Membership Renewal
The last several years have seen an ambitious program of growth at Kol Ami. Just three years ago we faced a long list of capital improvements we needed to make to our synagogue but were not sure how to pay for them. Then, Rabbi Spector proved money could be raised from corporations in our broader community. Greg Saunders proved that money could be raised through federal grants for security upgrades. Jeremy Lapin and Danny Burman worked with the South Highland Stake and completed Phase 1 of the Waterwise Project—beautifying our grounds and significantly reducing our water consumption.
The funding for these and other capital improvement projects has come from large corporate donations, federal grants, multiple small and large donations from our congregants, and in-kind and cash donations all totaling approximately $1 million. With these designated donations, we have also been able to replace our roof, replace our chiller (our air conditioning), upgrade our fire and smoke alarm system, and upgrade our operating software systems. We have also purchased new siddurim for Shabbat and Holidays and new conservative prayerbooks to go with the new Reform prayerbooks, that were donated last year, for our High Holidays services. Additional capital projects being planned include remodeling of our bathrooms to include gender neutral and ADA compliant bathrooms, new LED lighting in the sanctuary and social hall to reduce electricity use and the footprint and cost of traditional lighting, new carpet in the social hall, remodeling of our staff office space, additional security upgrades, a new sanctuary sound system, and repairing torahs. These improvements provide our members and staff with a safer, more efficient, and haimisha Kol Ami.
During our recent focus group sessions, facilitated by Bria Mertens, congregants shared why they think Kol Ami is special and what else they would like to see happening at Kol Ami to make us even more remarkable. We also held discussions with our clergy, staff, board, and committee chairs, to identify what else we could do to benefit our congregants and staff. Good examples include more social interaction and community activities, intergenerational programming, services that meet the needs of our unique community and families, educational opportunities, continued expansion of our youth, young professional, family, and senior programming, more support for the staff including compensation that is both fair and necessary for staff hiring and retention in the current environment, upgraded software and more efficient work tools, and adding a Programing Director and a Director of Lifelong Learning topped the list.
Looking at the challenges of the labor market and the growth opportunities identified in our focus groups, the Board outlined a plan to provide the services, education, social programming, and staffing that members asked for to strengthen and build our community and enhance our Judaism. This is an exciting plan but an expensive one which needs everyone to pitch in and help meet these objectives while we also address our increased operational costs due to inflation. To help make these goals a reality, we are increasing our annual dues and religious school tuition this year by 10% for this year.
Our dues, tuition and fees cover only 40% of our expenses. To supplement our revenue, we rely on annual fundraising, grants, and endowments. Endowments enable us to preserve the capital and spend the earnings in accordance with donor intent. Our endowments are managed by Trustees and our Board. Trusts and endowments contribute approximately 10% of our budget. These include the Sarah Cowan Fund, which contributes primarily for the Rafi Schwartz Religious School and Jewish education programming. It includes The Kol Ami Endowment Trust, which contributes to our operations, provides scholarships for those with financial needs, and provides scholarships to campers to attend overnight Jewish camps. The Bunk Fox Education Fund supports Jewish learning and contributes to offset a 25% tuition reduction for our religious school families.
What a difference three years makes of focused efforts! We are very excited about our plans for a future where our community grows spiritually, learns, and celebrates together. We are so grateful for your membership, your participation, and your support for Kol Ami.
To renew your membership, receive your High Holiday tickets, and help ensure Congregation Kol Ami’s continued fiscal stability, please complete the Membership Renewal Form below along with a minimum 25% payment or credit card monthly payment program by July 1, 2022. If you would like to discuss our dues reduction application, please contact Danny Burman, Rabbi Spector, or Lisa Kaufman.
You can receive a 10% discount on all charges by submitting this form along with a 25% down payment by June 1, 2022.
Todah Rabbah for your membership and support!
