Sample Grant Request
Jewish Federation of
69930 Hwy. 111
Rancho
Re: Federation Budget Allocation Request
Dear Federation;
Thank you very much for the opportunity to present this material to you.
As you review our proposal, you will notice three things.
First, as per your request, the following information is included in this packet:
a) 2009 summary of activities
b) 2010 action plan
c) financial statement
d) board member list
To access this information, simply look for it under the correct heading.
Second, you will notice that our 2009 financial statement shows that we received more money from ‘other federations’ than we did from our own Desert Community Federation. Generally speaking, this shows that we are not only under funded and have been for years. Even so, our programming is growing to meet the needs of the community, and as such, programming is growing and expanding.
Third, in an effort to help you in the decision making process, this proposal contains “hyper-links” to specific information and pictures placed on the internet.
In closing, I look forward to talking to you about this on Wednesday May 12, at
Sincerely,
Rabbi Shimon Posner
Do You Have Questions About Chabad?
- Frank Questions and Plain Answers -
Question: Is Chabad an Orthodox organization?
Answer: All of Chabad’s programs adhere to Jewish tradition – from the Rabbi having a beard to keeping Kosher.
Question: Who participates in Chabad activities?
Answer: Demographically, Jews who participate in ChabadRM activities run the gamut – from professionals and students to Desert residents who keep kosher and strictly observe Shabbat’s laws. In fact, many do both, while others do neither. The commonality? They attend Chabad services and have included themselves in our community – as Jews.
Because of our demographics, ChabadRM aims to provide an atmosphere that allows everyone to feel included, not intimidated. As such, chances are that if you are sitting with ten Jewish friends, at least one has been touched by Chabad and loves it.
Question: What is Chabad: A congregation, society, community center?
Answer: Generally speaking, the Chabad model is based on the home of Abraham and Sarah, mother and father of the Jewish people. Like in the Bible, our Shul (Home) is open to everyone, wither it be for food for the stomach or soul. Additionally, we offer a variety of social, humanitarian, holiday and youth programs. Additionally, we provide structured service and davening times, as well as classes that challenge one’s intellectual caliber.
Question: How do people hear of Chabad?
Answer: Many people know about Chabad from one of several sources – the most common of which is Chabad’s national website located at www.Chabad.org. Locally, people can find us at www.chabadrm.com, where our presence is educational, dynamic, fun and most importantly, inclusive - No Jew Is EVER Turned Away - We are an address for people to turn to, whatever their need.
Question: Is it true Chabad doesn’t charge a membership, sell High-Holiday tickets or run an appeal?
Answer: Yes, its true – Chabad provides no membership or tickets and there is no yearly “appeal” to help us raise funds.
Question: How come?
Answer: There is no fee-based membership structure at CRM for two real life reasons:
a) Chabad participants are often initially disinterested in organized Jewish life for one reason or another, and as such, feel no need to pay membership for something they perceive as an unnecessary expense.
b) Philosophically, Chabad is structured with the inherent thought that we are beholden to all Jews, no matter whom they are affiliated with us. For example, a gym provides services exclusively to their membership, and as such they profess no responsibility to non-members. As an integral part of the Jewish community, we believe that Jews owe a higher standard of care to each other, and as such, we are responsible for everyone, even those initially antagonistic to structured religion.
Combined, our “suggested donation” system elicits fiscal responsibility in the community without frightening those who are not ready to pay. At this point it is important to note that the “Chabad donation” system maintains the dignity of those who are not able to pay.
Question: So you’re centrally funded through
Answer: Nope, not a nickel. CRM receives no ‘central’ funding; neither regional nor national. Of the 3,300 Chabad centers worldwide, the overwhelming majority are independent entities, both legally and financially. The Rebbe, of blessed memory, wanted it that way because a strong local community involves not just more people, but also more from each person.
Question: Where does Chabad receive its financing?
Answer: All Chabad Rabbis, wither nationally or internationally, are proud of the programs they create, because of how they build them. Specifically, their funding is gained locally from those who appreciate and identify with Chabad’s Jewish Life goals. Additionally, CRM receives no ‘central’ funding; either regional nor nationally. In fact, of the over 3,300 Chabad centers located around the world, the overwhelming majority are both financially and legally independent entities that are responsible for their own budgets, programming and community relationships. The Rebbe, of blessed memory, wanted it that way: local, community effort involves more people and involves more of each person.
Question: Then how in heaven’s name do you pay your bills?
Answer: Funny you asked - we were wondering the same thing! Believe it or not, people appreciate that they can walk through our doors without being hit up for money. It is our experience that when they realize that others are giving, they do also. To be honest, there are those who don’t carry their weight - But overall, the system works - in trying times when others were cutting back we have expanded!
Question: What is Chabad of Rancho Mirage’s
Chabad RM’s mission statement is simple, basic and straight forward: the “love of (and for) Torah, Hashem and the Jewish people are all one”. And that working together to strengthen one, strengthens the others.
Question: What Role Does CRM Play In This Desert Community?
Answer: Chabad has successfully connected with many unaffiliated Jews in the Desert. For example, one hand, Chabad has successfully connected with many unaffiliated Jews and religious leaders, and has done so with minimal funding from the Federation. On the other hand, we provide those who are searching for a way to be “connected Jewishly” and as such, provide a wide array of spiritual, communal and humanitarian activities for them to participate in. We are also proud to have developed and sustained an infrastructure that supports education, Jews and the growth necessary for the expansion of a thriving Jewish community. This includes, but is not limited to the availability of supplying kosher food in the community, creating a fully functioning and inclusive congregation, and the Jewish burial society. In short, Chabad of Rancho Mirage is the address where people can turn to. In fact, we like to say that Chabad RM is the “Torah’s Oasis”.
Question: What Role Does CRM Play Internationally?
Answer: In addition to being the community’s kosher resource (especially for tourists), Rabbi Posner personally brings national and international attention to the community thanks to an active writing schedule that is prominently posted on, and supported by, www.Chabad.org - one of the world’s most active Jewish websites.
2009 PROGRAMS
- Overview –
In 2009, CRM undertook and sustained the following growing programs:
i) Community – Social Programs for Children and Adults
a. Adult Education both private and open to the public
b. Dynamic Website and Consistent high-quality eChabad
ii) Jewish
a. High Holidays –
b) High Holiday Fair
b. Chanukah - Wonderland, Bowling, BBQ, Fri Night Dinner
c. Purim Bash & Shalach Manot for All
d. Passover –Seders for All, Matzah for All
e. Shavuos - Learnathon –
iii) Jewish
a. BBQ Weekly
b. Shabbat Dinners monthly
c. Shul regular warm and welcoming services
d. Community Dinners
iv) Humanitarian:
a. Chevra Kadisha Burial Society
b. Life-Cycle Events Brit, Baby-Naming, Bar Mtizvahs, Bat Mitzvahs, Weddings, Anniversaries, Shiva
c. Counseling: Marriage, Parenting
d. Life Cycle: Bris, Baby Naming, Bat Mitzvahs, Bar Mitzvahs, Weddings, Shiva
e. Youth
f. CTeen
g. JTC - Tweens
i. Adult Education both private and open to the public
j. Dynamic Website and Consistent high-quality eChabad
k. Synagogue Services
2009 PROGRAM SPECIFICS
Note: All Figures Are Yearly Unless Otherwise Noted
Shabbat Programs For Children and Adults # of Jews served: 1,820
CRM has developed a religious service that is joyfully traditional and at the same time inclusive of all. Additionally, we publish books for non Hebrew readers, allowing them to fully participate in the services and study Torah. Non-Jews often find a spiritual home at our services as they seek out their own spirituality. In fact, in the cases when they are married to Jews, our relaxed atmosphere allows (fosters) family participation. Following services, children and adults enjoy a Kiddush, sponsored weekly by a different congregant. A parallel children’s program is provided each week, allowing parents (and grandparents) to fully participate in religious services.
Shabbat Children’s Program # of Jews served: 520
Children love coming to religious services and Kiddush at Chabad, not just for Torah study, but because they are often joined by others of their own age, in a fun, friendly and safe environment. In fact it is such a good spot for children, that they often come over after early Saturday morning horseback riding! Additionally, to keep continuity, ‘Graduates’ of our children’s program have grown up to assist us in the Tiny Tots program – which is a mitzvah in and of itself. As a Rabbi, Father and Jew, watching children reciting the Shema with the adults, kiss the Torah and asking Jewish questions and learning about Jewish life is down right beautiful and something to be experienced by every Jewish family in the Desert. The group is lead by teenagers who receive a minimal stipend for their time and efforts. Note: This category is an extension of the above referenced Shabbat Programs For Children and Adults.
Community BBQ # of Jews served: 1,800
CRM produces a weekly ‘Jewish company evening’ that have won accolades and rave reviews from visitors and reviewers around the globe. In fact, CRM’s BBQs have been prominently featured in the Palm Springs Dining Bible by Peter Osbaldeston. Additionally, and most importantly, the Community BBQ is open to a wide spectrum of people, including a growing number of out of town guests who come to town for a rest or vacation and ‘snow birds’ who are looking for a “kosher night out”. The BBQ’s well rounded and strictly kosher menu includes everything from lamb-chops and steaks to veggie burgers, soup and salad. We are proud that our BBQ’s have gained a reputation as a quality place to eat, fun place to socialize and a good way to make friends while learning Torah and studying Jewish life. The BBQ’s take place weekly - from October to June.
Community Dinners # of Jews served: 450
In addition to CRM BBQ nights, CRM provides numerous Friday Night Shabbat Dinners that are open to community members and Jews of all flavors and denominations for no charge. Occurring regularly (at least once a month – with the maximum of 4 a month), these dinners are well balanced – both in food and Jewish tradition. As such, they are designed to meet the needs (criteria) that we believe are important and necessary to a wide variety of community residents as they help bring the community together while sharing the spirit of Judaism and love of Torah on Shabbat.
Chanukah Wonderland # of Jews served: 200
CRM hosts a yearly “Chanukah Wonderland” at the Children’s Museum. Recognized by the community as a fun, safe and education event, the program is an educational and interactive holiday celebration. For example, the Chanukah Wonderland includes a series of hands-on learning experiences that range from an olive oil demonstration and dreidel house to art projects that include edible art and menorah lighting. To support this project, the community pitches together and creates a new and exciting menorah – one that makes the event memorable and unforgettable. In years past, the community has created an ice menorah, a Lego menorah and a balloon menorah. The way the program is planned, and its location allows the program to serve as an education center to the wider, general community – providing all faiths with an opportunity to not just participate in a Chanukah celebration, but also to learn about Chanukah’s history, its importance to the Jewish people and how to properly observe the holiday.
We also hosted a Chanukah Bowl for over 100 people.
Adult Education Series # of Jews served: 1440
As an extension of our Lecture Series, CRM conducts twice weekly classes on topics raging from the Holocaust to famous rabbis. To support our classes, we provide books, location(s) and refreshments.
Community Bowl # of Jews served: 1440
For the past few years, CRM has hosted a “Bowling Evening” on/during Chanukah. This fun, family oriented event meets the needs of a wide range of Jews – especially those Jews who are looking for camaraderie, family and friends to enjoy the celebration of Chanukah with.
CRM’s action plan for 2010
CRM’s programs have been very successful. Over the last few years, our programming has grown, as has community participation in our event. For the next fiscal year – 2010 - CRM will conduct the following activities:
v) Community – Social Programs for Children and Adults
a. Adult Education both private and open to the public
b. Dynamic Website and Consistent high-quality eChabad
vi) Jewish
a. High Holidays Shofar Factory –
b. Chanukah - Wonderland, Bowling, BBQ, Fri Night Dinner
c. Purim Bash & Shalach Manot
d. Passover –Seders for All, Matzah for All
e. Shavuot - Learnathon - Ice Cream on Sinai
vii) Jewish Community:
a. BBQ weekly
b. Shabbat Dinners monthly
c. Shul regular warm and welcoming services
d. Community Dinners
viii) Humanitarian:
a. Chevra Kadisha Burial Society
b. Life-Cycle Events Brit, Baby-Naming, Bar Mtizvahs, Bat Mitzvahs, Weddings, Anniversaries, Shiva
c. Counseling
d. Youth
e. CTeen
f. JTC - Tweens
g. Shabbat Adventure
In 2010, CRM will be bringing on line two new and exciting programs. The
programs are:
a) CTeens
b) Thrift Shop
2010 Program Specifics
Shabbat Programs For Children and Adults # of Jews we expect to serve: 2005
CRM will continue delivering religious services to children and adults. Changes we expect to make this year include: the establishment of a New Kiddush committee and Food Committee for people in the community in need, after surgery or baby delivery.
Additionally, we will Coordinate a Friday Night United, where every Jewish family in the Desert lights the Shabbat candles in their home at the same time. By creating an interactive webpage and providing each household with candles we can bring the community together in a very unique way.
Shabbat Children’s Program # of Jews we expect to serve: 572
On the children’s side, CRM will continue and expand children’s programming. Changes we expect to make this year include: the continued development of the “Shabbat Adventure”, including prize schemes and mid- week competition; a Kitting out our “Club House” with child appropriate furniture and games; and
Inviting unaffiliated families to experience the “magic” and adventure of Shabbat
Community BBQ # of Jews we expect to serve: 1980
As the weather cools down, the CRM BBQ fires up! Although we already invite those who cannot pay and never turn anyone away for inability to pay, we need the funding to be able to aggressively seek them out. Changes we expect to make this year include:
a) Monthly ‘special’ fare at the community BBQ, to generate excitement and increase groups meeting and feeling part of the community. This would include serving a special theme dish in addition to the regular menu.
b) Attracting and feeding more members of the community
c) Providing Kosher food for those who wish to take some home
d) An overall growth in the number of meals delivered -
Community Dinners # of Jews we expect to serve: 500
CRM will expand community programming in one of several ways, with the largest being increasing the number of nights food is provided and that directly relates to an expanded number of Jews being served. Additionally, we are looking into helping feed the general community and attracting Jewish entertainment to the event. Additional changes we expect to make this year include: Serving menus from different countries each month and having an interactive discussion for each month’s dinner.
Community Pesach Seder # of Jews we expect to serve: 125
As mentioned above, in addition to BBQ nights, CRM provides Pesach Seders for members of the community who for some reason can’t put on (or attend) one of their own. Open to community members and visitors, our Seder’s have become the highlights of many Passover celebration(s). Changes this year to include: distributing matzo to additional 1000 Desert households.
Chanukah Programming # of Jews we expect to serve: 220
Our annual Chanukah Wonderland will be held on
Adult Education # of Jews we expect to serve: 1585
One of Chabad’s main goals is to bring Jews back to Judaism and let Jews feel the glory of their heritage. As such, CRM will be expanding its Adult Education Series to meet community needs. Changes we expect to make this year include a larger number of teaching days and the creation of specific writings to help community members learn more about Judaism,
Money Matters @ NU4UThrift Shop # of Jews we expect to serve: Unknown
As we all know, the economy has hit
Youth and Teens – The CTeens Program # of Jews we expect to serve: Unknown
Changes we expect to make this year include:
Implementing a fully integrated Youth Community with multiple ages, designed to encourage peer leadership. Some components are:
1) Raise funds to buy equipment to keep the teens excited and occupied when they come, and to provide a lounge for them to hang out and meet. These items will include: a Ping Pong Table and related equipment, a Foosball Table; a Wii and Digital Projector for Large Screen Wii activity and DVD movies. We already have a pool table.
2) Cteens will meet weekly with programming to include a monthly CTeen themed program; Monthly volunteer based program (either with the elderly, needy or even younger youth group), a discussion group, and monthly trip. There will also be an Annual Shabbaton and an opportunity to meet with teens of other communities in
3) Teens will assist in preparing dinner each week and will have the opportunity to socialize with old friends, while making new friends. Additionally, we will have two Youth Counselors who will involve the Teens in the planning of some of these events with a Teen-led committee. They will also help plan the JTC meetings (see below).
4) Adapting JTC to “Jewish Tweens Connect” and providing monthly activities for 8-12 year olds.
We are compelled to run these programs and continually enhance them, especially since we live by the axiom, “If you don’t watch your children, someone else will.” There are many influences out there that would love to get these Jewish children. The same can be said of the adults. “If I am not responsible for myself than who will be responsible for me?” “If we don’t make building a Jewish community our priority, then this community will is in danger of atrophying in as little as ten years!
The teens and young families of today are the foundation of the community tomorrow. Let us leave the next decade’s community in the best shape we can.
2009 FINANCIAL STATEMENT
STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS
CASH BASIS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
General Receipts
DONATIONS $159,315
GRANTS/ALLOCATIONS
J. FED. PALM SPRINGS $5,000
J. FED.
THRIFT SHOP START UP $5,000
TOTAL RECEIPTS $172,915
DISBURSEMENTS
ADMINISTRATION $61,432
MORTGAGE $32,782
PROPERTY TAX $3,404
COMMUNITY SERVICES $31,141
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT $4,173
SYNAGOGUE EXPENSE $10,664
SUNDRY $20,916
TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS $197,426
EXCESS DISBURSEMENTS OVER RECEIPTS ($24,511)
BUILDING CAMPAIGN
RECEIPTS
DONATIONS $113,640
GRANT J. FED.
UNSECURED LOANS $71,500
TOTAL RECEIPTS $198,640
DISBURSEMENTS
CONSTRUCTION $307,070
LOAN PAYMENT $5,400
TOTAL $312,470
EXCESS DISBURSEMENTS OVER RECEIPTS ($113,830)
PROJECTED 2010 BUDGET
Project: Cost Fed. Share
Community – Social Programs for Children and Adults
a. Adult Education both private and open to the public $1,550 $775
b. Dynamic Website and Consistent high-quality eChabad $2,750 $1375
Jewish
a. High Holidays Shofar Factory –
b. Chanukah - Wonderland, Bowling, $5,200 $2,600
- Menorah & Candle Distribution $6,525 $3,262
c. Purim Bash & Shalach Manot $5,200 $2,600
d. Passover –Seders for All $6,100 $3,050
- Matzah for All $6,550 $3,275
e. Shavuot - Learnathon - Ice Cream on Sinai $3,150 $1,575
Jewish Community:
a. BBQ weekly $14,500 $7,250
b. Shabbat Dinners monthly $5,000 $2,500
c. Shul consistent warm and welcoming services $13,500 $6,750
d. Community Dinners
Humanitarian:
a. Chevra Kadisha Burial Society $1,290 $645
b. Life-Cycle Events Brit, Baby-Naming, Bar Mtizvahs,
Bat Mitzvahs, Weddings, Anniversaries, Shiva
Counseling:
d. Youth
e. CTeen $10,500 $5,250
Subsidy of $500 per teen attending CTeen in the City TBD
f. JTC - Tweens
g. Shabbat Adventure $3,250 $1,625
Money Matters @ NU4U Thrift Shop
Advertising Program $2,100 $1,050
Administration
Utilities $16,500 $8,250
Insurance & Taxes $9,500 $4,750
Maintenance $26,600 $13,300
Mortgage Payments $33,000 $16,500
Automobile $8,500 $4,250
Sundry $4,300 $2,150
Expense Totals $182,655 $91,332
BOARD MEMBER LIST
a) Rabbi Shimon Posner
b) Mrs. Chaya Posner
c) Rabbi Yitzchak Sapochkinsky
d) Rabbi Abba Refson
e) Rabbi L. Shemtov
