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Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine

Annual Giving
$0.2M

Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $176,299 (2023)
  • Number of Grants: 7 awards (2023)
  • Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
  • Geographic Focus: Southern Maine (75% local), Israel, and worldwide
  • Application Method: No public application process - internal allocation committee
  • Total Revenue: $3.1 million (2022)

Contact Details

Address: 1342 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04102

Phone: (207) 772-1959

Email: jca@mainejewish.org

Website: https://www.mainejewish.org

Leadership Contact:

Overview

The Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine (JCA) was formed in 1999 through the merger of the Jewish Community Center and the Jewish Federation of Southern Maine. As a combined federation, community center, and family services organization, the JCA coordinates, promotes, and supports Jewish philanthropic, benevolent, educational, and communal activities throughout Southern Maine. The organization raises funds annually through its Annual Community Campaign to support Jewish education, culture, and social services locally, in Israel, and around the globe. In 2023, the JCA distributed $176,299 in grants across seven awards, with approximately 75% of allocations staying local to support organizations such as the Maine Jewish Film Festival, Southern Maine Jewish Cemetery Association, and religious schools across Cumberland, York, and Sagadahoc Counties. The JCA has earned a 4-star (91%) rating from Charity Navigator, demonstrating exceptional financial health with a program expense ratio of 85.77%.

Funding Priorities

Grant Distribution Model

The JCA operates as a Jewish Federation, raising funds through its Annual Community Campaign and distributing them through an internal allocation process. Recent allocations totaled over $188,000 to organizations in Maine and worldwide.

Priority Areas

Local Southern Maine (75% of allocations):

  • Jewish education and religious schools (Hebrew Schools, Levey Day School)
  • Cultural organizations (Maine Jewish Film Festival)
  • Community services (Southern Maine Jewish Cemetery Association)
  • Family services and support for vulnerable individuals
  • Food and heat assistance programs
  • Health care access and counseling services

Israel and Worldwide:

  • Israel advocacy and support programs
  • International Jewish humanitarian relief
  • Global Jewish education and cultural initiatives

Internal Programs Operated by JCA:

  • Goldman Family Preschool (NAEYC accredited)
  • Center Day Camp (ACA accredited, serving ages 5-15 for over 65 years)
  • Michael Klahr Jewish Family Services (food pantry, diaper bank)
  • PJ Library program
  • Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning
  • Cultural events and community celebrations

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, as a Jewish Federation focused on Jewish communal life, funding is primarily directed toward:

  • Jewish organizations and institutions
  • Programs serving the Jewish community
  • Organizations aligned with Jewish values and education

Non-Jewish organizations or programs unrelated to Jewish life, education, or humanitarian values are unlikely to receive funding.

Governance and Leadership

Current Leadership

Stuart Piltch serves as Interim Executive Director, providing strategic leadership for the organization's federation, community center, and family services functions.

Amy Brier serves as Outreach Coordinator, connecting with community members and partner organizations.

Board of Directors

The JCA is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors composed of community leaders. Historical records from 2018 indicate board leadership included:

  • President: Bette Novick
  • Vice President: Rachael Alfold
  • Treasurer: Stuart Piltch (now serving as Interim Executive Director)
  • Secretary: Laura Kittle

Current board composition should be confirmed directly with the organization, as leadership may have evolved since 2018.

Mission Statement

"To enhance and promote Jewish life and continuity locally, in Israel and throughout the world, and to generate financial resources to develop, provide and support diverse programs, education and services."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine does not have a public grant application process. As a Jewish Federation, the JCA operates through an internal allocation model where funding decisions are made by professional staff and lay leader committees rather than through open application cycles.

Grant distributions are determined through the JCA's Annual Community Campaign process, where an allocation committee reviews community needs and distributes funds to established Jewish organizations and programs. Organizations interested in JCA support are encouraged to:

  1. Build Relationship: Connect with JCA leadership and become an active part of the Southern Maine Jewish community
  2. Demonstrate Impact: Show how your organization serves Jewish education, culture, or social services
  3. Engage with the Community: Participate in JCA events and programs to build visibility
  4. Direct Outreach: Contact the Interim Executive Director or Outreach Coordinator to discuss your organization's mission and alignment with JCA priorities

Decision Timeline

Funding allocations are made annually in conjunction with the Annual Community Campaign cycle. Specific decision timelines are not publicly disclosed but likely follow the fiscal year planning process common to Jewish Federations.

Success Rates

Not applicable - funding is allocated through internal committee processes rather than competitive application review.

Application Success Factors

Since the JCA does not accept public grant applications, organizations seeking support should focus on:

Building Community Connections:

  • Establish relationships with JCA leadership and board members
  • Demonstrate active engagement with the Southern Maine Jewish community
  • Participate in JCA-sponsored events and programs

Alignment with Mission:

  • Show clear connection to Jewish education, culture, or social services
  • Demonstrate impact on the Southern Maine Jewish community
  • Align with values of Jewish continuity and communal well-being

Established Track Record:

  • Provide evidence of organizational stability and effectiveness
  • Show 501(c)(3) status and compliance with nonprofit regulations
  • Demonstrate responsible stewardship of previous funding (if applicable)

Geographic and Programmatic Fit:

  • Serve Southern Maine (Cumberland, York, or Sagadahoc Counties) for local funding
  • Support Israel or worldwide Jewish causes for international funding
  • Address identified community needs in Jewish education, culture, or social services

Known Recipients: Organizations that have received JCA support include:

  • Maine Jewish Film Festival
  • Southern Maine Jewish Cemetery Association
  • Hebrew Schools across Cumberland, York, and Sagadahoc Counties
  • Levey Day School
  • Michael Klahr Jewish Family Services (internal JCA program)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No Public Applications: The JCA does not accept unsolicited grant applications; funding is allocated through internal federation processes
  • Relationship-Driven: Success depends on building connections with the Southern Maine Jewish community and JCA leadership
  • Mission Alignment Critical: Organizations must demonstrate clear connection to Jewish education, culture, or social services
  • Local Focus: 75% of funding stays in Southern Maine, making local presence and impact essential
  • Community Engagement: Active participation in the Jewish community and visibility at JCA events can help organizations get on the radar
  • Annual Cycle: Allocations are made annually through the Annual Community Campaign process
  • Federation Model: Understanding that the JCA operates as a federation (fundraising and redistributing) rather than a traditional foundation is key to approaching them appropriately

References

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