Introducing Kadima

Yesterday, in partnership with 21 other organizations, synagogues, and schools, we formally launched a new community-wide initiative.

Kadima: Building Our Future is a comprehensive platform to raise $40 million for COVID-19 recovery and community security. Spearheaded and organized by Federation, 22 local Jewish organizations have signed on, pledging to work collectively to meet these urgent needs. For an overview of what we intend to accomplish together, please watch this launch video.

Recovery Planning
Over the last eight weeks, a committee of representatives from participating organizations has worked to identify and prioritize the Minneapolis Jewish community’s COVID-19 recovery needs—building upon the work Federation has undergone to meet urgent needs from March through July 31. (Click here for a list of grants Federation has made up to this point—a total of $2.4 million from our unrestricted funds!)

Chaired by Robin Neidorf, this Community Recovery Committee has organized itself into sub-committees to look at the needs of types of organizations, as well as committees designing the allocations process to be used an identifying what community services can be delivered more collaboratively and efficiently. 

Please note, the Community Recovery Committee allocations plan is separate from the Federation allocations process. The Committee is comprised of representatives from each participating organization, and they all have equal say in the prioritization and distribution of raised funds. More details will be provided soon.

Fundraising
With yesterday’s official launch, we commenced the fundraising effort to pay for the needs the committee identifies. Though our needs vary, we all require an influx of capital to cover revenue lost during the prolonged shelter-in-place order. Other needs include funds for PPE and COVID-19 tests for Sholom staff and technology upgrades to work, teach, and learn remotely for almost all participants.

We are so pleased to announce that Kris and John MacDonald are co-chairing this important effort and will be assisted by a “dream team” of lay solicitors and professionals from all participating organizations, synagogues, and schools. Because we have incredible professionals and lay leaders from all corners of the community working together, we are confident we will be successful.

Security
The proceeds raised for community security will go directly to the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas to implement their comprehensive security platform. We are grateful for our JCRC’s leadership and expertise in this arena.

Annual Campaigns
Kadima funds extraordinary needs—needs beyond the day-to-day work of each organization. Only by meeting those needs can our local organizations continue to serve their communities and do the work that makes our collective Minneapolis Jewish community a safe, inclusive home. Therefore, Kadima is independent of our and our partners’ annual community campaigns, which are as important as ever to ensure our community remains strong.

Other Questions
I am sure you have a lot of questions as to how all of this is going to work and we will provide all answers. Find more information at kadimampls.org. We will be publishing an extensive Q&A sheet shortly. I will also use my Shabbat emails to bring more clarity and examples to the discussion.

Town Halls
Please accept my invitation to one of two Town Halls on Kadima where any and all questions will be answered. To attend, click on the registration links for either

KADIMA TOWN HALL
Monday, July 6
12:00 pm
Register

KADIMA TOWN HALL
Monday, July 13
4:00 pm
Register

We know that an undertaking like this will not be easy.  As I mentioned to those who participated in the launch yesterday, paraphrasing President Kennedy, “we chose to do this not because it is easy, but because it is hard.” We have no choice but to raise these funds. We want to ensure that our community emerges from COVID strong, more collaborative, and safe.

With your help, we will truly be together.