Making the Ask

The Conversation

BE CURIOUS
Jump into the conversation with open-ended statements and questions: “Tell me about your first gift to the Jewish Federation.” “What are you most passionate about?” “What challenges do you see in our Jewish community?” “What part of the Jewish Federation’s work interests you the most?”

BE A GOOD LISTENER
Let their stories and experiences lead your conversations into a larger discussion about community needs. You might meet people who have been personally impacted by the Jewish Federation’s work and don’t even realize how we have been involved with their life or the lives of those they care about.

BE CONFIDENT
Depending on your donor’s giving history, there are a few different ways you can make “the ask.” Ideally, each donor you meet with will make an increase to their gift.

Various Types of Asks

GENERAL CAMPAIGN ASK

This may be a donor who is new to the community, or just new to the Jewish Federation.

Our work impacts lives overseas and in our community. Your increased gift of 10% or more will be matched dollar for dollar by a generous donor!Our work impacts lives overseas and in our community. Your increased gift of 10% or more will be matched dollar for dollar by a generous donor!

Donors can make gifts on our donation page at: https://jewishportland.org/give

OR, you can submit a pledge online using your volunteer solicitor portal link.

You might not know the many ways the Jewish Federation touches the lives of Jews locally and overseas. A few examples below:

• In March 2024, Oregon’s Jewish Federations (Jewish Federation of Greater Portland and Lane County Jewish Federation) became the first within the Jewish Federation system to pull investments from fossil fuels due to concerns about the ongoing impact of the climate crisis.
   
• The Jewish Free Loan of Oregon continues to serve the state with interest-free loans, treating each person with understanding, respect, dignity, confidentiality, and a sincere desire to help fellow Jews in times of need. In the fiscal year 2023-24, the Jewish Free Loan of Oregon made 30 new loans totaling $65,000, providing various needs, from car and home repairs to educational program tuition assistance and more. Additionally, the Housing Emergency Loan program helped another 15 individuals and families in critical need – facing eviction or foreclosure, escaping abuse, or moving from temporary housing into more permanent housing residences – with loans totaling $22,000. The Jewish Free Loan continues to offer a “hand-up” instead of a “hand-out,” promoting self-sufficiency with dignity furthering the concept of Gemilut Chasadim (acts of loving-kindness).
   
• JFGP was the fourth community to launch, Reset and Refresh which brought together nine youngish (ages 28-45) multi-heritage couples to explore their identities and how Judaism and Shabbat could play a role in how they build their relationships and homes with each other.
   

•  The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland released the results of the most extensive study of the Portland community ever in a new report, The 2022-2023 Greater Portland Jewish Community Study. Community Study is here!
   

Our plans are far-reaching and will be impactful. We will be reaching out to the entire community to help us as we move forward, but today we are asking you. There is a lot of work to be done now. You can make a real difference if you make an increased gift of [Ask Amount].” Your increased gift of 10% or more will be matched dollar for dollar!

STABLE/CONSISTENT

This donor has a long history of giving to the Jewish Federation but has not increased their gift.

“Your loyal and consistent dedication over the years has been tremendously helpful and means so much to our community. Because of you, we can provide ongoing support to our partner organizations and work towards creating data driven decisions reported in the 2022-23 Greater Portland Jewish Community Study that will impact our community’s financial challenges, mental health needs, ongoing concerns of antisemitism, safety and security, and expanding demographics.

“The needs of our community are changing and growing; You can make a real difference if you make an increased gift of [Ask Amount]. Your increased gift of 10% or more will be matched dollar for dollar!

Donors can make gifts on our donation page at: https://jewishportland.org/give

Or, you can submit a pledge online using your volunteer solicitor portal link.

ZERO DOLLAR PROSPECTS

These are donors who have either skipped years or have never made a gift.

“We appreciate the consideration you’ve given to the Jewish Federation over the years. The Jewish Federation touches more Jewish lives than any other organization.”

“The needs of our community are changing and growing. While we are having this conversation, the Jewish Federation’s professional team, board, and volunteers are working hard to prepare for what might be another challenging year ahead. No one knows what lies ahead for our college campuses, K-12 schools in Israel, or the upcoming elections. As we prepare proactively, we continue to work collaboratively and steadfastly to engage our growing Jewish community, and to create more opportunities for young adults and young families to connect with the community.

You can make a real difference if you make a gift of [Ask Amount] this year.” 

Donors can make gifts on our donation page at: https://jewishportland.org/give

OR, you can submit a pledge online using your volunteer solicitor portal link.