By Marci Wiseman
Story Featured in the Jewish Journal of WNY
Kadimah Academy is the recipient of a $100,000 matching grant through its participation in the PRIZMAH Governance and Fundraising Academy (GFA). Last year, Kadimah Academy was accepted into the GFA in partnership with Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools. One of a small number of schools nationwide accepted into the program, Kadimah participated in national conferences with renowned experts, received customized coaching and training, and raised matching grant funds exceeding $100,000.
Upon Kadimah’s acceptance, Helen F. London, Prizmah’s GFA Program Director, said, “The 18-month program will increase Kadimah’s financial stability by strengthening its governance and fundraising programs (with the goal of creating) a school and community with a strong culture of philanthropy, combined with best practices in governance, professional leadership and fundraising.”
Thanks to generous funding from The AVI CHAI Foundation, an anonymous Jewish day school advocate, and Buffalo Jewish Federation, Kadimah was able to take part in this program.
Kadimah has used this training to strategize and broaden fundraising efforts with the launch of the Annual Campaign in December, which surpassed its targeted goals before the month’s end, and through its BRIGHT FUTURE Initiative which has generated over 50 new major donors, thus far.
“Our participation in the GFA has been a game-changer for our fundraising and development strategy,” said Alan Rosenhoch, alumnus and Board President. “I have been thrilled and energized by Jewish Buffalo and the dedication shown for our community day school.”
Kadimah has been working with Pearl Learner Kane of the Connecticut based non-profit consulting firm PLK Consulting Group LLC. Kane, who has three decades of experience in the nonprofit business field with a concentration on Jewish communal organizations, is the professional advisor to the Charter Oak Challenge Foundation and co-chair of the Jewish Consultants’ Group.
Kadimah has been working with Pearl Learner Kane of the Connecticut based non-profit consulting firm PLK Consulting Group LLC. Kane, who has three decades of experience in the nonprofit business field with a concentration on Jewish communal organizations, is the professional advisor to the Charter Oak Challenge Foundation and co-chair of the Jewish Consultants’ Group.
Other areas of expanded effort stemming from participation in the GFA include recruitment and alumni development, including Kadimah’s 60th Anniversary Reunion to be held in Buffalo, November 24, 2018.