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April 13, 2001/Nisan 20, 5761, Vol. 53, No.28
Demographic study on hold
BARRY COHEN
Editor
Officials of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix want to spearhead a Valley Jewish population study, but until $100,000-$150,000 is raised, the project cannot move forward.
"When the money is raised, we will definitely go ahead," said Lanny Lahr, federation president.
A demographic study is important for the community to know where Jews are living, how they are living and what being Jewish means to them, he added.
"Do we need to have more services in the West Side, or out in the Tri-Cities?" Lahr asked. A study could help answer that question and many more.
The last demographic study was conducted in 1983-1984, said Art Paikowsky, federation executive vice president.
Federation has requested $25,000 from the Jewish Community Foundation, Paikow-sky said. The JCF operates under the auspices of the federation.
The federation request will be reviewed at a foundation meeting on April 17. One criterion for receiving grants is whether the proposal will have an impact on the community and be a "mechanism for change," said Marcia Weisberg, foundation executive director.
Whether or not the foundation awards a grant toward the study, officials will need to look to additional sources for funding.
"If federation is the only entity interested (in a population study), it will be difficult to get the remainder of the money," said Paikowsky.
"This study should be supported by everyone in the community," Lahr said. "If everyone joined together, we would be able to pay for the project."
Possible contributors include federation constituent agencies, unaffiliated constituencies, the private sector and even the government, said Howard Cabot, chairman of the federation demographic study committee.
Lahr added that federation officials also will look to Valley synagogues for funding. "We hope to get a good reception," he said.
The six-figure estimate for the study is based upon a number of proposals already submitted to federation, in addition to population studies being conducted across the country, said Fred Zeidman, federation assistant executive director.
Studies have been conducted or are being conducted in Seattle, Los Angeles, Tucson and communities in Florida, he added.
Though no timetable has been determined, the demographic study committee plans to review a range of population study proposals and make a recommendation to federation.
"(But) our real focus right now is on funding," Cabot said.
If federation does not receive a favorable response from the foundation, it is doubtful a demographic study will be undertaken during the fiscal year ending July 31, added Paikowsky.
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