Giving Societies
The Jewish Federation of Cleveland recognizes the dedication and generosity of donors who support the annual Campaign for Jewish Needs by honoring them with the following giving societies. Throughout the year, these societies offer different events, stewardship activities, national or international connections, and other opportunities. Together, these generous leaders in our community are making a profound and lasting impact here in Cleveland, in Israel, and around the world.
Founders Society Individual or joint gift - $100,000 or more
King David Society Individual or joint gift - $25,000 to $99,999
Joshua Society Individual or joint gift - $10,000 - $24,999
Kehillah Society Individual or joint gift - $5,000 to $9,999
Women IN Philanthropy
Lions of Judah Society Individual gift - $5,000 or more
Pomegranate Society Individual gift - $1,800 to $4,999
Impact365 Society Individual gift - $365 to $1,799
Young Leadership Division (Ages 22-45)
Ben-Gurion Society Individual or joint gift - $1,000 or more
Continuous Giving
Silver Circle Individual or joint annual gifts for 25+ years
Silver Circle 50 Individual or joint annual gifts for 50+ years
Founders Society
– Individual or joint gift – $100,000 or more
Honoring donors and their families who go above and beyond with their annual gifts to the Campaign, Founders Society celebrates leaders who inspire and shape the present and future of Jewish philanthropy. Founders serve as the backbone of Jewish Cleveland by demonstrating remarkable generosity and a deep commitment to the ever-changing needs of our community. As a family affair, Founders invite the next generation to participate in events and build relationships with the Federation, across Jewish Cleveland and Israel, and everywhere our work makes an impact in the world.
Founders Society includes national and international opportunities, such as the Prime Ministers Council and the International Leadership Reunion, which brings together some of the most influential business and Jewish leaders from more than 25 countries worldwide.
King David Society
– Individual or joint gift – $25,000 to $99,999
Inspiring others through their generosity and commitment, King David Society (KDS) donors exemplify what it means to be HERE FOR GOOD today and long into the future. These strong philanthropic leaders are deeply focused on the issues affecting our local and global Jewish community and set the bar for Campaign support to enable the Federation to better serve our community today and tomorrow.
A host of major gift events throughout the year, including national gatherings and special receptions in Florida, celebrates the contributions KDS members make to building a strong and vibrant Jewish community here at home, in Israel, and around the world.
Joshua Society
– Individual or joint gift – $10,000 to $24,999
Joshua Society honors those who personify the loyalty, wisdom, and visionary leadership of this group’s namesake through their philanthropy. Emulating the strength and courage Joshua used to bring the Israelites to the Promise Land after the Exodus from Egypt, Joshua Society donors lead by example with their generosity and commitment to our community.
Recognized by Jewish Federations nationally, Joshua Society members are honored with major gift events on a local and national level, including special receptions in Florida.
Kehillah Society
– Individual or joint gift – $5,000 to $9,999Inspired by the Hebrew word for community, Kehillah Society donors are integral to the fabric of Jewish Cleveland. As part of a relatively new giving society unique to Cleveland, their meaningful support demonstrates what it means to be HERE FOR GOOD by building community together.
Women IN Philanthropy
The Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Women IN Philanthropy is where Jewish women who are INvolved, INspired, and INclusive connect and make a difference. Our mission is to bring engaged women with shared values together to leverage our collective power and strengthen our community.
Women IN Philanthropy is committed to diverse strategies, programs, and opportunities to inspire and engage increasing numbers of women across their life cycles as leaders, donors, and volunteers.
Being part of Women IN Philanthropy declares a personal commitment to honor traditional Jewish values of justice, or tzedek, and acts of loving kindness, or gemilut hesed.
Lion of Judah Society
– Individual gift – $5,000 or more
Created in 1972, the Lion of Judah Society is an international symbol of a woman’s commitment to the global Jewish community. Women who commit an individual gift of $5,000 or more to the annual Campaign for Jewish Needs proudly wear a Lion pin, which represents the strength, honor, and dedication of the Tribe of Judah, one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. The Jewish Federation of North America offers national recognition to Lion of Judah Society, as well as hosting a Bi-annual International Lion of Judah Conference.
Special recognition at additional levels:
- Ruby Lion $10,000
- Sapphire Lion $18,000
- Emerald Lion $25,000
- Double Chai Lion $36,000
- Zahav Lion $50,000
- Sabra Lion $75,000
- Prime Minister Council Lion $100,000
- International Leadership Reunion Lion $250,000
Pomegranate Society
– Individual gift – $1,800 to $4,999One of the oldest symbols found in Jewish art and ritual, the pomegranate is said to contain 613 seeds – one for each of the commandments, or mitzvot, found in the Torah. It has been carved in the entranceways of the earliest synagogues, woven into fabrics, and hammered into silver and gold. Women who support the Campaign at this level proudly wear a Pomegranate pin as a meaningful symbol of their special connection to Jewish life, commitment to bringing together like-minded donors to be HERE FOR GOOD, and dedication to our Jewish community today and for years to come.
Impact365 Society
– Individual gift – $365 to $1,799By emphasizing that every gift to the Campaign matters, members of the Impact365 Society highlight how a commitment of even one dollar a day can make an impact in our community and empower us all to work together to care for one another, prepare for our future, share our perspectives, and repair our world.
Young Leadership Division
(Ages 22–45)The Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Young Leadership Division (YLD) creates opportunities where young adults can meet new people, become more invested in our community, develop their leadership skills, and make a difference in the world we share. YLD is where young people connect to Cleveland’s vibrant, diverse Jewish life, and to one another.
Ben-Gurion Society
– Individual or joint gift – $1,000 or moreThe Ben-Gurion Society (BGS) empowers young adults to combine their knowledge, passion, and resources to build a stronger Jewish community in Cleveland, Israel, and around the world. As a thank-you for their generous commitment, BGS members are invited to join the Federation on a bi-annual Weinberg Mission to Israel, as well as national missions to Israel and other countries. Additionally, BGS members are recruited to participate in National Young Leadership Cabinet.
Recognition for Continuous Giving
Silver Circle
In addition, special gratitude is also offered to our Silver Circle members, who have given to the Campaign for Jewish Needs annually for 25 or more years. Silver Circle 50 honors donors who have given for 50 or more years. Many Silver Circle donors (and others) have chosen to continue their legacy of giving by creating a FOREVER! gift – a permanent fund that makes an annual gift forever in a donor’s name.