10 Fundraising Moves Every Jewish Nonprofit Should Make This Year

At a time when many Jewish organizations are navigating generational shifts, evolving donor expectations, and rising community needs, it’s not enough to simply ask for money. Fundraising must be rooted in meaning, connection, and a deep understanding of what inspires people to give—and to stay involved. 

As we approach the High Holy Days and start of the new school year, whether you're preparing for your next annual campaign, exploring a capital or endowment initiative, or simply looking to build a more engaged donor base, these ten strategic moves will help you raise more while deepening the relationships that sustain your mission. 

Here’s what every Jewish nonprofit should prioritize this year: 

1. Lead with Belonging 

Fundraising is an invitation—not just to support, but to belong. Don’t just talk about financial needs; speak to shared values and collective impact. Make people feel that their participation is vital to the community’s future. 

2. Put Relationships Before Revenue 

Before you ask for a gift, invest in connection. Build trust and familiarity with consistent communication, thoughtful outreach, and authentic listening. Strong relationships are the foundation of long-term support. 

3. Tailor the Message 

Donors want to feel understood. Segment your audiences by age, giving history, lifecycle stage, or level of involvement, and craft messages that speak directly to what they care about. Personalization is no longer optional, it’s expected. 

Go deeper: In an eJewishPhilanthropy article, our consultant Ben Vorspan shares how a night at Cirque du Soleil uncovered powerful lessons in engaging donors at all levels—and tailoring your message to inspire every member of your community. 

4. Highlight Impact Through Storytelling 

People Give to People. Use short videos, personal stories, and visuals to demonstrate how donations fuel real change. Highlight specific examples that showcase your mission in action—especially when they involve individuals, families, or community moments. 

5. Make Participation Count 

Dollars are important, but not your only goal. Aim for wide participation and celebrate every gift as a vote of confidence in your mission. Create multiple barrier entry points that welcome new or returning donors to get involved. 

6. Activate Your Ambassadors 

Your board members, stakeholders, educators, clergy, and alumni can be powerful messengers. Equip them with stories, talking points, and tools to reach out in meaningful ways—not just to ask for money, but to share why this work matters. 

7. Build Campaigns Around Moments of Connection 

Timing matters. Consider launching or amplifying campaigns around key community moments—holidays, school milestones, or major events—when people are already emotionally connected and more likely to give. 

8. Show Appreciation Early and Often 

Gratitude is a strategy. Don’t wait until the end of the campaign to say thank you. Build appreciation into the journey with handwritten notes, personal phone calls, recognition opportunities, and spontaneous acts of acknowledgment. 

9. Use Technology to Create Ease 

Simplify the giving process. Ensure your donation forms are mobile-friendly, your emails are engaging, and your website makes the case clearly. Technology should be an asset—not an obstacle—to giving. 

10. Position Fundraising as Mission-Driven, Not Transactional 

Fundraising should never feel like a chore or a campaign separate from your purpose. Frame it as an integral part of your mission—an opportunity for people to participate in building a stronger, more vibrant Jewish future. 

Let’s Make This Your Most Impactful Year Yet 

At The Lapin Group, we help Jewish nonprofits raise more than funds—we enable our clients to strengthen vibrant and connected communities through thoughtful, mission-driven fundraising. From vision and strategic direction to campaign execution, we are ready with guidance and direction to help you advance with clarity, confidence, and compassion. 

📩 Contact us today to start a conversation about your next campaign