By Reporter staff

The Jewish Federation of Greater Binghamton is currently working through the allocation process to distribute the funds being raised by Campaign 2022. “We’re still doing fund-raising for the Campaign,” said Shelley Hubal, Federation executive director. “At the same time, the Federation board is looking to allocate funds for the different organizations we support.”

The allocation process takes place over several months. This year, the forms were sent out on June 21. However, one thing was different: each organization received questions aimed specifically at their organization. “We want to ask questions that would help each organization highlight what their specific role is in the community,” Hubal said. “With the old forms, we realized that not every question was relevant to every organization. These new forms have proven to be the best way for each organization to communicate directly with our board members.”

Hubal added that, “The Federation tries to make the allocation process as simple as possible, but we take our obligation to the community seriously and make certain the precious funds we raise are put to the best possible use. While not always easy, we try to work with every organization to help our wonderful local community continue to thrive.”

The forms and budgets were due in the Federation office August 23 and then were distributed to the board. Board members had until September 13 to submit questions to the organizations for clarification. Answers to those questions were due by October 7. On Wednesday, October 20, some organizations will be asked to offer presentations to the board and answer additional questions. On Wednesday, November 17, the board will finalize the allocations.

The process was changed last year for organizations asking for an allocation of $1,000 or less. For the first time, they were only asked to submit their request in a letter that included their contact information and the reason for the request. Those letters were also due on August 23.
Federation President Suzanne Holwitt noted how the Federation is trying to make the process easier. “The allocation process can be a stressful time for local organizations because the money the Federation gives out is extremely important to their budgets,” she said. “That’s one reason why it helps us to know just how much money we’re raising. It’s so important to keep these organizations healthy so they can continue to serve the community.”

Campaign Chairwoman Marilyn Bell said, “I know the results of the Campaign directly affect local Jewish organizations. That’s one reason we’ve started the Campaign early. This way, the Federation board has an idea what funds will be available. The serious and considered discussions that take place during the allocation process show just how important the board considers every local Jewish organization.”

To make a pledge, fill out and mail in this form, contact Hubal at director@jfgb.org or 724-2332, or visit the Federation website here.

Organizations receiving allocations
The Jewish Federation of Greater Binghamton gives allocations to the following organizations (in alphabetical order): 

• Hillel Academy
• Hillel at BU
• Jewish Community Center
• Jewish Federations of North America
• PJ Library
• The Reporter

The Campaign also provides the operating funds for the Federation and Jewish Family Service.