2023 – 24 / 5783 – 84
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
In the wake of the October 7th attacks and the ongoing war, we have witnessed an unprecedented display of commitment from our fundholders in addressing our community’s most pressing needs, both locally and in Israel.
We are proud to report that, in collaboration with our fundholders, a record $4.6 million was strategically disbursed in support of local, national, and global initiatives. This is nearly $1 million more than the $3.7 million distributed last year.
In response to the urgent and unprecedented needs in Israel, fundholders directed substantial distributions from their funds to Jewish Federation’s Israel Emergency Campaign. Additionally, increased distributions were allocated to bolster local community security measures and combat the concerning rise in antisemitism here at home.
Included in this year’s distributions was funding designated for the Foundation’s Unrestricted Grant Program. Unrestricted funds serve as a catalyst for our community to address a diverse array of challenges, empowering frontline organizations to tackle obstacles with innovative approaches. Over the past year, we extended grants to thirteen local organizations to support projects ranging from food security programs to Israeli and Jewish cultural programming and a daycare facility in the Burquest Jewish community.
With contributions totaling $6.1 million for the period, fundholders were actively building their funds and establishing new ones. Community members and Jewish communal organizations partnered with us in their philanthropy, demonstrating their confidence in the Foundation’s ability to manage their assets and their commitment to community investment and growth.
Throughout the year, the Foundation’s Investment Committee proceeded with the scheduled transition to private assets within the invested portfolio.
The adjustment to the policy asset mix aims to incorporate 30% in private assets, and as of the year ending March 31st , 22% of the portfolio had been allocated to this new asset class.
Portfolio returns, together with contributions, resulted in the Foundation closing the year with assets of $96.7 million, bringing us very close to the major milestone of $100 million in assets under management. This significant accomplishment is tied not only to the confidence our fundholders have in the Foundation but also to the Investment Committee’s success in stewarding those assets, keeping our investment strategy on track, and ensuring the Foundation’s portfolio is prudently managed.
In light of the war in Israel, the Foundation’s governors reviewed the Foundation’s policy regarding investments in Israel bonds and revised it to increase the minimum investment threshold to $1 million. Our volunteer leadership initiated this shift to demonstrate our commitment to supporting Israel during this tumultuous time and for the future.
As we conclude this fiscal year, we also acknowledge the completion of Shannon Gorski’s term as chair of the Foundation’s governors. Shannon has been a dedicated governor for six years, serving the last two as chair. Under her leadership, the Foundation established more effective ways to serve our community with the allocation of unrestricted grants during the pandemic, achieved a year of record growth in assets, and navigated the changing needs of our community following October 7th . Shannon, along with our governors, committee chairs, and standing committees, have collectively strengthened our
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR AND
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
governance to optimize our capacity to assist you, our fundholders, in making a meaningful philanthropic impact.
We look forward to building on the Foundation’s success under the leadership of our incoming chair, Howard Kallner. Howard is an active community leader who has volunteered in various capacities, most recently as board president of Congregation Schara Tzedeck. He has also been engaged as a Foundation governor, actively participating on the Foundation’s Investment Committee.
Shannon Gorski Chair
This has been a challenging year for our community, making it even more significant to fortify the organizations that not only serve but also connect us. We appreciate your trust in the Foundation and look forward to our continued partnership, supporting you in maximizing the impact of your philanthropy.
Thank you once again for your steadfast support of our community.
Marcie Flom Executive Director
WHO WE ARE
GOVERNORS
Shannon Gorski, Chair
Kerri Chetner
Bruce Cohen
Harvey Dales
Catherine Epstein
Stephen Gaerber
Geoffrey Glotman
Jeffrey Goldberg
David Goldman
Karen James
Howard Kallner
Ted Koffman
Sandy Penn
Diane Switzer
Perry Teperson
Shira van den Berg
EX OFFICIO
Lana Marks Pulver, Board Chair, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver
Ezra S. Shanken, CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Grant Distribution Committee:
Shira van den Berg, Chair
Roberta Beiser
Bernice Carmeli
Jeffrey Goldberg
Shannon Gorski
Karen James
Dov Lank
Stacey Silber
Daniel Steiner
Investment Committee:
Perry Teperson, Chair
Harvey Dales
Rob Greenwald
Kendra Kaake
Howard Kallner
Ted Koffman
Candace Kwinter
Alexa Perlmutter
Lori Satov
Nominating and Governance Committee:
Diane Switzer, Chair
Harvey Dales
Shannon Gorski
Howard Kallner
FOUNDATION STAFF
Marcie Flom, Executive Director
Laura Braude, Director
Wendy Finlayson, Administrative Coordinator
PORTFOLIO PERFORMANCE
The Foundation’s prudent investment strategy has consistently delivered strong long-term performance. This year’s returns were robust and closely aligned with the policy benchmark.
For the fiscal year ending March 31st , 2024, the Jewish Community Foundation achieved a combined gross investment return of 12.2%, versus the 12.3% policy benchmark. Net of all fees, the Foundation’s return stood at 11.7%.
The Foundation’s investment strategy aims to achieve an average total return that matches the annual increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus an additional 3.5%.
Over the past decade, the Foundation’s portfolio has consistently delivered solid returns. For the 10 years ending March 31st , 2024, the annualized average net investment return was 6%, significantly outpacing the average inflation rate of 2.5% and achieving a return of 3.5% above inflation.
LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE VS INFLATION GROWTH OF $10,000 FROM MARCH 31ST, 2014 TO MARCH 31ST, 2024
$17,949 (6% Annualized Return)
$21,000
$19,000
$17,000
$15,000
$13,000
$11,000
$9,000
$12,806 (2.5% Annualized Inflation)
MAXIMIZING OUR COMMUNITY IMPACT
The Jewish Community Foundation distributed a record $4.6 million to support initiatives locally, nationally, and in Israel
Fundholders have made a profound impact on both our local and broader communities through distributions from their funds at the Foundation. This year, a record $4.6 million was strategically allocated to support initiatives locally, nationally, and in Israel, benefiting a wide range of organizations. These allocations provided both general support and targeted funding for specific initiatives and purposes. At the core of what we do at the Foundation is supporting and facilitating the philanthropy of our fundholders, enabling them to make a meaningful difference in the organizations and causes they care about most.
Arts & Culture (2%)
Federation Annual Campaign (13%)
Jewish Continuity (17%)
Jewish Education (14%)
Scholarships (13%)
Seniors (5%)
Social Services (26%)
Youth & Young Adults (10%)
$17.4 MILLION DISTRIBUTED OVER FIVE YEARS
“The steady support we have received from designated funds allows us to plan for the future and channel vital resources directly into the programs that matter most to our mission. Thanks to support from these funds, we’ve been able to make a measurable impact on the people we serve.”
TANJA DEMAJO, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, JEWISH
WORKING WITH OUR FUNDHOLDERS
The Foundation’s donor-centric approach and community expertise help fundholders make a significant philanthropic impact that reflects their values and passions.
We work closely with fundholders to understand their philanthropic goals and assist in establishing a fund that aligns with those goals. Whether the intention is to support an organization in perpetuity, direct distributions each year, or allow the Foundation to determine where the funds are needed most, we offer different fund types to meet each purpose.
Unrestricted Funds
Allow the Foundation to address the evolving needs of our community and support the Foundation’s Unrestricted Grant Program.
Donor-Advised Funds
Allow fundholders to actively manage the annual distributions from their fund.
“ We gratefully acknowledge our fundholders whose foresight and commitment have helped shape a stronger future by creating endowments at the Foundation. We honour their legacy for both this generation and those to come, and we thank them for contributing to the Foundation’s growth to over $96 million in assets under management over the past 35 years.”
SHANNON GORSKI , CHAIR, JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
$6.1M CONTRIBUTIONS
$96.7M
Designated Funds
Allow fundholders to establish an endowment that supports specific organizations, causes, or areas of interest in perpetuity.
376 ENDOWMENT FUNDS MANAGED
INSTITUTIONAL ENDOWMENTS
Institutional endowment funds provide charitable organizations with a stable, long-term source of funding, ensuring they can support their vital work indefinitely.
Jewish Seniors Alliance’s (JSA) mission is to enhance the quality of life for seniors through peer support services, advocacy, education, and outreach programs.
Partnering with the Foundation to establish an organizational fund has been a pivotal move, ensuring the organization’s long-term stability and reinforcing donor confidence in the expert and sustainable management of their contributions
Institutional endowment funds are not reserved solely for the largest entities in our community; they offer significant advantages for smaller organizations like JSA. These funds alleviate the burden of managing investments, allowing an organization to concentrate fully on their essential mission. Additionally, the partnership provides valuable support in areas where internal resources may be limited, including fundraising strategies and marketing assistance to effectively promote their fund.
The partnership between the Foundation and Jewish Seniors Alliance not only secures financial stability but also enhances JSA’s ability to advance its impactful work in the community.
“Our partnership with the Jewish Community Foundation ensures the establishment of a critical endowment, that supporters can contribute to with confidence, knowing the fund is being managed and invested well in perpetuity. We look forward to building the fund to help ensure that seniors are supported.”
JEFF MOSS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, JEWISH SENIORS ALLIANCE OF BC
IMPACTFUL GRANTMAKING
With our community facing increased adversity and unprecedented levels of need, unrestricted funds are more important than ever. They provide the Foundation with the necessary flexibility to respond quickly to urgent issues as they arise and support the Foundation’s Unrestricted Grant Program.
Each year, the Foundation invites communal organizations to apply for funding to contribute to projects that benefit the Jewish community. This funding is used to launch new endeavors, initiate innovative programs, and provide organizations the ability to address emerging needs in novel ways.
The applications we receive are thoroughly reviewed by the Foundation’s Grant Distribution Committee, which is composed of a diverse group of dedicated community members. They carefully assess each proposal, considering the project’s potential impact, necessity, creativity, and priority within the community.
Unrestricted funds empower the Foundation to tackle a broad and diverse range of challenges. These resources help the organizations our community relies on most to confront emerging issues and foster the development of projects that strengthen our community.
“The grant applications the Grant Distribution Committee receives each year not only provide a clear snapshot of the types of challenges our community is currently facing, but also the many opportunities we have for sustainability and growth. To keep our community resilient and thriving, now and into the future, we need the resources and ability to address both.”
SHIRA VAN DEN BERG, CHAIR, GRANT DISTRIBUTION COMMITTEE
2023/24 GRANT RECIPIENTS
This year, the Foundation was proud to award grants to the following organizations:
JCC Run Daycare at Burquest Feasibility Study
Burquest/Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver
The Burquest Jewish Community Centre (BJCC) is addressing the growing needs of the Jewish population in Coquitlam and surrounding areas by introducing a Jewish oriented daycare within its premises. This initiative will offer local families a valuable service that was previously unavailable, while fostering greater involvement in Jewish community activities and strengthening ties with the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver (JCCGV).
To ensure the project’s success, BJCC will conduct a feasibility study and develop a business plan to evaluate local demographic needs, regulatory requirements, and financial implications. The project timeline extends from April 2024 to January 2026, encompassing planning, renovation, staff hiring, and the daycare’s opening. These efforts aim to ensure the daycare’s financial viability and establish it as a vital part of the community’s long-term sustainability.
Jewish Teen Engagement Specialist
Congregation Beth Israel
Congregation Beth Israel, Beth Tikvah Synagogue, Har El, and United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism/United Synagogue Youth will collaborate to hire a full-time Jewish Teen Engagement Specialist. This role will focus on engaging both connected and non-connected Jewish teens across the Lower Mainland. The specialist will divide their time between teens from the partnering synagogues, King David High School students, and Jewish teens living farther from the Vancouver Jewish hub.
The Teen Engagement Specialist will develop and implement a range of social, community service, and Israel-based experiences, using best practices to make these activities engaging and impactful. By fostering these meaningful experiences, the specialist will help strengthen the Jewish identities of participating teens.
This initiative aims to create connections among Jewish teens across the region, building a stronger, more cohesive, and active Jewish teen community. Through these efforts, the teens will develop lifelong friendships and a deeper connection to Jewish life and organizations, creating lasting bonds within the Jewish community.
Combatting Antisemitism Campaign
Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver
The rapid increase in antisemitism in BC and globally has created a need for increased coordination and advocacy resources. Jewish Federation was called upon to respond to various needs, from mental wellbeing and physical security to communications and public affairs. A proactive and strategic response was essential. To address this, Jewish Federation brought together volunteer leaders and communal professionals to collect data to engage in strategic messaging and activities shaped by these insights to enhance efforts against rising antisemitism and antiIsrael sentiment in BC. They are leading a coordinated campaign to address antisemitic attitudes and activities on university campuses, K-12 schools, in public sector unions, and among professions like law and medicine. The initial work laid the foundation for mid- and longterm work to combat antisemitism and they continue to use the data collected to inform their work.
Interactive Children’s Exhibit Jewish Museum and Archives of BC
The Jewish Museum and Archives of BC (JMABC) will launch an interactive exhibit designed for children aged 3 to 10. This interactive exhibit aims to educates children about Jewish culture through imaginative, play-based learning.
Promoted to schools across the Lower Mainland Jewish and non-Jewish children will be invited to engage in meaningful interactions, learn about what it means to be part of a Jewish community, and forge relationships that build a lasting foundation of crosscultural tolerance and understanding.
By targeting this younger demographic, JMABC will seek to combat rising antisemitism and build broader community ties. The project marks a new direction for JMABC, combining education, community engagement, and innovative programming to strengthen communal bonds.
2023/24 GRANT RECIPIENTS
Random Acts of Chesed (RAC) Week Program
King David High School
King David High School is expanding its Random Acts of Chesed (RAC) Week this year by introducing “Nitzozot: Sharing the Light – Connecting Generations,” in memory of alumnus Ben Mizrachi z’l, who was tragically murdered by Hamas at the Nova music festival in Israel on October 7th . The students wish to honor Ben’s legacy of kindness, compassion, and good deeds through meaningful volunteer activities.
As part of this initiative, students will visit innercity schools, assemble care packages for students, collect clothing, and participate in classroom visits. These efforts reflect Ben’s values and dedication to helping others. The program also encourages students to conduct interviews documenting life stories, fostering intergenerational relationships and connection within the community.
The school will collaborate with organizations like the Louis Brier Home and Hospital and local schools to implement these initiatives, strengthening community ties. King David High School’s staff will provide support, guiding students in their participation. Through these
actions, the school hopes to inspire ongoing acts of kindness while honoring Ben’s memory in a way that aligns with his legacy.
Building Bridges with Youth Lecture Series
Kolot Mayim Reform Temple
The Building Bridges project by Kolot Mayim Reform Temple in Victoria, BC, is a six-part lecture series designed to meet the educational needs of the Jewish community. This year’s theme, “L’dor V’dor: From Generation to Generation,” focuses on fostering reciprocal relationships between younger and older generations by exploring Jewish identity, faith, community, resilience, and renewal.
The project addresses the need for intergenerational dialogue, particularly for younger members facing anti-Israel and antisemitic attitudes. By offering positive and empowering Jewish experiences, it aims to support youth and strengthen connections across generations. The series will feature lectures by Jewish leaders from across North America, emphasizing the transmission of Jewish values and traditions.
Synagogue Refresh Project Louis Brier Home and Hospital and Weinberg Residence
The Synagogue Refresh Project at Louis Brier Home and Hospital and Weinberg Residence seeks to enhance the synagogue’s inclusivity, accessibility, and functionality to better serve Jewish residents, their families, and the wider community. After more than 30 years without significant updates, the space no longer meets the evolving needs of its congregants.
During High Holy Day preparations, the need for upgrades became clear. Residents with mobility limitations were unable to participate in Torah honors, while challenges with Torah reading, inadequate storage for machzorim, and access door repairs underscored the synagogue’s shortcomings. The pandemic also shifted the demographic, with more residents attending services than external
community members, further highlighting the need for improvements.
Planned upgrades include enhanced ventilation, a wheelchair-accessible ramp to the Aron Kodesh, improved lighting, and updated seating and storage. These enhancements will foster a more inclusive and welcoming environment, ensuring meaningful participation for all congregants.
Expansion and Renovation Project Or Shalom Synagogue
The Or Shalom Expansion and Renovation Project aims to create a welcoming, accessible, and functional space for its growing congregation and the broader Jewish community. Over the past decade, the congregation has outgrown its building, purchased in 1994, which lacks the amenities and accessibility required to meet current and future needs. Those with
mobility challenges face particular barriers, as the only access to the sanctuary is through a rear ramp, with no internal connection to the social hall below.
This project will transform the space by addressing structural issues and enhancing its functionality. Planned upgrades include new classrooms, expanded office and kitchen facilities, and an improved social hall. A key component is the installation of an elevator and emergency ramp, providing dignified, barrier-free access for individuals using wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers. These improvements will enable Or Shalom to better serve its diverse and growing community, fostering fuller participation in Jewish life.
Security Enhancement Project
Richmond Jewish Day School
In response to heightened security concerns following the events of October 7 th , Richmond Jewish Day School (RJDS) has implemented proactive measures to safeguard its students, staff, and families. These include hiring on-site security personnel, upgrading surveillance systems, and collaborating closely with local authorities. The global rise in antisemitic incidents highlights the critical need for these enhancements.
A recent RCMP security assessment identified vulnerabilities requiring immediate attention, such as disrepair in the parking lot, broken
perimeter fencing, poorly maintained camera and alarm systems, insufficient lighting both inside and outside the school, and the need for door replacements. In response, RJDS has developed a phased plan to address these issues, engaging professionals to carry out the necessary upgrades and repairs.
These comprehensive security measures are vital for creating a safe, secure environment where students can focus on their education, and families can feel confident in their children’s safety.
2023/24 GRANT RECIPIENTS
Food Security Program
Vancouver Hebrew Academy
The rising cost of living in Vancouver has created significant challenges for families at Vancouver Hebrew Academy (VHA), the only Orthodox Jewish school in the city. With 85% of families living at or below the poverty line, many struggle to provide their children with nutritious, kosher meals, complicating their ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
In response, VHA will establish an in-house food security program to ensure that all students receive kosher, nutritious meals, regardless of their financial situation. The program will be led by a dedicated chef and nutritionist, focusing on both meal provision and education. Students will participate in meal preparation and nutrition activities, including visits to the kitchen and trips to Stable Harvest Farm to learn about local and sustainable food systems. This initiative will promote equality and well-being for all students, while fostering a deeper understanding of food security and healthy living.
2023/24 GRANT RECIPIENTS
Kuppenheim Family Fonds: Digitization & Accessibility Project
Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre
The Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre (VHEC) is undertaking a thirteen-month project to digitize and make accessible the Felix Kuppenheim fonds, a significant archival donation from Vancouverbased writer Timothy Taylor and Shelagh Genius, grandchildren of Felix Kuppenheim. This fonds, the largest single archival donation VHEC has received, documents the experiences of the Kuppenheim family, German-Jewish refugees who fled Nazi persecution. Preserving and sharing their story is essential to enhancing research and education about the Holocaust.
Supported by the UBC Digitization Centre, VHEC will digitize and publish these materials online, ensuring
they are accessible to researchers, educators, and the public. The project encompasses the conservation, digitization, translation, and publication of these archival materials, led by VHEC staff and volunteers. This initiative will also pave the way for future exhibitions, educational programs, and publications focused on the Kuppenheim family collection, deepening public understanding of Holocaust history and legacy through first-hand accounts.
Capacity Building Plan
Vancouver Israeli Folkdance Society
The Vancouver Israeli Folkdance Society (VIFS) has been fostering Israeli dance and Jewish culture in Greater Vancouver for over 50 years. With a recent surge in attendance at weekly dance sessions and
the growing role of dance in building community connections, VIFS is focused on sustaining and expanding its programs to meet evolving needs.
VIFS preserves Israeli and Jewish cultural traditions, fosters social connections, and engages younger generations. To enhance its impact, the organization is developing a sustainability plan that includes hiring an administrative assistant to boost recruitment, manage social media, and extend outreach to emerging communities and Jewish summer camps across British Columbia.
This strategic shift builds on VIFS’s strong history of delivering Israeli dance programs. By adding administrative support, training new instructors, and enhancing outreach, VIFS aims to grow participation, strengthen its community presence, and ensure the long-term vitality of Israeli dance in the region.
The Jewish Film Festival BC Tour
Vancouver Jewish Film Centre
The Vancouver Jewish Film Centre (VJFC) is launching an initiative to bring Jewish cultural programming and community-building events to underserved Jewish communities across British Columbia. During the COVID-19 pandemic, VJFC’s shift to streaming films
revealed a strong demand for their programming beyond Vancouver. However, the essence of Jewish film lies in shared, in-person viewings. This project aims to bring the Vancouver Jewish Film Festival to communities such as White Rock, South Surrey, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Bowen Island, Squamish, and Kelowna.
To engage these regions, VJFC will collaborate with local Jewish leaders and use social media and other promotional platforms to generate excitement and awareness. This initiative marks a significant step in expanding VJFC’s reach, fostering cultural connections, and celebrating Jewish heritage throughout the province.
By bringing the festival to these areas, VJFC will create opportunities for Jewish communities to come together, strengthening bonds and building a sense of belonging.
2023/24 GRANT RECIPIENTS
Bus Service
Vancouver Talmud Torah
The Vancouver Talmud Torah (VTT) bus service project addresses a pressing need for reliable transportation to Jewish education for those living outside Vancouver. Familes in areas like Richmond, Ladner, and Delta have long struggled with the challenges of commuting to VTT, limiting students’ access to Jewish learning and participation in school life.
This initiative ensures that geographic distance is no longer a barrier for families wishing to provide their children with a Jewish education. The project was developed in response to feedback from families facing these challenges, underscoring the need for greater inclusivity. By offering dependable transportation, students from outlying areas can fully engage in VTT’s robust educational programs and vibrant school community.
The VTT bus service represents a vital step in overcoming logistical obstacles and fostering inclusivity, ensuring that Jewish education remains accessible to all families, regardless of their location, and strengthening the community as a whole.
Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Vancouver
Condensed Statement of Financial Position
MARCH 31, 2024, WITH COMPARATIVE INFORMATION FOR 2023
& NET ASSETS
2,347,684 13,137,269 6,911,795 Net Assets 90,428,183 80,141,826
87,053,621
