Giving Tips during a Crisis | MN JCF

We at the Minnesota Jewish Community Foundation (MN JCF) are thinking about each and every one of you, your families, the entire Jewish people, and all people innocently suffering during these awful times. Together we are feeling an ongoing state of horror, sadness, stress, and desire to help.

As the Jewish people, we take a semblance of comfort in the fact that during times like these, we coalesce to collectively mourn, support each other, and take action to protect and rebuild ourselves and the State of Israel. It is a tradition born out of necessity, caring for each other, and being connected as Jews, no matter where we live.

Here at home, we are raising funds, coming together, and showing support for our brothers and sisters in Israel. The Federation’s Minneapolis Emergency Israel Fund has raised $2.1 million to date, and will soon launch a community-wide Campaign toward $10 million, as part of a nationwide goal of $500 million.

• If you’d like to contribute to the Minneapolis Jewish Federation’s Minneapolis Emergency Israel Fund, please see instructions below. Information about which organizations and how frequently funds are being sent can be found here.

In addition, last Tuesday, more than 3,000 people participated in a community solidarity gathering and signs of solidarity are being distributed: Lawn Signs and Blue Ribbons are available from many community organizations, including the Minneapolis Jewish Federation. Supplies are limited.

As the news streams out of Israel about horrific atrocities committed by Hamas and Israel’s response, the needs on the ground are immense and continuously evolving. Part of our natural reactions to crises is that we share information about needs with each other, in the spirit of trying to help. You are likely being bombarded with requests for giving from friends and a variety of organizations in the U.S. and abroad.

It can be overwhelming and confusing to parse through which organizations to give to, and which are legitimate. However, it is helpful to pause in considering where and how you want to give in an ongoing emergency. Below, we offer some best giving practices during emergencies:

• Pace yourself. Andrés Spokoiny, President & CEO, Jewish Funders Network, reminds funders to “pace yourselves, give flexible funds, give above and beyond, and do not cannibalize existing grants. Be fast, but patient, decisive, but flexible.” The needs in this emergency will be ongoing well into the future as these circumstances will continuously evolve. “Give to the moment, not in the moment”, says Martha White in a Time magazine article, so that you are not making rash decisions.

• Rely on trusted sources of information. Contact MN JCF staff to help vet these organizations. Part of our philanthropic service is that we conduct extensive due diligence on organizations and are very familiar with the needs around the world, particularly in the Jewish community, especially in times of emergency. We also assess that organizations are legitimate 501c3 non-profits to ensure your grant will not violate any laws, especially if it is being sent overseas.

• Let us help you identify organizations to give to. Leverage our expertise of working with organizations that have the credibility and infrastructure to respond immediately, as well as those that have well-established worldwide networks with decades of experience in distributing money and supplies in emergency situations. If you receive an unsolicited donation request from an unfamiliar non-profit, but their plea moves you, check with us to see if any non-profits to which you are already donating are working on the same cause. Shortly we will be sending our Annual Non-Profit Wishlist, including a list of Israeli and other non-profits supporting those in Israel who were impacted.

• How to give through your MN JCF fund on DonorCentral. Below are step-by-step instructions on how to donate to emergency campaigns, such as the Minneapolis Emergency Israel Fund, from your MN JCF fund on DonorCentral:

  1. In DonorCentral, select the organization (such as “Minneapolis Jewish Federation”) as the “Charity”

  2. List the name of the campaign (such as “Minneapolis Emergency Israel Fund”) in the “Program Name” field

  3. You may also designate the grant in memory of someone in the “Special Instructions” field

  4. Please be sure to scroll to the very bottom of the page and hit “Submit"

We also encourage you to check if your employer will match these donations.

By contributing to MJF’s Israel Emergency Fund, 100% of your tzedakah will abide by the best practices above, and be directed to on-the-ground work at more than 18 organizations doing a variety of good deeds in Israel. Click here to see what JFNA is contributing to.

As always, we are here to answer any questions or provide any grant support that you need. Please don’t hesitate to call MN JCF staff at 952.417.2316.

Am Yisrael Chai.