The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee
2024 Impact Report
The Year in Review
2024 marked a transformative chapter for our Jewish Federation—one defined by growth, resilience, and deepened connection. We laid the foundation for a dynamic campus that celebrates Jewish life, responded swiftly to crises, and enhanced our community’s safety. We continued to stand with Israel and support vulnerable Jewish populations around the world while bringing thousands together regionally through cultural events, educational programs, and organizational partnerships. We are proud of the incredible impact made while advancing the values that define our community.
Please know that the incredible work outlined below is only possible because of our dedicated volunteers, donors, partners, and community members. Thank you for helping us to further our mission to strengthen Jewish life and identity in the community, aid Jewish people in need, and promote support for Israel.
Learn More About Our Organization:
Our Financials
Who We Are
Our Campus
Calendar of Events
Get Involved
Support the Federation
create
A Campus for Jewish Life
In 2024, we brought to life new initiatives and spaces for us to learn, gather, and celebrate…
The Ora at the Morganroth Event Center:
Our premier event center welcomed over 17,000 visits in its first 9 months.
Camp Yonnie:
Welcomed campers for the first time in 17 years during our inaugural summer.
Chaifetz Holocaust Memorial and Education Center:
Our Center is poised to become the preeminent, state of the art outdoor learning experience for students and campus visitors.
Ritter Wolk Hub:
A space to educate our community and ensure each individual is informed, safe and secure.
fortify
Sarasota-Manatee
We are committed to supporting those in vulnerable situations. From offering emergency assistance to helping our local Holocaust survivors, we know that now more than ever, we must strengthen our Jewish Safety Net.
110+
Holocaust survivors were provided support
500
People served through All Faith’s Food Bank Pop-up following Hurricane Milton
Through our Jewish Healing Program in partnership with JFCS of the Suncoast, Holocaust survivors and their families received critical financial, psychiatric and supportive care. When Hurricanes Helene and Milton ravaged our area in less than two weeks, we quickly provided financial assistance and essential supplies to those in need.
Ritter Wolk Hub
Keeping our community safe continues to be a priority. With the opening of our Ritter Wolk Hub, our Federation has become a model center for safety and security, offering regular training to community members and law enforcement professionals.
We continue to train community members and leaders in best practices for safety and security in collaboration with Secure Community Network (SCN). Our Fire Arms Training System is a valuable resource benefitting security professionals, law enforcement, and others. Its targeted simulation training combines real-world scenarios with live coaching, providing critical exposure that can’t be found elsewhere.
Our Community Security Director completed…
27
Assessments for religious and cultural institutions, ensuring that they are protected and resilient.
49
Meetings with law enforcement to strengthen partnerships and secure our seat at the table.
2,300
Community members were trained and equipped with the tools they need to respond in any situation.
support
Israel & Jews Globally
We are steadfast in our commitment to celebrate and protect Jewish life at home, in Israel, and around the world.
Israel Unity Day (2024)
30
Partner agencies in Israel supported in rebuilding their communities after October 7.
$66,000
Granted by Women’s Giving Circle to support women and children.
13,791
At-risk women and children in Israel served.
19
Partnership grants to local Jewish organizations and synagogues.
Federation @ 65: A Celebration of our History and Legacy
strengthen
Jewish Identity
We bring Jews and allies together to gather, learn, and celebrate Jewish identity and culture through more than 30 programs each season. We are a hub for the community, connecting newcomers and long-time community leaders through multiple media channels.
We deepened our engagement with the community through meaningful communications, social and educational opportunities: Just Schmoozing, People of the Book, Mort Skirboll Jewish Film Festival, Passover Picnic, inspiring lectures, The Jewish News, Shalom SRQ, and more!
During our 2023-2024 program season…
4,671
Unique participants attended our events and programs, of which 1,955 were new.
1,338+
Attendees to the Mort Skirboll Jewish Film Festival.
35,000
People engaged with Federation through all communication channels.
We continued to expand our outreach to unaffiliated Jews through print, email, social media, and event offerings
connect
Jewish Youth & Families
This year, our programming, scholarships, and educational initiatives continued to grow and evolve, deepening the engagement of youth and families in our region.
In support of our local families and children…
450
Children connected with Jewish content through our PJ Library programs and book deliveries.
25
Campers received scholarships to attend Jewish overnight camps.
$50,000+
In college scholarships granted to local students.
40
Campers were provided an incredible experience during Camp Yonnie’s inaugural summer.
We established the Parent Action Alliance to connect and support families in both districts as they navigate antisemitism in school and other challenges.
Camp Yonnie deeply benefits our campers and their hardworking teenage counselors. One counselor said it best:
advance
Our Region
We are committed to building a stronger community through education, advocacy, and leading by example to illustrate the power and value of diversity. Through this work, we connect and form critical partnerships across the region.
Through the Heller Jewish Community Relations Committee, we partnered with Sarasota Ministerial Association on multiple interfaith events throughout the year.
Federation played a leadership role in the brand-new regional coalition of Jewish organizations committed to advancing Jewish voices at the local and state levels.
$62,000
Granted by Jewish Federation and community members to Embracing Our Differences.
300
Teachers supported with enriching Holocaust Education experiences and resources.
300
Christian Families stood proudly with us and joined in celebrating Hanukkah for our Shine A Light Initiative.
The Jewish Federation Team represented our community in events throughout our region:
- Arts and Cultural Festivals: Temple Sinai Food Festival, Jewish Congregation of Venice Food Festival, all local Chabad Chanukah programs, and more!
- Downtown Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch Farmer’s Markets
- Manatee Chamber of Commerce Events
- Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Events
- Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance Events
financial
Impact 2024
Revenue FY 2024
Supporting our Mission:
$7,486,730
– Annual Campaign
– Program/Event Sponsorship
– Participation Fees
Supporting our Endowment:
$3,449,029
Supporting our Campus Capital Campaign:
$3,810,938
Total: $14,746,697
Our Leadership
Shepherd Englander
Chief Executive Officer
Deb Kabinoff
Board Chair