We get that it’s confusing.
Federation plays so many different roles in our local and global Jewish community that it’s easy to lose track of everything we do.
Let’s start with why we’re here. Our mission is actually very simple: We take care of the needs of the Jewish people and build a vibrant Jewish future for all, in Detroit, Israel and around the world.
In other words, we make sure that help is available to those that need it. We also work to keep our community connected and unified, and to keep our Jewish values, culture and traditions strong for the future.
But how do we accomplish our mission? To help clarify, here are eleven things we do (and two we don’t):
1
We raise money through our Annual Campaign to support the Jewish community of Detroit, as well as Israel and Jewish communities around the world. We launch emergency fundraising campaigns when necessary, such as during times of crisis. We also raise long-term resources through the Centennial Fund, the central endowment effort for the community, which was created to ensure the welfare of Jewish Detroit for future generations.
2
We distribute the funds we raise to our network of 16 local and 3 international partner organizations, providing essential resources to support social welfare, Jewish life, education and other core areas. We also allocate funds raised from our periodic emergency campaigns to a wide range of Jewish organizations, including many working in Israel.
3
We plan for the near and long-term welfare of the community, assessing changes in current and future needs, community demographics, economic trends and other factors. Our rigorous planning process informs how we can best use community resources to ensure the welfare of the community.
4
We strengthen Jewish life by offering a wide variety of programs and events, including those for young adults (NEXTGen Detroit), women (Women’s Philanthropy), and a range of Affinities groups. Our goal is to engage as many Jewish individuals in our community as possible, including many who are otherwise uninvolved in Jewish life. As a lay-led organization, we’re also committed to building Jewish leaders, with a robust Leadership Development department and a wide range of roles for lay leadership.
5
We support Israel and its people, forging lasting connections between Jewish Detroiters and Israelis through immersive experiences and programming, including a variety of missions throughout the year. We also build a strong and active relationship with our partnership community in the Central Galilee region.
6
We help Jews in need around the world. Working closely with our international partner agencies and other non-governmental organizations, we support critical rescue, relief and, when necessary, relocation services to vulnerable and at-risk Jewish populations wherever they may be.
7
We house and manage community assets, including “rainy day” funds and real estate holdings through Federation’s fiduciary partner, the United Jewish Foundation. We also manage Donor Advised Funds for our community members, serving as a partner in elevating our donors’ philanthropic impact.
8
We advocate for the Jewish people in the media and public square, building positive relationships with other groups in the broader community. This includes responding to incidents of antisemitism and working to eliminate all forms of hate and intolerance.
9
We keep the community safe, working closely with Jewish Community Security Inc. (JCSI) as well local, state and national law enforcement to ensure the security of our community and its institutions, including our synagogues and temples, day schools, camps and other Jewish spaces.
10
We respond to crises locally or globally as they emerge, coordinating urgent resources among our partner agencies and other organizations. Whether it is a flood, a pandemic, a war in Ukraine or an attack against the Israeli people, Federation takes the leading role in the communal response.
11
We bring the community together acting as a central convener for the Jewish community of Detroit, to celebrate, commemorate or observe events and milestones in our shared Jewish experience.
In addition to that list, there are a couple things we absolutely do not do as an organization:
1
We don’t make decisions for our partner agencies. While we support and advise them, they are each run by independent professionals along with a lay-led board who are responsible for their operational decisions.
2
We don’t advocate for any political party or participate in partisan politics in any way, locally, nationally, in Israel or anywhere in the world. We remain an apolitical organization focused on the welfare of the Jewish people.
As you can see, we do a lot to realize our mission. And while we certainly don’t do everything in our community, if you need help or information about something we don’t handle, we can help you find someone who does.
