The Vision

Kol Dorot: A Reform Jewish Community is a spiritual home embracing Jewish values and traditions for the future of progressive Judaism in Northern Bergen County. Our name, Kol Dorot, "Voice of Generations," represents our vision to be an open and welcoming congregation that meets the needs and expectations of our region's Reform Jewish community.

 

To honor that vision and preserve our rich heritage, we created one simple fund for the ongoing mitzvah of giving financial support to our Jewish community. The Kol Dorot Sustaining Fund aims to complement our membership dues structure, raise $350,000 by June 2023 and achieve near-term $2 million by 2027.

​

The Kol Dorot Sustaining Fund replaces the High Holiday Appeal and Giving Circles, allowing donors to take a more proactive role in their planned contributions and long-term philanthropic giving.

​

The Impact

The Kol Dorot Sustaining Fund creates giving opportunities accessible to everyone, as gifts of any size help us fulfill our vision.

 

Like many synagogues and non-profit organizations, our membership dues only support a fraction of the operating expenses of Kol Dorot. Your participation and financial support are vital to long-term sustainability.

 

HOW IT WORKS

​

Holiday Matching Grants Initiative

The Sustaining Fund initiative launched at the High Holidays 2022 and thanks to the generous donations of over 75 members and matching funds from our benefactors, we raised over $120,000 for our Sustaining Fund annual drive. In fact, the fundraising was so successful, some of our benefactors have committed to continue the matching gift program for Chanukah.

 

Our next milestone is the Chanukah season, providing additional opportunities for end of the year philanthropic giving. If you haven’t yet made a gift, or would like to provide additional support to Kol Dorot, we ask you to consider the Sustaining Fund.  Because of our generous donors, we are continuing the beautification plans of our new building, expanding our music and learning programs for adults and students, and providing a stable foundation for our operating expenses.

​

Additional giving milestones are planned for Passover 2023.

 

Monthly Giving Plan

Donors in a Monthly Giving Plan commit to automated regular donations set to an amount they choose. For example, donate $18/month (the cost of 2 Starbucks lattes) or $108/month (the price of dinner out for 4). 

 

Direct Donation

Make a direct donation online using your credit card or ACH transfer. Kol Dorot also accepts cash and checks.

​

HOW TO MAXIMIZE YOUR DONATION

​

Stock Options

Make a more significant impact by donating long-term appreciated securities, including stock, bonds, and mutual funds, directly to Kol Dorot. Compared with donating cash, by selling appreciated securities and contributing the after-tax proceeds, you may be able to automatically increase your gift and your tax deduction. By donating stock that has appreciated for more than a year, you are actually giving 20 percent more than if you sold the stock and then made a cash donation.

​

Employer Matching Program

Many employers offer matching gift programs that match, double, or even triple a donation’s value. Check with your company to see if it will match your gift to Kol Dorot.

​

Annual Bonus 

Donate part of your annual incentive compensation bonus to reap the tax benefits in 2023.

​

Planned Giving

Donors may elect to ensure the future vitality of our community by including Kol Dorot in their estate planning. Planned gifts have a lasting effect, helping sustain our mission and community for years to come.

​

​

"I am proud to have fulfilled my Jewish obligation by making a meaningful gift to our Kol Dorot community."

— Roberta Abrams, Chairperson - Kol Dorot Sustaining Fund