Jewish Federations of North America reported a record-breaking year of fundraising and investment in Jewish communities in 2024, as Surging engagement in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks brought the total amount the system raises and distributes up to $3 billion, about $1 billion more than in a typical year, including $683 million in Israeli Emergency Campaign funds.
“In this unique moment in Jewish history, we have seen both an incredible surge within our community on ways to engage Jewishly, alongside an amazing desire to strengthen the community through giving,” said Jewish Federations of North America Chair Gary Torgow. “Federations stand alone in their ability to raise and invest these funds in our communities, and we are stepping up to meet the demands of the surge going forward, as well as confronting the challenges of security and antisemitism.”
The continued surge in Jewish life will be one of three major themes at this year’s General Assembly, being held November 16-18 in Washington, D.C.
The funds that 141 Federations across the system raised and distributed in 2024 included $1.1 billion through the Annual Campaign, a 7.3% year-over-year increase. That’s more than double the typical annual growth of 2–3%, and even stronger than the 4.7% increase that Jewish Federations saw during COVID.
2024 also saw $683 million raised for the Israel Emergency Campaign (IEC), and $248 million from other fundraising revenue. The remaining distributions to the community came from Donor Advised Funds and Endowments held by Federations.
“Many wondered whether the Israel Emergency Campaign would affect the Annual Campaign, but from the beginning, conversations across the system suggested the opposite: that people were showing up not just for Israel, but for Jewish life, security, education, and belonging,” said Jewish Federations President & CEO Eric D. Fingerhut.
Growth in the Annual Campaign wasn’t limited to major markets; it happened across all four city sizes (Large, Large Intermediate, Intermediate, and Small), confirming the surge in philanthropy was system-wide, touching every kind of Federation, and every part of the continent.
Total giving (including annual campaign and emergency) increased by a stunning 83% in the past year. For comparison, total giving grew just 3.3% over the previous three years combined, reflecting the scale of the IEC, and the unmatched ability of the Federation system to mobilize and deliver.
Unrestricted giving remains the financial backbone of the Federation system. In 2024, it totaled $887 million, accounting for more than 80% of all non-emergency funds raised. These flexible dollars are what allows Federations to respond quickly and strategically to evolving needs as they arise.
The total number of donors – 364,074 – demonstrate an opportunity for growth, opportunity, and flourishing Jewish communities. The IEC brought 80,000 new donors to the Federation system, representing about 40% of all IEC donors. Most IEC donors also gave to the Annual Campaign, demonstrating that people didn’t substitute one for the other—they stepped up for both.
“Our community's extraordinary willingness to show up and give in order to confront our greatest challenges is deeply inspiring and should give us all a sense of hope that the Jewish future is bright," said national campaign chair David Heller.
