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November 8, 2002/Kislev 3 5763, Vol. 55, No. 11
Foundation gains independence
BETH OLSON
Staff Writer
The Jewish Community Foundation, formerly a program of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix, has gained independent, nonprofit status.
The foundation, an organization that administers endowment and donor-advised funds, received permission from the federation board in January to file for 501(c)3 status. They were granted their independent status on Oct. 11.
The purpose of the separate incorporation, according to Marcia Weisberg, executive director of the foundation, is to allow the foundation to be a partner of federation, rather than a subsidiary.
"It was really to broaden the appeal of the foundation, allowing for more effective outreach and ... separate branding - to develop our own look and focus and mission," said Weisberg.
An additional consideration, she said, was the protection of the foundation's assets.
A hope of the foundation's board is that the change will allow for an increase in contributions.
"I strongly believe that it's the right thing at this time for the Jewish community, and ultimately, I believe, it will mean larger and more gifts," said Mark Sklar, foundation chairman.
Another goal, according to Weisberg, is for the community to understand the separate missions of federation and the foundation.
"The federation provides for day-to-day operations to keep our agencies running, (while) our mission is really long term," she explained. "Sometimes people were confused between the two - that we were vying for dollars - when in actuality, that's not the case."
Both organizations distribute funds to the agencies of the federation, as well as other nonprofit organizations and programs.
"If we were able to raise more dollars, it would certainly impact the community. We'd have more discretionary dollars to distribute," said Weisberg.
Most importantly, Weisberg said, the move will benefit the federation, the foundation and the local Jewish community.
"I think that the federation and foundation have always enjoyed a good working relationship and the relationship was based on mutual respect and common objectives - mutually beneficial services - which we certainly expect to continue in the future," she said.
Vicki Cabot, federation president, agreed.
"The federation will continue to work with the Jewish Community Foundation to further our shared mission of strengthening the Jewish community and enhancing Jewish life in the Valley of the Sun."
Contact the writer at beth_olson@jewishaz.com.
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