel’s Kiryat Gat-Lachish-Shafir region. JUF Israel Children’s Zone-located in the Partnership Region-is the flagship educational intervention program developed by Israeli education experts in cooperation with JUF’s team in Israel, and is currently available in part in all 17 schools in the region.

“Our Chicago Jewish community’s commitment to tikkun olam -repairing the world-has an enormous impact on millions of Jewish lives, not only at home, but in Israel and everywhere around the world,” said Steven B. Nasatir, JUF/Federation President.

Recently, the City of Kiryat Gat recognized JUF and the Chicago Jewish community for 20 years of continued support. Mayor Aviram Dahari conferred on JUF the title of ” Yakir Kiryat Gat ,” which roughly translates to “Beloved of Kiryat Gat.”

Overseas funding also enhances educational programs operated by the streams of Judaism in Israel: Progressive (Reform), Masorti (Conservative), and Modern Orthodox. In addition, JUF supports programs in the Former Soviet Union such as the Kyiv Kehilla Project that addresses hunger and supports formal and informal Jewish education programs in Ukraine.

Creating a dynamic community

JUF/Federation ensures a vibrant Jewish community by engaging Jews of all ages through an outstanding array of program, initiatives, and service opportunities. Over $18.5 million has been allocated to agencies, organizations and programs that create Jewish experiences and strengthen community connections, thereby promoting Jewish continuity. Jewish Community Center of Chicago, Associated Talmud Torahs, 16 Chicago area Jewish elementary and high schools, Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership, and Hebrew Theological College are among the agencies and beneficiaries that rely on JUF for significant funding.

Programs like JUF Young Families, including jBaby, JUF Right Start, and PJ Library, bring Jewish families together to participate in Jewish life; Taam Yisrael, which connects eighth-graders to Israel; Hillels of Illinois, which invites college students on 16 campuses to explore and celebrate their Jewish identities; and opportunities for young adults to build leadership skills or network with their peers, all engage the next generation in Jewish life. In addition, the Jewish Community Relations Council promotes collaboration, bringing together 49 major Chicago area Jewish organizations to advocate on behalf of the Jewish community with civic and community organizations, government officials and the media.

An additional $5.5 million has been allocated to efforts promoting Jewish identity through Israel outreach, advocacy and cultural connections at the local and national level. These include combating anti-Israel campaigns; maintaining Israel study programs on college campuses, and sponsoring JUF Birthright Israel trips. Funding also supports academic scholarships and fellowships, and agencies such as the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center.

Enhancing innovative programming

Approximately $1.1 million has been allocated to the Breakthrough Fund, which awards grants to a wide array of innovative initiatives in Chicago’s Jewish community. Breakthrough grantees focus on themes such as inclusion of teens with special needs; raising awareness about mental illness; crisis intervention and self-sufficiency for at-risk Israeli young adults; professional development for those working in the Jewish community; and engaging new Jewish experiences for local bar and bat mitzvah students, college students and congregants.

Other JUF/Federation FY ’17 allocations reflect distributions from donor-advised funds, community programs and services provided directly by JUF/Federation, support services to affiliated agencies, and operational expenses.

Assessing community needs and prioritizing funding involves collaboration between community leaders and JUF/Federation and agency professionals. Members of the Health and Human Services, Israel and Overseas, and Community Building and Jewish Continuity Commissions of the JUF/Federation Overall Planning and Allocations Committee (OPAC) identify needs, assess impact and recommend allocations for the future.

“Through our contributions to the JUF Annual Campaign, our community year after year demonstrates the power of the collective,” said Andrea R. Yablon, JUF/Federation Overall Planning and Allocations Chair. “Although each person’s individual contribution is significant, when we pool our resources and act collectively, we can effect great change together.”

JUF/Federation commission chairs and co-chairs include Marcie Hemmelstein and Hilary Greenberg, Health and Human Services; Dana Hirt, Israel & Overseas; Deborah Schrayer Karmin, Community Outreach & Engagement; Scott Heyman and Gita Berk, Community Building and Jewish Continuity; and Marc Roth and Rabbi Michael Schwab, Synagogue-Federation.