Program
Subject to Change
Step beyond the usual networking and enter a high-energy marketplace where your expertise is currency and curiosity is your guide. This interactive session transforms knowledge sharing into a dynamic trading floor—negotiate skill exchanges, form learning partnerships, and build your professional network through meaningful connections. Whether you’re a Python wizard seeking UX insights or a database expert curious about machine learning, you’ll leave with concrete learning commitments, new relationships, and a fresh perspective on the wealth of knowledge within your community. Don’t miss the chance to turn networking into actionable growth and lasting impact!
Gather with peers in similar roles to break the ice, make connections, and spark conversations that will carry through the rest of the conference.
Gather with peers in similar roles to break the ice, make connections, and spark conversations that will carry through the rest of the conference.
Gather with peers in similar roles to break the ice, make connections, and spark conversations that will carry through the rest of the conference.
Gather with peers in similar roles to break the ice, make connections, and spark conversations that will carry through the rest of the conference.
Gather with peers in similar roles to break the ice, make connections, and spark conversations that will carry through the rest of the conference.
Gather with peers in similar roles to break the ice, make connections, and spark conversations that will carry through the rest of the conference.
Gather with peers in similar roles to break the ice, make connections, and spark conversations that will carry through the rest of the conference.
It has been a busy and challenging few years for Jews in Israel and around the world, making the work of Israel & Overseas even more critical. Gather with peers in similar roles to break the ice, make connections, and spark conversations that will carry through the rest of the conference.
Gather with peers in similar roles to break the ice, make connections, and spark conversations that will carry through the rest of the conference.
Gather with peers in similar roles to break the ice, make connections, and spark conversations that will carry through the rest of the conference.
Gather with peers in similar roles to break the ice, make connections, and spark conversations that will carry through the rest of the conference.
Gather with peers in similar roles to break the ice, make connections, and spark conversations that will carry through the rest of the conference.
Gather with peers in similar roles to break the ice, make connections, and spark conversations that will carry through the rest of the conference.
COOs and Chiefs of Staff are the architects of how things actually get done. This session explores how internal structures, leadership meeting models, and team dynamics can reinforce or hinder the culture we want to build. Federation leaders will share how they’ve led change [big and small] from the inside, followed by a facilitated discussion on practical levers for shaping culture through operations.
Learn how to craft clear, tailored financial reports for different stakeholders, stay current on key accounting updates, and take home practical templates to strengthen your organization’s financial management.
Join fellow Federation fundraisers for interactive breakout conversations aligned with your area of work and/or interest— including Endowments, Women’s Philanthropy, Annual Campaign, Major Gifts, and NextGen. Each group will share practical ideas, current challenges, and successful approaches to strengthen connection, collaboration, and results across the Federation system.
This invitation-only gathering offers Large City HR professionals dedicated time to connect, share insights, and engage in discussion among themselves.
COOs and Chiefs of Staff are the architects of how things actually get done. This session explores how internal structures, leadership meeting models, and team dynamics can reinforce or hinder the culture we want to build. Federation leaders will share how they’ve led change [big and small] from the inside, followed by a facilitated discussion on practical levers for shaping culture through operations.
Learn how to craft clear, tailored financial reports for different stakeholders, stay current on key accounting updates, and take home practical templates to strengthen your organization’s financial management.
Join fellow Federation fundraisers for interactive breakout conversations aligned with your area of work and/or interest— including Endowments, Women’s Philanthropy, Annual Campaign, Major Gifts, and NextGen. Each group will share practical ideas, current challenges, and successful approaches to strengthen connection, collaboration, and results across the Federation system.
HR and Talent/Culture professionals are invited to connect with peers, map out must-attend sessions, set goals for their time in Phoenix, and identify ways to maximize their learning and takeaways from FedPro.
HR and Talent/Culture professionals are invited to connect with peers, map out must-attend sessions, set goals for their time in Phoenix, and identify ways to maximize their learning and takeaways from FedPro.
In this session, explore how to bring Israel to your community and how to capture and convey the powerful impact of your Federation’s work in Israel, Ukraine, and other places where you make a difference. Through guided discussion and practical examples, you’ll learn strategies for connecting to Israel locally, gathering compelling stories, highlighting meaningful outcomes, and communicating these narratives in ways that inspire and engage your stakeholders.
Your data isn’t just getting smarter—it’s getting superhuman. This session takes you on a journey through the complete AI-powered data transformation, redefining how successful organizations understand their communities, donors, and impact. Witness live demos of AI systems that audit, clean, and enrich data in minutes, and discover how AI uncovers hidden patterns, predicts donor behavior, and generates actionable insights. Learn to deploy AI at every data stage, from intelligent ingestion to predictive analytics, and see real metrics from organizations achieving breakthrough performance. If you want to turn data chaos into mission-critical intelligence, this session is for you.
This invitation-only gathering offers Large City HR professionals dedicated time to connect, share insights, and engage in discussion among themselves.
In today’s fast-paced media landscape, being prepared isn’t just smart — it’s essential. This session dives into the strategies behind successful media relations and how strong partnerships can make or break your message. Learn how to build relationships with journalists before you need them, craft compelling narratives that cut through the noise, and develop a proactive media game plan that keeps you ahead of the curve.
This session will take a deep dive into new Surge data on belonging among underrepresented communities, including those experiencing financial vulnerability, individuals with disabilities or mental health challenges, and non-Ashkenazi Jews. We will explore how these groups are engaging in Jewish life, the barriers they face in accessing it, and what the findings reveal about fostering greater inclusion and belonging across our communities
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping every sector—including Jewish communal life—and Federations are not exempt. From fundraising to finance, HR to community engagement, AI is already transforming how we work, make decisions, and serve our communities. But with new possibilities come serious operational, ethical, and strategic questions that leaders must confront now.
This session will explore how AI is impacting the Federation business model and workforce, including:
- Policy and governance implications
- Data privacy, security, and ethical responsibility
- Shifts in staffing, talent, and required skill sets
- AI tools already being used across departments
- Risks of inaction—and opportunities for bold innovation
- Whether your Federation is already experimenting with AI or just beginning the conversation, this session will offer practical insights and frameworks to help you navigate change thoughtfully and responsibly.
Who should attend: All Federation professionals, regardless of department or title, who want to stay informed and prepared as Artificial Intelligence reshapes policies, operations, and the way we serve our communities.
Speaker
Federations today face mounting pressure to show meaningful impact, respond to evolving community needs, and clarify what drives success in a rapidly changing world. Enter the JFNA Success Matrix—a clear, data-informed framework that outlines the eight core competencies essential for thriving as a Federation. In this session, participants will explore how the matrix can be used to assess organizational strengths, identify areas for growth, and strategically guide investments in talent, infrastructure, and innovation. Learn how to leverage this adaptable tool to support your Federation’s planning, funding, and evaluation efforts—all grounded in evidence and aligned to a shared vision of success.
Speakers
The past several years have tested Jewish communal leadership in unprecedented ways. From the pandemic to the war in Ukraine, from the rise of antisemitism to the crisis in Israel and mounting polarization at home, Federation executives are carrying extraordinary responsibility—often while navigating intense public scrutiny, emotional strain, and operational pressure. The work is urgent, complex, and deeply personal.
This session creates a trusted space for Federation CEOs and senior executives to confront the realities of leadership in this moment: sustaining teams through fatigue and trauma, holding communities together across differences, balancing mission and risk, and leading with moral clarity amid uncertainty. Together, we’ll explore strategies for resilience, decision-making under pressure, and strengthening executive support systems—because leading through crisis is no longer the exception; it has become the reality of our time.
Who should attend: Open only to Federation CEOs and C-suite leaders
The post-10/7 Surge in Jewish engagement is showing up across segments—Young Adults, Mid-Lifers, and Parents—and often outside traditional Federation spaces. How are professionals across departments identifying, supporting, and sustaining this energy?
This session will highlight how communities are responding, including those that have conducted audits and developed action plans. Together, we’ll explore how Federation professionals—across roles and functions—can meet this moment with creativity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to building long-term connection.
Speaker
What motivates each generation to give — and how can Federations adapt to inspire every age group to engage in meaningful philanthropy? In this session, Dr. Bill Stanczykiewicz, a leading expert from The Fund-Raising School at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University, unpacks the latest research and trends in generational giving, with a special focus on Millennial and Gen Z donors. Through insights and practical frameworks, participants will explore how to tailor engagement and communication strategies to align with generational values and behaviors.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand the motivations and giving patterns of different generations
- Learn effective ways to engage Millennial and Gen Z donors in meaningful philanthropy
- Gain tools to create a multigenerational culture of giving and connection in your community
Who Should Attend: Ideal for professionals in fundraising, marketing, leadership development, and community engagement — and anyone interested in understanding how generational perspectives shape giving and belonging in Jewish life.
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Civic engagement is no longer the responsibility of one department—every Federation professional plays a role in community relations. Join JFNA’s Community Relations team for an engaging and practical introduction to what effective community relations looks like today. This session offers relationship-building strategies, issue response, messaging principles, and partnership frameworks that strengthen Jewish community security and belonging. Participants will leave with actionable tools they can bring back to their teams, including how to:
- Build trusted civic and interfaith partnerships
- Engage local leaders, schools, and institutions
- Respond thoughtfully to complex or controversial issues
- Represent the Federation with clarity and confidence
Who should attend: Federation professionals across all departments who want to better understand how to build influence, strengthen local relationships, and represent the Jewish community effectively.
Speaker
Tues. AM Cohort-Specific Sessions (Click below to see cohort-specific sessions)
In partnership with the Jewish Grandparents Network, this session explores how Federations can turn grandparents from an often-untapped asset into powerful partners in shaping Jewish identity and family connection. Learn what matters most to today’s grandparents and how to engage them as leaders, donors, and storytellers in strengthening Jewish life across generations.
How do you turn a strategic plan into a functioning, aligned operation? In this fireside chat, a Federation COO and a strategic planning expert will unpack how they translated a bold vision into staffing plans, annual goals, internal communications, and leadership rhythms. Includes peer discussion on how operations leaders can drive execution and alignment across the organization.
Discover strategies to strengthen your investment committee’s collaboration, work effectively with advisors, and leverage reporting tools for timely, data-driven decisions that advance your organization’s financial goals.fi
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the philanthropic landscape. In this session, Federation fundraisers will explore how AI can enhance donor engagement, personalize outreach, and streamline development strategies—all while staying true to the relationship-driven nature of Jewish philanthropy. Discover practical ways to leverage AI tools responsibly and creatively to strengthen your Federation’s fundraising impact.
Since big donors love big ideas, nonprofits need to cast vision and innovate to devise the major opportunities that captivate major gift donors. An easy to-use framework for identifying a compelling vision, a six-step innovation process, and a paper clip will strengthen your ability to craft big ideas for big donors.
Stay up to date on the latest labor and employment law developments impacting Federations. This session will cover key legal updates, emerging workplace trends, and practical implications for HR professionals and leaders to ensure compliance and foster healthy organizational cultures.
Israel & Overseas unrestricted and designated funding to our partner agencies is an essential component of Federation’s annual work and has been for more than 100 years. It represents Federation’s global footprint, powering flourishing Jewish communities and the State of Israel. Explore core funding through two dynamic lenses, including a deeper understanding and appreciation of “the firehouse” and emerging trends in core funding that highlight the strength and adaptability of our funding strategies. We will celebrate the power of collective investment, learn from peers, and explore new opportunities to strengthen our shared mission.
The robots aren’t coming for your job—but professionals who can’t work with AI are about to be replaced by those who can. This reality-check session maps the new skill territories you must master to thrive in the age of artificial intelligence. Move beyond technical expertise and become an “AI conductor”—orchestrating intelligent systems, mastering prompt engineering, and translating between human needs and machine capabilities. Through interactive assessments and hands-on workshops, you’ll discover your personal upskilling priorities and create a concrete development plan. Stay ahead of disruption, build a career-proof strategy, and develop the hybrid skills that make you irreplaceable in an AI-augmented workplace.
You don’t need a film crew to tell an unforgettable story — you just need a smartphone and a sharp eye. This hands-on session explores how to capture, curate, and elevate user-generated content (UGC) from global missions to create compelling, meaningful content for social media, email, and beyond.Learn best practices for coaching participants to film with purpose, discover what makes raw footage emotionally resonant, and walk away with editing tips and content frameworks to turn on-the-ground moments into mission-driven storytelling. Whether it’s a selfie in Tel Aviv or a video from a volunteer trip, you’ll learn how to turn everyday captures into extraordinary impact.
This session will share new Surge data on the Federation community’s most engaged participants and those who identify as leaders. Together, we’ll explore how these lay and professional leaders are experiencing the Surge, what motivates their continued involvement, and what the findings reveal about how to better support, retain, and inspire the people at the core of our work.
The Jewish community is navigating deep internal divides, over Israel, politics, and the future of Jewish life, that test our shared sense of peoplehood. This session focuses on how Federations can intentionally cultivate cultures of belonging where all people feel seen, valued, and connected, even amidst profound ideological differences. Drawing on data and real-world examples, we’ll explore how identity, generation, and geography shape belonging today — and what leaders can do to strengthen connection across difference. Participants will gain practical approaches to building organizations that hold complexity with empathy, foster trust amid disagreement, and make every person feel they have a place as they serve the Jewish Communal sector.
As Jewish communities evolve, so must the ways we study them. This session will explore four distinct models for understanding community demographics, preferences, and needs—each with different strengths and applications:
- A traditional community study
- JFNA’s Pulse Survey approach
- A community listening session model
- A dynamic, interactive platform developed by CJP, Rosov Consulting, and Storyraise
Participants will learn about each model’s methodology, use cases, and potential impact—and reflect on how to choose the right approach for their own community’s goals. We’ll also explore how design, storytelling, and technology are shaping the future of communal learning and planning.
Who should attend: This session is best suited for Planning/Impact & Growth, CEOs, as well as any others who have an interest in this topic.
Speaker
How healthy is our Federation workforce—and what does it take to sustain and strengthen it for the future? In this session, we’ll explore emerging data and trends shaping talent, engagement, and workplace culture across the Federation system.
Led by JFNA Chief Talent Officer Liz Fisher, this conversation brings together HR and leadership professionals who are tackling today’s most pressing workforce challenges—from recruitment and retention to professional growth and organizational culture. Participants will engage in discussion and reflection on how their Federations can become even more effective, connected, and resilient places to work.
Key takeaways:
- Explore the latest data and insights about the Federation workforce, including engagement and retention trends.
- Learn how culture, leadership, and professional development impact staff satisfaction and performance.
- Hear how Federations are innovating to attract and retain top talent in a competitive landscape.
Who should attend: This session is designed for HR, talent, and leadership professionals—as well as COOs and Chiefs of Staff—who are shaping the people strategies that power the Federation system’s success.
Speaker
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming how organizations operate, communicate, and deliver impact. For Jewish Federations, AI presents a powerful opportunity to enhance community engagement, streamline operations, and amplify mission-driven work—when used thoughtfully and responsibly.
This introductory workshop is designed specifically for Federation professionals across departments—development, marketing, planning, HR, IT, and beyond. It will demystify AI, showcase practical tools, and provide a clear framework for using AI safely, ethically, and in alignment with your Federation’s values and policies. Participants will leave with a foundational understanding of AI, real-world use cases, and actionable best practices to begin experimenting with confidence.
Speaker
This interactive workshop will provide practical guidance and a supportive community for those who want to become a mental health champion. Drawing on research and evidence-based practices, we’ll explore how small, supportive actions by trusted leaders can ease spiritual and emotional pain, quicken recovery, and foster lasting well-being. In becoming a mental health champion, we aim to reduce stigma around mental health and increase connection to peers who care about work.
Participants will:
- Develop practical skills to more intentionally support local community and peers, such as active listening, empathic communication, observation, and responding to crises with compassion
- Explore the power of communal care and the impact of non-clinical mental health support in the Jewish community
- Expand understanding of available resources in local communities, as well as BeWell well-being programs designed for Jewish communal professionals to make a tangible impact in their local communities
This workshop is for team members, managers, and all professionals.
Speakers
In today’s world of limited resources, effective budgeting and outcome measurement are critical to program success. This interactive session equips both non-finance and finance professionals with essential tools to develop robust program budgets and evaluate their effectiveness.
Immediate Takeways
- Understand the basics of budgeting
- Understand why Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are crucial for measuring the success and can be effectively used in decision making
- Examine real-life scenarios that help illustrate how budgeting and KPIs can be effectively used in decision making.
Participants will explore the full budgeting cycle, from identifying costs (both tangible and intangible) to constructing budgets that align with organizational goals. The session emphasizes practical skills for presenting budgets, evaluating performance metrics, and revising budgets to improve acceptance.
Through hands-on group activities, attendees will gather the information needed to build and refine operating budgets and evaluate outcomes against agreed-upon KPIs. Gain the confidence and expertise to craft budgets that help your organization overcome obstacles and achieve its strategic objectives.
Speakers
When a crisis hits, Federations are often at the center of communal response—looked to for stability, truth, and direction. This interactive workshop will equip Federation professionals with the mindset, strategies, and communication tools needed to navigate high-stakes moments with confidence and integrity. Participants will learn how to prepare before a crisis occurs, manage real-time communication across multiple audiences, and craft messages that uphold Federation values while minimizing reputational and relational risk.
Through real-world Federation scenarios, role-play, and guided discussion, participants will explore how to:
- Anticipate and prepare for crises through proactive planning and scenario mapping tailored to Federation realities.
- Communicate clearly and consistently with boards, staff, donors, media, partners, and the broader community.
- Align messaging with mission and Jewish values even under pressure.
- Balance transparency and discretion to maintain credibility and trust across diverse constituencies.
- Lead with empathy and steadiness to support communities through uncertainty and challenge.
This session is designed for Federation professionals in leadership, communications, and community relations roles who want to strengthen their ability to lead with clarity and purpose when it matters most.
Speakers
What if you could see the future of your community more clearly—and plan for it with confidence? With the right data, you can. This interactive session will explore how Federations can harness the power of forecasting, community mapping, and demographic analysis to guide strategic decision-making. Whether you're new to data or already using it in your work, you'll gain practical tools and fresh perspectives to help you uncover emerging trends, challenge assumptions, and translate insights into action.
Participants will:
- Understand how data can illuminate shifting demographics and community needs
- Learn to use forecasting and mapping tools to support strategic planning
- Explore real-world case studies that show how data-driven approaches lead to meaningful change
- Practice applying insights to your own community context through hands-on activities
By the end of the session, you’ll feel more confident using data to tell your community’s story—and to shape its future with clarity and purpose.
Speaker
This workshop will help you gain the knowledge and resources necessary to navigate the Israel space more effectively and more bravely both within the Jewish community and with members of other faith and ethnic backgrounds. Rather than approaching this as a full history of Israel and Zionism, this workshop will focus on key inflection points in the history of Israel and Zionism to help leaders better understand the nuance of many of the issues around Israel that may seem particularly controversial or politically hazardous.
Questions to be addressed include:
- Was land in Israel acquired legally or illegally?
- How did the settlements begin?
- Is the conflict fueled by religion? Or politics?
- What do some of the accusations made against Israel and Zionism mean and where do they come from (Zionism as racism, colonialism, etc.)?
Speaker
Many people struggle to turn good intentions into consistent action. Tasks linger, ideas go unrealized, and the stress of disorganization builds. Whether you’re juggling multiple priorities or trying to stay on top of everyday responsibilities, this session is designed to help.
In this session you will examine common obstacles that lead to delay and learn practical strategies to strengthen accountability, reduce stress, and manage tasks with greater clarity.
In this session you will explore simple, repeatable systems for prioritizing responsibilities, tracking progress, and ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.
- You will learn how to:
- Turn intentions into consistent action
- Create clarity around tasks and responsibilities
- Reduce mental clutter and improve efficiency
Ideal for anyone looking to work more deliberately, meet deadlines more reliably, and build habits that support long-term follow-through.
Speaker
What if you could communicate more effectively with senior leaders—and advance your ideas, your team’s work, and your own career in the process? Managing up is a crucial skill for mid-level managers, but it’s rarely taught. In this interactive session, we’ll demystify the dynamics of managing up and offer concrete tools for building productive, trust-based relationships with senior leadership. You’ll learn how to navigate ambiguity, communicate with clarity, and contribute strategically to organizational goals.
Participants will:
- Practice ways to clarify priorities and expectations when instructions are vague or shifting
- Explore techniques for raising concerns and offering feedback in a constructive, upward-facing way
- Learn how to propose new ideas so they align with leadership’s interests and vision
- Reflect on how managing up can support your own visibility, leadership presence, and growth trajectory
By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with practical strategies—and greater confidence—for engaging senior leaders with intention, integrity, and influence.
Speaker
Strong lay/pro relationships are at the heart of every thriving Federation. But building them, and sustaining them through challenge, change, and growth, requires more than just good intentions. This interactive session equips professionals at all levels with the frameworks, language, and tools to deepen their partnerships with volunteer leaders, whether you're setting the tone with a new chair or navigating complex dynamics on a long-standing board.
Participants will explore real-world case studies and practice skills to help foster trust, clarify roles, and communicate across difference. Whether you’re newer to working with lay leaders or a seasoned professional looking to sharpen your approach, you’ll leave with actionable strategies to strengthen your lay/pro collaboration and lead more effectively, together.
Participants will:
- Learn and apply JFNA’s lay/pro partnership framework to a range of scenarios
- Practice tools for alignment, shared leadership, and navigating challenging dynamics
- Explore real-world case studies that illustrate common tensions and how to resolve them
- Identify key stages in the partnership life cycle, from onboarding to co-leadership, and apply appropriate strategies at each stage
By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with concrete tools and approaches for building resilient, productive relationships with lay partners—ones that elevate both your leadership and the mission you serve.
Speaker
Your time is one of your most valuable assets…. And not all prospects are created equal.
Who are the people who will truly make an impact? This workshop is designed to help you stop guessing and start targeting. Chances are, you already hold more insight than you think. You'll learn to assess a donor’s capacity (can they give?), propensity (will they give?), and affinity (why would they give?)—and how those elements combine to uncover your best prospects.
We’ll explore:
- The difference between warm leads and timewasters
- Why focusing on fit and mission alignment yields greater long-term impact
- How to stop chasing volume and start cultivating value
Whether you’re working with major gifts or building annual campaigns, this session will sharpen your prospecting skills so you’re spending time where it matters most. This is your blueprint for smarter strategy and deeper relationships.
Speaker
Every professional at a Federation has a role to play in inclusion, so this session is for YOU whether you work in development, programming, marketing, or leadership! Inclusion is not just “nice to have” - it is core to living our Jewish values. And just like with donor relationships, inclusion requires intention, consistency, and follow-through. Jewish communities that embrace people with disabilities and their families aren’t just doing a mitzvah, they’re strengthening the entire community. When individuals feel they belong, they participate more fully, contribute their gifts, and deepen their connection to Jewish life.
This session will give you the essential building blocks of disability inclusion, with practical tools you can bring back to your Federation or partner organizations. You’ll also hear directly from one Federation that is leading the way in this work.
You’ll walk away with:
- A clear framework for what “inclusion” really means in Jewish communal life
- Practical first steps that any Federation professional can take tomorrow Tools for assessing where your organization stands and where to grow
- Real-world inspiration from a Federation making inclusion a priority
If building a stronger, more connected Jewish community matters to you, be sure to include this session on your schedule!
Speaker
Belonging goes beyond access and inclusion; it’s about co-creating structures reflecting Jewish life’s diversity. In this workshop, you’ll define belonging, assess your current efforts, and explore adaptable resources to enhance belonging in your work. This interactive workshop is for team members, managers, and all professionals.
Through a community charrette model, we will explore a case study to apply Belonging design principles as well as have opportunities to bring your own belonging challenges to the table for input.
Participants will:
- Develop an understanding of current Belonging frameworks
- Have opportunities to apply Belonging design principles in their work and
- Be inspired to help co-create a body of best practices for belonging in our Jewish Communal Ecosystem
Speaker
There will be lunch served near the Affinity group break-out rooms. Grab some food and join one of the following sessions: Individuals with Disabilities, LGBTQ+ Individuals, Jews of Color, and Non-Jewish Professionals.
What makes an operation truly effective? This hands-on workshop dives into the nuts and bolts of internal operations—from staffing models and incentives to internal communications, leadership structures, and office practices. Participants will explore real examples, share what’s working in their Federations, and leave with actionable ideas to strengthen internal alignment and execution.
Today’s young mixed-heritage couples represent a growing and vital part of the Jewish community. This session offers a one-hour deep dive into who they are, the language and messaging that matter most, and how Federations can more effectively reach and include them. Explore research, best practices, and creative strategies to build authentic connections and strengthen engagement across diverse Jewish families.
In today’s digital world, a cyberattack can damage your organization’s reputation and threaten its financial stability. This session, designed for nonprofit financial and IT professionals, will help you understand the latest cybersecurity risks, implement effective protection measures, and build a strong response plan in the event of a breach. After exploring key risks together, participants will break into IT and finance tracks to dive into role-specific strategies and responsibilities, equipping you to safeguard your organization and ensure its long-term resilience.
Designed for current managers and members of the Major Gifts cohort, this session will focus on using job descriptions, KPIs, fundraising plans, and donor portfolio plans to set clear expectations, track progress, and boost results. Participants will gain practical tools to manage and elevate the performance of their fundraising staff, ensuring teams are equipped to meet and exceed their goals.
Dive into Jewish Federation’s efforts to support Israel’s recovery. Gain insight into the impact achieved thus far and the next phase of long-term rebuilding and resilience efforts.
Transform your approach to facility security and event safety with virtual building models that leverage AI to predict threats, optimize emergency response, and simulate crisis scenarios before they happen. Discover how digital twins are revolutionizing physical security for campuses, nonprofits, and corporate facilities. Experience demonstrations of crowd flow simulation, emergency evacuation modeling, and threat assessment using virtual environments. Learn from real case studies and leave with actionable strategies to build comprehensive digital models, use predictive analytics, and implement real-time monitoring for any size venue. If you’re responsible for protecting people and places, this session will change how you think about security.
Our brand is more than the colors and tagline — it’s the emotional thread that connects our mission to people's hearts. In this session, we’ll explore how to uncover and articulate the powerful stories at the core of your Federation’s identity. Learn how to build a consistent brand voice, spotlight real human stories that inspire, and translate complex work into clear, compelling narratives that resonate across platforms. Whether you're rebranding, launching a campaign, or simply trying to stand out in a noisy world, you'll leave with tools and frameworks to tell your story with clarity, authenticity, and heart.
How do we know if our programs are making a real difference? This session introduces the essentials of program evaluation and why it matters for telling your Federation’s impact story. Geared for Federation planners, the session will cover practical tools to set measurable outcomes, collect meaningful data, and use feedback to strengthen programs—no matter the size of your community. Simple, useful, and immediately applicable.
Topics being considered: A Fundraisers Guide to Building Relationships with Lay Leaders or Fundraising Ethics; other topics TBD.
Financial vulnerability affects nearly one in four Jewish individuals in the United States, with many more living precariously close to economic instability. While financially vulnerable Jews engage with Jewish life at similar levels to others, they face significant barriers—especially financial and geographic—that limit their ability to participate fully. Despite a strong desire for connection and meaningful engagement, many continue to feel excluded, underscoring the need for more inclusive and accessible community initiatives. This session will take a deep dive into the data with discussion about how we can ensure those who are financially vulnerable have access and opportunities.
Managing up is a core part of the COO and Chief of Staff role. This interactive session uses role plays and peer coaching to explore how operations leaders can anticipate CEO needs, align priorities, and offer strategic counsel—especially in high-pressure or ambiguous situations. Walk away with tools to strengthen your partnership and increase your impact.
Explore how AI can transform finance operations by streamlining accounting processes, improving budget-to-actual analysis, and managing accounts payable more efficiently. Gain practical insights and real-world examples—featuring tools in NetSuite, Sage Intacct, and QuickBooks—to help you leverage cutting-edge technology and boost efficiency.
Fundraisers are a critical part of the giving process—but their experiences, roles, and contributions are often overlooked. This module introduces key data about the fundraising profession to contextualize participants’ own experiences. Participants then explore their own professional identity and develop a statement describing their professional stance, which will empower and guide them in their work.
HR Professionals are invited to join an AI expert to explore some of the most pressing issues facing HR and Federations today. Participants will have opportunities to hear directly from this AI expert and can expect to leave with practical takeaways for building strategic AI policies for their organizations and implementing processes and systems to leverage AI and avoid pitfalls.
This session spotlights a new model portfolio focused on supporting people with disabilities in Israel. Learn how targeted funding can drive real impact and discover high-potential NGO partners to strengthen your Federation’s work. Get practical insights to guide strategic planning and make smarter allocation decisions in this critical area of need.
AI agents aren’t just enhanced chatbots—they’re autonomous digital employees capable of independent reasoning and superhuman efficiency. This session reveals how AI agents are transforming operations, handling everything from donor research to event planning with minimal human oversight. Experience live demonstrations, learn to identify automation opportunities, and design your first AI workforce. Discover how early adopters have increased productivity by 300% and reduced costs by 40%. If you’re ready to free your human capital for strategic work and lead the digital workforce revolution, this session will show you how.
Likes are nice — but conversions are better. In this data-driven session, we’ll dive into social media strategies that go beyond vanity metrics to deliver real results: donor conversions and high-quality email leads. Learn how to craft compelling content that inspires action, build frictionless funnels from feed to form, and use platform tools (like Meta ads and lead-gen forms) to capture interest and nurture it into lasting support. Whether you’re promoting a campaign or building your donor base for the year ahead, this session gives you practical tactics and creative inspiration to transform your scroll into impact.
What if integrated Federations and JCCs could unlock even greater impact—together? In this interactive session, leaders from integrated Federations will explore what’s working, what’s challenging, and what’s next for the JCC / Federation model. Through case studies, peer learning, and strategic reflection, participants will gain insights and tools to lead with clarity and confidence.
Participants will discover best practices in integrated organizations and assess the strengths and growth areas of the integrated model. Leave with fresh ideas, peer-tested strategies, and a clearer path to maximizing the potential of your integrated Federation.
This session is open only to Executive Leadership and C-Suite participants from integrated federations.
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming how organizations operate, communicate, and deliver impact. For Jewish Federations, AI presents a powerful opportunity to enhance community engagement, streamline operations, and amplify mission-driven work—when used thoughtfully and responsibly.
This introductory workshop is designed specifically for Federation professionals across departments—development, marketing, planning, HR, IT, and beyond. It will demystify AI, showcase practical tools, and provide a clear framework for using AI safely, ethically, and in alignment with your Federation’s values and policies. Participants will leave with a foundational understanding of AI, real-world use cases, and actionable best practices to begin experimenting with confidence.
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This interactive workshop will provide practical guidance and a supportive community for those who want to become a mental health champion. Drawing on research and evidence-based practices, we’ll explore how small, supportive actions by trusted leaders can ease spiritual and emotional pain, quicken recovery, and foster lasting well-being. In becoming a mental health champion, we aim to reduce stigma around mental health and increase connection to peers who care about work.
Participants will:
- Develop practical skills to more intentionally support local community and peers, such as active listening, empathic communication, observation, and responding to crises with compassion
- Explore the power of communal care and the impact of non-clinical mental health support in the Jewish community
- Expand understanding of available resources in local communities, as well as BeWell well-being programs designed for Jewish communal professionals to make a tangible impact in their local communities
This workshop is for team members, managers, and all professionals.
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Over the past several years, Matan has partnered with more than a dozen Federation communities across North America. The lessons learned are powerful, practical, and transferable, whether your Federation is just getting started or ready to deepen its impact.
Inclusion doesn’t happen by accident. It grows through intentional culture change, strategic investment, and alignment with your philanthropic vision. When Federations take the lead, they model for partner agencies and synagogues what it means to build Jewish communities where everyone belongs.
In this workshop, we’ll share key insights and strategies from the field, spotlight one or two Federations that are paving the way, and invite you to reflect on both the philosophical and philanthropic opportunities of inclusion.
You’ll walk away with:
- A roadmap of advanced practices that make inclusion sustainable and scalable
- Transferable lessons from Federations that have been on this journey
- Tools for aligning inclusion with your Federation’s philanthropic strategy
- Fresh ways to educate staff, lay leaders, and funders on why inclusion matters
- Real-world inspiration from peers who are leading change
If you’re ready to move beyond the basics and make inclusion central to your Federation’s culture and strategy, please join us!
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Committees can be engines of vision, accountability, and community connection—or they can stall out without the right foundation and fuel. This interactive session will walk through the full committee lifecycle: from intentional recruitment and role clarity to effective meeting design, chair partnership, and long-term engagement. Whether you’re launching a new group or revitalizing an existing one, you’ll leave with practical tools and strategies to help your committees thrive.
Participants will explore common challenges in committee culture and function, examine successful models across Federations, and walk away with adaptable templates to strengthen their committee work from the inside out.
Participants will:
- Learn a framework for the committee lifecycle: build, launch, engage, sustain, and sunset
- Explore how to recruit with purpose, onboard with intention, and structure meetings for productivity
- Identify methods to cultivate strong lay/pro co-leadership and clarify roles and responsibilities
- Gain tools to keep committees mission-aligned, motivated, and outcomes-driven over time
By the end of the session, you’ll feel more equipped to turn your committees into collaborative, empowered spaces that drive Federation goals, and build deeper community ownership.
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When a crisis hits, Federations are often at the center of communal response—looked to for stability, truth, and direction. This interactive workshop will equip Federation professionals with the mindset, strategies, and communication tools needed to navigate high-stakes moments with confidence and integrity. Participants will learn how to prepare before a crisis occurs, manage real-time communication across multiple audiences, and craft messages that uphold Federation values while minimizing reputational and relational risk.
Through real-world Federation scenarios, role-play, and guided discussion, participants will explore how to:
- Anticipate and prepare for crises through proactive planning and scenario mapping tailored to Federation realities.
- Communicate clearly and consistently with boards, staff, donors, media, partners, and the broader community.
- Align messaging with mission and Jewish values even under pressure.
- Balance transparency and discretion to maintain credibility and trust across diverse constituencies.
- Lead with empathy and steadiness to support communities through uncertainty and challenge.
This session is designed for Federation professionals in leadership, communications, and community relations roles who want to strengthen their ability to lead with clarity and purpose when it matters most.
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Belonging goes beyond access and inclusion; it’s about co-creating structures reflecting Jewish life’s diversity. In this workshop, you’ll define belonging, assess your current efforts, and explore adaptable resources to enhance belonging in your work. This interactive workshop is for team members, managers, and all professionals.
Through a community charrette model, we will explore a case study to apply Belonging design principles as well as have opportunities to bring your own belonging challenges to the table for input.
Participants will:
- Develop an understanding of current Belonging frameworks
- Have opportunities to apply Belonging design principles in their work and
- Be inspired to help co-create a body of best practices for belonging in our Jewish Communal Ecosystem
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Every professional at a Federation is in the business of stewardship so this workshop is for YOU, whether you are a formal fundraiser or not!
You secured the gift—now the real work begins.
We all know that the cost of acquiring a new donor can be 5 to 7 times higher than retaining an existing one. AND retained donors tend to give more frequently, make larger gifts over time, and are more likely to become legacy givers and advocates for your federation. This workshop will show you how to steward lifelong partners through empathy, consistency, and mission-centered messaging.
You’ll walk away with:
- A stewardship strategy you can activate tomorrow
- Messaging tools that speak straight to the heart
- An engagement calendar tailored to your donor base
- Fresh insights into why connection—not just communication—is everything
If donor relationships matter to you, this is the workshop you can’t afford to skip.
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This workshop will help you gain the knowledge and resources necessary to navigate the Israel space more effectively and more bravely both within the Jewish community and with members of other faith and ethnic backgrounds. Rather than approaching this as a full history of Israel and Zionism, this workshop will focus on key inflection points in the history of Israel and Zionism to help leaders better understand the nuance of many of the issues around Israel that may seem particularly controversial or politically hazardous.
Questions to be addressed include:
- Was land in Israel acquired legally or illegally?
- How did the settlements begin?
- Is the conflict fueled by religion? Or politics?
- What do some of the accusations made against Israel and Zionism mean and where do they come from (Zionism as racism, colonialism, etc.)?
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Many people struggle to turn good intentions into consistent action. Tasks linger, ideas go unrealized, and the stress of disorganization builds. Whether you’re juggling multiple priorities or trying to stay on top of everyday responsibilities, this session is designed to help.
In this session you will examine common obstacles that lead to delay and learn practical strategies to strengthen accountability, reduce stress, and manage tasks with greater clarity.
In this session you will explore simple, repeatable systems for prioritizing responsibilities, tracking progress, and ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.
- You will learn how to:
- Turn intentions into consistent action
- Create clarity around tasks and responsibilities
- Reduce mental clutter and improve efficiency
Ideal for anyone looking to work more deliberately, meet deadlines more reliably, and build habits that support long-term follow-through.
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What if you could communicate more effectively with senior leaders—and advance your ideas, your team’s work, and your own career in the process? Managing up is a crucial skill for mid-level managers, but it’s rarely taught. In this interactive session, we’ll demystify the dynamics of managing up and offer concrete tools for building productive, trust-based relationships with senior leadership. You’ll learn how to navigate ambiguity, communicate with clarity, and contribute strategically to organizational goals.
Participants will:
- Practice ways to clarify priorities and expectations when instructions are vague or shifting
- Explore techniques for raising concerns and offering feedback in a constructive, upward-facing way
- Learn how to propose new ideas so they align with leadership’s interests and vision
- Reflect on how managing up can support your own visibility, leadership presence, and growth trajectory
By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with practical strategies—and greater confidence—for engaging senior leaders with intention, integrity, and influence.