Program
Subject to Change
You may filter by your functional/cohort area and all sessions are open to everyone, unless otherwise noted.
Filter by:For those arriving early, join us on a fun field trip to “I’ll Have What She’s Having: The Jewish Deli,” the highly-publicized exhibit at the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center in Skokie. The exhibit kicked off in LA last year, before traveling to New York, Houston, and now Chicago—the final stop on the tour. Ted Merwin, JFNA’s Senior Writer and award-winning historian of the deli, will take us through the exhibit; he was the principal academic consultant on the New York run. There will also be time to tour the other museum exhibits; click here for the list.
The group will assemble in the hotel lobby at 9:15am and coordinate sharing Ubers. Transportation costs will be split among trip participants.
For those who are interested, there are both kosher and non-kosher lunch options in Skokie before you return to the hotel.
Admission tickets are $18. You can purchase your ticket upon arrival at the museum. Pre-registration for this offsite trip will close on October 22.
Federation professionals understand the power of storytelling to raise awareness and money in our communities. This session will take a deep dive into the narrative of Jewish poverty as portrayed in Hollywood and media side by side with the most recent data on poverty and financial insecurity in the Jewish community. We will work together to develop a blueprint for you to continue the essential work of creating a compelling and accurate narrative of poverty with colleagues and leadership when you return home.
This is our first opportunity to come together in one room. Jewish Federation professionals from across the continent will meet each other for the first time (or perhaps joyfully reunite after time apart!) and get inspired by the work we do and the impact we have.
Curious what we mean by functional sessions? These are affinity-specific times for you to be with colleagues focused on similar things whether it's Marketing, Total Financial Resource Development, Finance, Human Resources, Community Relations - and many more.
We will come together with others from our various functions and begin diving into the key topics of focus for professionals everywhere. These sessions are open to all, even those from another function. Get excited to experience sessions being planned with field practitioners on relevant topics to our work including new approaches to donor engagement, working with changing technology, workplace culture, data informed practices, communicating during difficult times and much more.
We have seen a number of changes or nuances in labor laws including matters relating to gender identity - misgendering - transitioning in the workplace; NLRB rulings; work from home concerns; AI and resumes; accommodations during theses trying times, plus many others. A must attend for any professional who wants to keep on top of legal trends and safeguard your federation.
Speaker
It’s on all of our minds – our campaigns are stagnant, and our donor numbers are shrinking. What if there were a way to re-engage past donors by using existing data and channels to compel giving? We believe there is and this session is designed to help you uncover the potential in your community. Hear from past teams who have successfully done this work, learn their secret model, and walk away with the tools and resources to try it in your community.
Speaker
Every one of us can name cumbersome processes that eat up time and cause frustration. And we’re not alone. Nine out of ten employees report being burdened with mundane, repetitive tasks, that can waste up to two full days of work per month with error-prone, manual work. Intelligent automation dramatically lowers the time, effort, and cost of making new things possible, and it’s not out of reach or complex. Join us for a hands-on, interactive, expert-led session to we evaluate and automate real life manual tasks using Microsoft’s low-code Power Platform to create immediate, tangible value.
Speaker
Impact investing is relatively new and has developed rapidly over the last decade. According to the Global Impact Investment Network (GIIN) the worldwide impact investment market totals over $1.164 trillion in assets under management and growing. While a great deal has been written about the subject, most of this work comes from the world of finance and asks questions about financial return, comparing impact investing with investing purely for profit. It is generally defined as investments made by companies, organizations, and funds with the intention to generate social and environmental impact alongside a financial return. Participants will gain, through the lens of Jewish values, an understanding of ESG and Impact Investing, the rationale behind them, and the many options that are available in the market.
In this captivating session, we will amplify the impact of immersive experiences and discuss maximizing the long-term effects of Israel Educational Travel. We will discuss how to leverage community investment to inspire meaningful, long-lasting engagement. How can we ensure that the dollars invested in immersive experiences deliver the maximum "bang for the buck"? What are the key elements that contribute to a seamless continuum of engagement? How can Federations play a pivotal role in nurturing ongoing connections with Israel and Jewish life? Join us to explore how immersive experiences can be transformative catalysts, igniting a passion for continued engagement with Jewish life and community.
Speakers
Moderator
CEOs working to support the Federations designated as small Federations will meet to acquaint and discuss issues facing the smallest Jewish communities in the country.
Deciding what information to share and how frequently to do so requires careful considering of the specific needs and expectations of each audience. This session will reveal how to address these challenges and provide sample dashboard formats from experts and your peer CFOs to use.
Fostering strong connections with local organizations helps you think more creatively and collaboratively in your community planning efforts. Explore the models of innovation within the context of Jewish community planning and development and how it can foster stronger, more sustainable, and interconnected communities.
Curious what we mean by functional sessions? These are affinity-specific times for you to be with colleagues focused on similar things whether it's Marketing, Total Financial Resource Development, Finance, Human Resources, Community Relations - and many more. We will come together with others from our various functions and begin diving into the key topics of focus for professionals everywhere. These sessions are open to all, even those from another function. Get excited to experience sessions being planned with field practitioners on relevant topics to our work including new approaches to donor engagement, working with changing technology, workplace culture, data informed practices, communicating during difficult times and much more.
We have seen a number of changes or nuances in labor laws including matters relating to gender identity - misgendering - transitioning in the workplace; NLRB rulings; work from home concerns; AI and resumes; accommodations during theses trying times, plus many others. A must attend for any professional who wants to keep on top of legal trends and safeguard your federation.
Speaker
We do important work when it comes to addressing antisemitism – but how do we talk about it in a way that resonates with groups and audiences outside the Jewish community? Join us as we unpack innovative market research covering how to effectively speak about Judaism and antisemitism to people from a wide array of background and demographics.
Speaker
Thanks to important social innovations in medicine and technology, we are experiencing the gift of increased longevity - living longer, better. As a result, we have added roughly thirty years of life extension to the middle of our lives - not the end - and created a new life stage: “Middlescence”. Together, we will explore the intersection of “Middlescence” and Jewish life and community. How can we re-imagine, design for, and invest in Jewish engagement opportunities for people entering midlife (55+) to find purpose, community, and connection in a Jewish context? What do we need to build, and where should we begin? Join us as we dive into the latest national research, uncovering the engagement trends and evolving needs of the 55+ community within the Jewish community. Discover how local Federations are taking the lead, designing programs and initiatives that cater to the unique needs and desires of this dynamic demographic. From cultural experiences and lifelong learning opportunities to volunteerism and social connections, explore a wide range of strategies that are transforming the landscape of 55+ engagement.
Speakers
This session will provide a basic overview of planned giving. We will explore the role of planned giving in our organizations, discuss the diverse economic impact of planned giving, highlight the basic philanthropic vehicles and share best practice examples from the field regarding integration of planned giving into overall FRD activities.
Speakers
CEOs from the small Jewish communities will share best practices and case studies highlighting the successes and challenges facing these communities.
Politics and economics, once distinct are now converging. In this everchanging economic environment, understanding the economic trends and their impact on our ability to predict future donor appetite for giving and costs to operate our organizations. Investment strategies impact your agency's future ability to plan for endowment and agency allocations. In this session, a prominent economist will share his economic predictions, analyze key indicators, and forecast potential trajectories for the global and local economies, providing you with the tools to evaluate its impact on your operating strategy.
Speaker
Join this immersive session exploring overseas allocation models that foster local engagement with Israel and Global Jewry. Learn what the data is teaching us about our systems' overseas allocations and explore various approaches that build a strong foundation for a flourishing, connected and enduring relationship between local Jewish communities, the people of Israel, and Jews around the world.
Speakers
The mantra of data is everywhere, but capitalizing on its wealth and creating a culture that champions its usage much more elusive. What data should we be collecting to make informed decisions with confidence? What data points can lead us to accelerated fundraising and impact? During this session we’ll define KPIs and best practices around fundraising data and how we establish a gold standard in data collection, stewardship, analysis, and optimization for Federations of all sizes, to fuel our future growth.
Come together with colleagues for a traditional evening worship service, Ma’ariv. Support those who may be in a time of mourning and be inspired by the ancient prayers of Jewish tradition. All are welcome (note – majority of service will be conducted in Hebrew.)
Join your colleagues for drinks, networking, a delicious meal, and the chance to experience Chicago’s iconic improvisational group, The Second City, perform a special show designed to make you laugh! The Second City is home to comedy legends like Steve Carrell, Tina Fey, and Bill Murray.
You will either join a function-specific breakfast or keep the morning quiet and calm, grabbing some food, and fueling up for the day ahead.
List of function-specific breakfasts forthcoming.
Curious what we mean by functional sessions? These are affinity-specific times for you to be with colleagues focused on similar things whether it's Marketing, Total Financial Resource Development, Finance, Human Resources, Community Relations - and many more.
We will come together with others from our various functions and begin diving into the key topics of focus for professionals everywhere. These sessions are open to all, even those from another function. Get excited to experience sessions being planned with field practitioners on relevant topics to our work including new approaches to donor engagement, working with changing technology, workplace culture, data informed practices, communicating during difficult times and much more.
Through the tumult of the pandemic, change was around every corner. And while necessity accelerated adoption, maintaining a culture that embraces change has been challenging. With many Federations leaning into digital transformation, now more than ever we need to be equipped with the right tools and strategies to fuel buy in and ease the way for innovation. Join us for a discussion around the keys to successfully and purposefully shaping your organization’s change maturity - from commitment and ownership to value exchange - while exploring stories of success and failure from Federation peers.
Tactical takeaways include:
- Best practices for building and maintaining engagement to ensure adoption
- How to engage key stakeholders with different levels of interest
- The most effective ways to handle change resistance
Community Studies are amazing tools for data collection but there are many different ways to gain insights into your local Jewish population without a large-scale study. Come learn from colleagues about best practice in community data collection that provided insights for strategic planning and engagement.
Speakers
Join us for a thought-provoking conversation about the future of Jewish family engagement and dive deep into the question of how communities can unlock maximum impact through bold, strategic investments to engage Jewish families. We'll explore the potential of a "big bet" strategy led by federations. How can communities invest deeply to revolutionize family engagement? What are the challenges and opportunities of this approach? How can Federations leverage their unique position to drive meaningful change? We will delve into examining innovative strategies that are reshaping the landscape and shine a spotlight on the critical challenge of engaging Jewish families today.
Speakers
This session will focus on building a case for prioritizing legacy giving among in our communities. We will take a deep dive into the business, moral and relational case for endowment development and the related impacts of each. Further, we will explore the role of the FRD professional in incorporating legacy giving into our individual donor engagement work, communication channels and professional development and training for our FRD teams.
Speakers
As the voice of the Jewish community, each Federation has the challenging role of respecting and honoring its community’s diverse views on Israel, strengthening bonds with the Jewish State, and raising and allocating collective funds for Israel and Overseas programs. Join this session to practice skills for facilitating positive community discourse on Israel and learn how Federations have brought their diverse communities together to develop community consensus documents on Israel.
Speakers
Did you know Charity Navigator’s rating system has changed dramatically over the last three years? No longer does it just rate on finance and accountability: Charities now can earn scores on a wide range of factors, including impact, leadership, adaptability, feedback practices, and more. Join Charity Navigator's chief program officer as she walks through the rating system, what it means, and how nonprofits can adopt these best practices to improve both their own effectiveness and convey trust to potential donors. Using this explanation, you will be able to analyze how your existing and proposed accounting procedures impact your rating. Following Charity Navigator’s presentation, Seth Katzen, the CEO of Jewish Federation of Delaware, will share how he transformed his agency, receiving 4-stars!
Women’s Philanthropy Campaigns in the Federation system are the fastest growing components of the Annual Campaign, now representing 23% of the total campaign. Women today hold 40 percent of global wealth, and across nearly every income level, The Women’s Philanthropy Institute research shows that women are more likely to give—and, on average, give more—than men. By 2030, women will control as much as two-thirds of wealth in the U.S. During this session, we will focus on the new trends we are seeing in Women's Philanthropy, as well as the treasured elements that are continuing to be nurtured. We will learn from each other by sharing experiences, while also hearing from several of our Women's Philanthropy professionals with different strategies on how they and their communities are approaching and planning for the future.
Speakers
This is a new world. We need to rethink where and when turnover will happen. While individuals might have stayed with their organizations for 5-6 years, this is changing and we find that we are plugging holes in any number of areas. Those entering the workforce are not as willing to work through the highs and lows of an organization and so, we need to be prepared. We will explore at least three "buckets" to consider as we navigate this new reality: Outsourcing, Overstaffing at lower levels, joining forces with other entities. She will also address practical concerns around these possible solutions.
Speaker
Curious what we mean by functional sessions? These are affinity-specific times for you to be with colleagues focused on similar things whether it's Marketing, Total Financial Resource Development, Finance, Human Resources, Community Relations - and many more. We will come together with others from our various functions and begin diving into the key topics of focus for professionals everywhere. These sessions are open to all, even those from another function. Get excited to experience sessions being planned with field practitioners on relevant topics to our work including new approaches to donor engagement, working with changing technology, workplace culture, data informed practices, communicating during difficult times and much more.
McKinsey research has identified a set of skills that senior operational leaders need to help their organizations succeed. These include anticipating change, driving collaboration, facilitating board-staff partnership, enabling employees through operational excellence, and managing talent. Join us to engage with their research and discuss how to practically excel in these areas in a Federation environment.
Speaker
The pandemic didn't just change the rules; it rewrote the entire playbook. Organizations were thrust into a digital revolution, whether they were ready or not. And now, as we attempt to return to 'business as usual,' the big question is, how do we hold onto the digital gains we've made and with momentum toward a tech-centric future? Step right up and learn from Mark, an Executive powerhouse with over two decades of experience steering monumental changes in renowned, multinational brands.
Aimed specifically at Federations both large and small, this session will unpack everything you need to not just survive but THRIVE in a post-COVID era. Come join the discussion and glean insights from Federations who've been there and done that. Among the topics we'll deep dive into are:
* The Starting Line: Decoding the secrets of what to prioritize in your digital journey, tailored for your Federation's unique challenges.
* The Building Blocks: Zeroing in on critical components for a sustainable and impactful digital ecosystem. Think of this as constructing your Federation's "Fortress of Excellence.”
* The Finish Line: Don't just aim, hit the bullseye. We'll dissect how to visualize your end goals so they're not just buzzwords on a boardroom slide.
* Post-Pandemic Playbook: Capitalize on the digital gains made during the pandemic. Keep the digital fires burning within your teams, while avoiding getting burned.
Join us for an eye-opening session that’s equal parts inspiration and perspiration, because the best plans are those that move seamlessly from the drawing board to the real world. We guarantee you’ll walk out with tactical know-how and the strategic prowess to lead your Federation into the future.
Speaker
This session aims to empower you with the knowledge and skills to leverage data-driven approaches in your philanthropic product development, driving meaningful impact in your community. In today's rapidly evolving world, the role of data in philanthropy has become increasingly critical. By harnessing the power of data analysis, you can gain valuable insights, make informed decisions, and enhance the effectiveness of your philanthropic initiatives. This session will explore the intersection of data and philanthropy, focusing on product development strategies that can transform your organization's ability to make a difference.
Join us for a thought-provoking conversation about the future of Jewish family engagement and dive deep into the question of how communities can unlock maximum impact through bold, strategic investments to engage Jewish families. We'll explore the potential of a "big bet" strategy led by federations. How can communities invest deeply to revolutionize family engagement? What are the challenges and opportunities of this approach? How can Federations leverage their unique position to drive meaningful change? We will delve into examining innovative strategies that are reshaping the landscape and shine a spotlight on the critical challenge of engaging Jewish families today.
Speakers
This session will provide a basic overview of FRD concepts, practice and principles for non-FRD pros. Further, this session will enable attendees to ask questions about anything FRD-related and explore how they may support the work of their FRD colleagues in their home communities.
Speaker
This session will focus on building a case for prioritizing legacy giving among in our communities. We will take a deep dive into the business, moral and relational case for endowment development and the related impacts of each. Further, we will explore the role of the FRD professional in incorporating legacy giving into our individual donor engagement work, communication channels and professional development and training for our FRD teams.
Speakers
As the voice of the Jewish community, each Federation has the challenging role of respecting and honoring its community’s diverse views on Israel, strengthening bonds with the Jewish State, and raising and allocating collective funds for Israel and Overseas programs. Join this session to practice skills for facilitating positive community discourse on Israel and learn how Federations have brought their diverse communities together to develop community consensus documents on Israel.
Speakers
Women are a powerful and growing segment of the donor base. This session will focus on effective strategies and programs to develop targeted fundraising and recognition programs to grow this donor base.
Did you know Charity Navigator’s rating system has changed dramatically over the last three years? No longer does it just rate on finance and accountability: Charities now can earn scores on a wide range of factors, including impact, leadership, adaptability, feedback practices, and more. Join Charity Navigator's chief program officer as she walks through the rating system, what it means, and how nonprofits can adopt these best practices to improve both their own effectiveness and convey trust to potential donors. Using this explanation, you will be able to analyze how your existing and proposed accounting procedures impact your rating. Following Charity Navigator’s presentation, Seth Katzen, the CEO of Jewish Federation of Delaware, will share how he transformed his agency, receiving 4-stars!
This is a new world. We need to rethink where and when turnover will happen. While individuals might have stayed with their organizations for 5-6 years, this is changing and we find that we are plugging holes in any number of areas. Those entering the workforce are not as willing to work through the highs and lows of an organization and so, we need to be prepared. We will explore at least three "buckets" to consider as we navigate this new reality: Outsourcing, Overstaffing at lower levels, joining forces with other entities. She will also address practical concerns around these possible solutions.
Speaker
There are so many universal topics that we all care about, no matter our professional function. Whether you are interested in learning more about supervision training, effectively managing lay-pro relationships, connecting with Jewish learning, utilizing AI and technology for your work, or one of the number of other topics we will cover in the cross-function workshops, pick one that matters most to you!
ChatGPT is taking the world by storm. We know it as an AI revolution set to change the way we do everything, but what is it really? What are its limitations? How can it be leveraged intelligently and securely in our Federations? Where is this all going? Learn how ChatGPT can be used to transform the way you work, while understanding the risks, security concerns, and best practices for turning the promise of generative AI into reality. During this session we will:
Cut through the growing hype on AI-based content generating tools, such as ChatGPT
Identify the risks of generative AI and how to begin the journey of managing them
Explore the role of generative AI in your organization, services and relationships
Hear from an expert in the field then breakout into track workshops for an interactive exercise, where you’ll experience the risks, drawbacks, and benefits of incorporating ChatGPT into your everyday work, first-hand.
To create and maintain safe and respectful organizations, culture matters. When we don’t pay enough attention to our culture, we sacrifice opportunities for engagement, outstanding performance and risk losing important contributors. The core of successful cultural work is making it safe for people to speak up, and to know that it is safe to do so. Building a Speak-up Culture will give individual employees and organizational leadership the understanding and tools needed both to respond to problematic situations in the moment and to build the cultures, processes and norms needed to move their Federations to a place of greater safety, respect, and equity. This session will introduce participants to new tools and resources developed by JFNA to help professionals recognize issues and speak up on behalf of themselves or their peers, and to build an organizational culture where it is safe to do so.
Speaker
Did you know that Judaism encourages you to ask questions? As a nonprofit professional working in the Jewish world it is only natural you might be curious to learn more about Judaism. We want to give you the opportunity to learn about the cultures, traditions, practices and customs that make up the Jewish tradition – especially those you might encounter in your job! We hope participants of all backgrounds will walk away feeling more secure working and operating in Jewish spaces and more confident to ask questions about Judaism to help them be more successful at work.
Speaker
The idea of offering employees the ability to sign up for benefits that meet individual needs is not new. But as lifestyles continue to evolve, those needs are growing and expanding. And so are the products and services that are available to address them. Along with that, employees are more attuned to the value of these benefits which offer not only financial protection but, in some cases, the idea of an improved quality of life. This session will provide insight into this market, ranging from long term care to caregiver services to pet insurance -- helping you understand what might work best for your employees.
Speaker
This session will focus on the foundational elements of major donor engagement and stewardship. We will explore the importance of understanding wealth, the current research data on high net worth philanthropic individuals, and the relational engagement best practices that lead to transformative gifts.
Speakers
This is a workshop to inform your work no matter your role, religious affiliation, or familiarity with Judaism.
Jewish values are core to igniting and sustaining life long, meaningful Jewish giving. With declining donor numbers, this kind of connected, intentional engagement is key to Federations’ wellbeing. Join Amplifier, powered by JFNA for a practical workshop on the power of infusing Jewish values and community building into your work to inspire giving. Participants will leave with off-the-shelf tools to engage new and existing donors, deepen relationships, and sustain ongoing engagement through innovative, collective giving experiences. This is an interactive workshop so come ready to learn from your peers, try out new activities, and leave with tools you can implement immediately!
Speaker
In this interactive session, we will explore employee retention and pipeline as it connects to creating cultures of belonging that allow all employees to flourish in your Federation. Through areas such as recruitment, onboarding and supervision, you can create an environment in which professionals are equipped to perform and grow. There is a role and space for creating a culture of belonging at all career levels. This session will introduce participants to new tools and use case studies and role play to provide participants with practice and application for implementation upon returning home.
Speakers
Designed for professionals experienced in working with lay leaders, this session will explore what to do when you don’t know what to do! Using case study methodologies, we will focus on tools and techniques for difficult conversations and situations. Come prepared to share your own challenges and to brainstorm solutions with your colleagues. This session is open to professionals who have managed at least 1 board or committee for at least 3 years.
Speakers
Being a manager can be rewarding, challenging and stressful. It’s important that today’s leaders feel equipped with the skills to effectively align performance expectations, generate better outcomes, and foster employee engagement. Wouldn’t it be great to have easily understood and immediately applicable ideas to make managing easier? Best-in-class models, breakouts, surveys, and other hands-on activities will be used throughout the session to ensure leaders can immediately take the program information and use it back on the job. The program will support participants as they:
- Understand the three types of feedback
- Learn a best in class model to provide positive and developmental feedback
- Manage feedback reactions
- Understand the difference between coaching and feedback
- Embed coaching into managing performance
While we encourage participants to attend both sessions, one on Monday and the other on Tuesday, each session also works as a stand-alone and you may choose to attend just one of the sessions.
Speakers
To achieve organizational objectives, it is important for people to know how they can garner support for initiatives, secure needed resources and talent, and persuade key stakeholders. This workshop focuses on psychological influence tactics that help people to gain other’s commitment, regardless of the individual’s formal level of authority. Short vignettes and video case clips will be used throughout the session to highlight various approaches to influence. During this workshop participants will:
Study the science and psychology of influence.
Learn about tools and levers that they can use to influence others.
Evaluate the benefits and detriments associated with influence strategies.
Assess the most appropriate influence strategies and styles to use in particular circumstances.
Speaker
Take this time to network. To recharge. To connect. To disconnect. Whatever you need - this time is for you!
An opportunity for rabbis and ordained clergy to reflect on the 21st century rabbinate and discuss issues facing our Federations, and Jewish life. This session is limited to rabbis and ordained clergy only.
Speakers
Curious what we mean by functional sessions? These are affinity-specific times for you to be with colleagues focused on similar things whether it's Marketing, Total Financial Resource Development, Finance, Human Resources, Community Relations - and many more.
We will come together with others from our various functions and begin diving into the key topics of focus for professionals everywhere. These sessions are open to all, even those from another function. Get excited to experience sessions being planned with field practitioners on relevant topics to our work including new approaches to donor engagement, working with changing technology, workplace culture, data informed practices, communicating during difficult times and much more.
CEOs and Executive Directors from the state of Florida will be convening for a statewide meeting.
Hey there, fiduciary! Feeling the weight of routinely checking your investment program's pulse? With financial landscapes shifting like desert sands, anchoring your trust in the best consultants and OCIOs becomes paramount. Be our co-traveler as we venture through the ins and outs of evaluations, the magic of RFPs, and the craft of monitoring those all-important alliances. Your compass to sustained success awaits!
Creating an effective RFP is a key step in the procurement process. It helps in communicating the organization's requirements to potential vendors, ensuring they understand the scope of the project.
Optimize donor participation and retention with scalable approaches that engage and build long-lasting relationships with donors. This session will explore innovative methods to enhance campaign efficiency and effectiveness and ensure growing and continued support from your donor base. Join us to uncover practical and successful strategies to maximize and expand your fundraising efforts.
Learn program evaluation and actionable data insights from the experts at Rosov Consulting designed for professionals seeking to enhance their skills in evaluating community programs and harnessing the power of data for greater impact. This interactive session will provide participants with practical knowledge and tools to effectively measure program outcomes, uncover valuable insights, and make data-driven decisions to drive positive change within their organizations and communities.
You know the amazing work your Federation does every day. Why shouldn't the rest of the community? This session will teach you how to craft a press strategy and work plan in order to elevate the work you do in your community.
Speakers
As technology evolves at a rapid pace, so too is the role of the IT and data professional. We are at a major inflection point, where thought-leading enterprises are championing a new breed of technical and data leader - those that can enact the most transformation driven value. Pivotal word: Leader. Now much more than just a service provider, technology and data professionals must hone the softer side of their skillset. They need to be adept at storytelling strategies, selling in new ideas, generating adoption, and leading an organization towards innovation. In this session we’ll cover the tactile methodologies to changing the way Federations view these roles and how to reframe and reposition yourself and your department as a strategic though leader, well deserving of a seat at the table.
The Mandel Center, JFNA's professional talent arm, would like to hear from you. This session will be devoted to learning about how we can provide best-in-class support for your training and staff development needs. This will be your opportunity to generate ideas and present your "wish list" to those who really want to listen and be responsive.
Speaker
Allocating funds – whether routine or emergency – is a careful process of identifying values, weighing needs, reviewing options, and engaging lay leaders. Federation’s global support is nimble enough to answer the call of Jewish communities across the globe no matter what type of response is required. Join this session for a sampling of the allocations tools JFNA has developed to address ongoing needs through infrastructure-building core funding, pinpointed needs addressed by designated dollars, and the most urgent needs that arise during a time of crisis. Participants will learn, discuss and practice effective needs response strategies in this interactive session.
Speakers
Explore data driven foundation models of grant making in the context of a Jewish Federation annual planning process. With a focus on maintaining high quality relationships and maximizing resources, this session aims to equip participants with the knowledge and strategies to move from allocations to a grantmaking within their communities.
Curious what we mean by functional sessions? These are affinity-specific times for you to be with colleagues focused on similar things whether it's Marketing, Total Financial Resource Development, Finance, Human Resources, Community Relations - and many more. We will come together with others from our various functions and begin diving into the key topics of focus for professionals everywhere. These sessions are open to all, even those from another function. Get excited to experience sessions being planned with field practitioners on relevant topics to our work including new approaches to donor engagement, working with changing technology, workplace culture, data informed practices, communicating during difficult times and much more.
CEOs and Executive Directors from the state of Florida will be convening for a statewide meeting.
Every business needs to evolve and innovate to keep up with a rapidly changing economy and technology landscape, especially as the world embraces AI. And competitiveness is the key to continued impact and growth. But implementing innovation is challenging and comes with a host of pitfalls as well as pathways towards a greater likelihood of achieving success. During this expert led session, we’ll cover best practice steps Federations of any size can achieve simple, continuous success in implementing innovation, while avoiding seductive snags along the way.
This sessions will discuss and explore the evolving role that lay leaders play FRD. We will focus on defining the role of campaign/FRD volunteers, highlight their highest and best use, identify the core elements of the lay/pro partnership and share field tested strategies that both advance our work and ensure a high quality volunteer experience.
Learn program evaluation and actionable data insights from the experts at Rosov Consulting designed for professionals seeking to enhance their skills in evaluating community programs and harnessing the power of data for greater impact. This interactive session will provide participants with practical knowledge and tools to effectively measure program outcomes, uncover valuable insights, and make data-driven decisions to drive positive change within their organizations and communities.
You know the amazing work your Federation does every day. Why shouldn't the rest of the community? This session will teach you how to craft a press strategy and work plan in order to elevate the work you do in your community.
Speakers
In today's dynamic non-profit landscape, selecting and implementing the right software programs is critical to stay competitive and enhance organizational efficiency. This presentation delves into the intricacies of adopting new software highlighting strategies for two crucial business areas: Accounting and Donor Management
During this session, we will explore the common pitfalls and essential considerations that organizations must address while embarking on the journey of software selection and implementation. From finance departments seeking to streamline accounting processes with General Ledger software, sales and marketing teams aiming to optimize customer relationships through CRM solutions, to enterprises integrating their operations through an ERP system, each domain poses unique challenges.
The Mandel Center, JFNA's professional talent arm, would like to hear from you. This session will be devoted to learning about how we can provide best-in-class support for your training and staff development needs. This will be your opportunity to generate ideas and present your "wish list" to those who really want to listen and be responsive.
Speaker
Allocating funds – whether routine or emergency – is a careful process of identifying values, weighing needs, reviewing options, and engaging lay leaders. Federation’s global support is nimble enough to answer the call of Jewish communities across the globe no matter what type of response is required. Join this session for a sampling of the allocations tools JFNA has developed to address ongoing needs through infrastructure-building core funding, pinpointed needs addressed by designated dollars, and the most urgent needs that arise during a time of crisis. Participants will learn, discuss and practice effective needs response strategies in this interactive session.
Speakers
Explore data driven foundation models of grant making in the context of a Jewish Federation annual planning process. With a focus on maintaining high quality relationships and maximizing resources, this session aims to equip participants with the knowledge and strategies to move from allocations to a grantmaking within their communities.
Make plans with colleagues to do your own thing for dinner! This time is for you.
Come together with colleagues for a traditional evening worship service, Ma’ariv. Support those who may be in a time of mourning and be inspired by the ancient prayers of Jewish tradition. All are welcome (note – majority of service will be conducted in Hebrew.)
It’s been a long day - unwind with music, dessert, drinks, and good times. The Spertus Institute is located next to the Hilton.
Enjoy an easy morning. Fuel up for the day with a warm cup of coffee and a delicious breakfast.
Breakfast Discussion workshop between Community Relations professionals and Federation CEOs
Executive Community Relations Design Thinking: Start the day with a facilitated, discussion-based networking opportunity for CEOs and Community Relations professionals from across the system to ideate the most effective tools necessary to increase Federation's civic engagement. Grab your breakfast and we will begin discussing at 7:15am sharp!
Curious what we mean by functional sessions? These are affinity-specific times for you to be with colleagues focused on similar things whether it's Marketing, Total Financial Resource Development, Finance, Human Resources, Community Relations - and many more. We will come together with others from our various functions and begin diving into the key topics of focus for professionals everywhere. These sessions are open to all, even those from another function. Get excited to experience sessions being planned with field practitioners on relevant topics to our work including new approaches to donor engagement, working with changing technology, workplace culture, data informed practices, communicating during difficult times and much more.
Nonprofits face significant cyber threats and the work we do is jeopardized on a daily basis by cyber crime. Despite this, many Federations do not have documented policies, a and procedures, or the right technology or cybersecurity expertise in place to mitigate this risk, which leads to mishandling of data and technology. No matter what your Federation size, join this session to learn about best practices in nonprofit cybersecurity, from establishing a right-sized program and culture that empower people, processes, and technology to protect your data.
The culture of an organization is a critical organizational dimension that impacts motivation, engagement and productivity. This workshop will help participants: (a) "unpack" their organization's culture; (b) learn about "levers" that are available to build a powerful culture; (c) focus on strategies to socialize employees to their culture; and (d) develop a deeper understanding of core organizational values. This will be a highly interactive and inspirational workshop!
Speaker
Join us for an informative session on the latest updates in tax reporting and accounting rules. In today's rapidly changing regulatory landscape, staying up-to-date with tax laws, Accounting Standards Updates (ASUs), Uniform Guidance, and other key developments is crucial for non-profits agencies and professionals alike. We’ll also review important topics affecting Federations including donor advised funds, unrelated business taxable income, endowments and UPMIFA, accounting for Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) receipts, beneficial interests in perpetual trusts and the new lease standard. Led by RSM National Audit and Tax Partners, this session aims to equip you with essential knowledge that could impact your organization's financial reporting and tax obligations.
In this session, we will explore how hyperlocal, neighborhood-based strategies are reshaping the landscape of Jewish community engagement. Hyperlocal programming presents the opportunity to meet community members where they are and empower ownership in creating local, authentic experiences. During our time together, we’ll explore a range of approaches tailored to foster deep connections and empower meaningful engagement with Jewish life. We’ll delve into cutting-edge models and successful examples from various communities and learn about innovative strategies to reach and empower more people to participate in Jewish life.
Speakers
During this session, the small Federation CEOs will elect officers for their cohort. There will also be a review of the committee positions.
Curious what we mean by functional sessions? These are affinity-specific times for you to be with colleagues focused on similar things whether it's Marketing, Total Financial Resource Development, Finance, Human Resources, Community Relations - and many more. We will come together with others from our various functions and begin diving into the key topics of focus for professionals everywhere. These sessions are open to all, even those from another function. Get excited to experience sessions being planned with field practitioners on relevant topics to our work including new approaches to donor engagement, working with changing technology, workplace culture, data informed practices, communicating during difficult times and much more.
Through hands-on experiential learning enhanced with unique Jewish wisdom, this session will offer exposure to the principles and practices of the Jewish Teen Funder Collaborative’s holistic approach to relational engagement. Relational engagement is a strategy that prioritizes people over programs to cultivate inclusive communities of belonging. Founded on the premise that young people have the power to be trusted peer connectors and changemakers, these community organizing principles emphasize authenticity and have the power to be applied across a wide array of ages and demographics.
The culture of an organization is a critical organizational dimension that impacts motivation, engagement and productivity. This workshop will help participants: (a) "unpack" their organization's culture; (b) learn about "levers" that are available to build a powerful culture; (c) focus on strategies to socialize employees to their culture; and (d) develop a deeper understanding of core organizational values. This will be a highly interactive and inspirational workshop!
Speaker
Through a diverse panel of cybersecurity and fraud experts, you will learn about risk management and assessment of your processes and procedures, recent developments in new cybersecurity threats and means to protect against fraud and social engineering. This panel includes risk assessment consultants, a law enforcement representative and a leading cybersecurity expert from the banking industry The topics covered will include business email compromise, social engineering, check fraud, best practices to prevent fraud, internal controls, products and software that are available to combat fraud, common and current attacks/scams, and resources.
With intentional strategies and advance efforts, overseas missions offer Federations the opportunity to bring their communities together, enhance understanding of Federation’s overseas work, engage new donors, and raise additional dollars, providing a lasting impact long after the last bus ride. Learn successful strategies executed in the last six months from your Federation peers.
Speakers
Moderator
30% of the Jewish population in the US is over the age of 65 with life expectancy higher than that of the general population. As traditional models of senior care and social services struggle to meet the needs of the next generation of seniors. Join colleagues for strategic thinking around the needs of "older older adults," collaborative models of holistic care, and how to fund and make these services affordable.
According to the 2023 Nonprofit Tech for Good Report, 27% of nonprofits worldwide have fallen victim to cyberattacks. Today, it’s not a question of if you will experience a cybercrime, it is when - and preparedness is the key to recovery. Join us for an expert led workshop on the anatomy of a cybersecurity breach and a detailed look at leveraging best practice tools, technology, policies, and procedures for recovery. Hear about the latest forms of attacks through real world and Federation case studies and gain a deeper understanding of how to leverage best practices tools to accelerate recover and mitigate loss.
There are so many universal topics that we all care about, no matter our professional function. Whether you are interested in learning more about supervision training, effectively managing lay-pro relationships, connecting with Jewish learning, utilizing AI and technology for your work, or one of the number of other topics we will cover in the cross-function workshops, pick one that matters most to you!
Deli historian Ted Merwin, PhD, will present a multimedia talk, Corned Beef and Camaraderie: The History of the Jewish Deli in Chicago. Ted is the author of the National Jewish Book Award-winning Pastrami on Rye: An Overstuffed History of the Jewish Deli, which traces the mouthwatering history of the Jewish delicatessen. This entertaining, interactive presentation features clips from movies, TV, music, and stand-up comedy routines about the vitally important place of the deli in Chicagoland from the early twentieth century to the present. Dr. Merwin will demonstrate how the deli has developed into an indispensable communal gathering space for generations of Chicago Jews.
Speaker
With an AI powered future and the mantra of being data driven, it is no surprise that CRMs, or Constituent/Customer Relationship Platforms, are top of mind. Done well, a CRM can build stronger relationships, fuel fundraising efforts, and accelerate impact. A panel of experts will discuss the current landscape of opportunity and best practice processes around selecting, implementing, and managing a CRM, as well as what the future of CRM holds for non-profits. JFNA will also present an update on the evolution of the Federation CRM collective - where we are to date and what is on the horizon. Following the presentation, whether you are in the market for a new CRM or are just curious, you’ll have the opportunity to join a variety of breakouts focused on different platform options and have your questions answered by actual Federation users, including Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, BBCRM, Raiser’s Edge, Virtuous, and Arreva. Coming away from this session you will learn:
What a CRM does and doesn’t do
The current landscape of non-profit CRM options
Where the CRM sector is evolving and innovating
Best practices in selecting, implementing, and managing a CRM ecosystem
Realtime CRM feedback from Federations on their current state and future vision
Speaker
We live in a moment of unprecedented breakdown in civil discourse. Unable to listen to each other – let alone understand each other – we are stuck in our own echo chambers. Many fear speaking up so that we are not judged or "marginalized” for our thoughts or identity. We often cannot even agree on a shared set of facts or norms to govern our discourse. These problems cause significant pain and dysfunction for millions, and they show up at work, at schools, on the streets and in our families. The trauma of the global pandemic has only increased fear and distrust among many. This session combines deep Jewish text learning and social psychology in ways that help participants feel a greater sense of hope for the future and gain a set of tools to use for themselves, their families, and the organizations in which they work in and lead.
Speaker
Join for an open and interactive conversation about investing in LGBTQ+ inclusion Jewish spaces. We will identify and prepare to counter some of the common biases and barriers that impact LGBTQ+ people in the workplace. Participants will come away with a deeper understanding of the needs of the LGBTQ+ Jewish community and gain knowledge of resources available to them and feel empowered to engage with those resources. This workshop is designed for organizational leadership, human resources staff, managers, and others responsible for hiring, managing, or building and maintaining workplace cultures at Federations.
Speakers
Being a manager can be rewarding, challenging and stressful. It’s important that today’s leaders feel equipped with the skills to effectively align performance expectations, generate better outcomes, and foster employee engagement. Wouldn’t it be great to have easily understood and immediately applicable ideas to make managing easier? Best-in-class models, breakouts, surveys, and other hands-on activities will be used throughout the session to ensure leaders can immediately take the program information and use it back on the job. The program will support participants as they:
- Hold effective 1:1s
- Set effective goals
- Hold a career development discussion
- Create an environment of psychological safety to ensure a culture of effective management
While we encourage participants to attend both sessions, one on Monday and the other on Tuesday, each session also works as a stand-alone and you may choose to attend just one of the sessions.
Speakers
Creativity is one of the most important characteristics of an effective leader and fosters a successful and healthy workplace environment. Creativity opens up opportunities for problem-solving, achieving goals, and inspiring teams to be imaginative and find unlikely perspectives. What role does creativity play in advancing your personal and organizational mission? How does one access their own creativity as a leadership competency?
During this session we will rock out like its 2023, and sing songs that expand our sense of self, how we interact with others, and how we lead communities. Participants will:
- Develop an understanding of binary thinking
- Learn why flexibility is essential for creativity
- Experience the health benefits of song
Speaker
In this interactive session we will look to Jewish Federation of North America’s lay leadership framework and practical tools to set the tone for generative and effective collaboration between lay and professional leadership. You will walk out with concrete tools to use with your current and future committee Chairs. This workshop is intended for those who are newer to working with lay leaders and/or those who are looking for new tools to use with their Boards and committees.
Speakers
This session will focus on the role that planned giving plays in the engagement and stewardship of our donors. We will explore the role of planned giving in our organizations, the relational vehicles that we may leverage to deepen relationships, the economic impact of planned giving in our communities and the role that professionals may play at all levels to advance planned giving in our communities.
Speakers
Teams are often tasked with key organizational responsibilities including, developing strategy, designing programs and processes, and implementing initiatives. Thus, it is imperative for leaders to understand team dynamics so that they can be valuable team members and capable team leaders. Experiential exercises will be used throughout the session to propel discussion. During this session participants will:
Develop a deeper understanding of the factors that foster peak team performance
Learn how to build a strong team foundation
Examine the biases and pitfalls that can adversely impact team productivity
Focus on strategies that can contribute positively to teaming
Speaker
This isn’t your typical closing plenary. This will be our opportunity to reconnect as a full group, identify our takeaways, and chart our course until the next time we can all be together again.
Breakout with data peers to discuss important topics, share experiences, and learn from colleagues. This session is a great way to do a deeper dive into subjects central to your work that may not have been covered during FedPro while making new, meaningful connections.
Register for this program here
Breakout with technology peers to discuss important topics, share experiences, and learn from colleagues. This session is a great way to do a deeper dive into subjects central to your work that may not have been covered during FedPro while making new, meaningful connections.
Register for this session here
Begins at 2:30pm on Tuesday and ends at ends at 4pm on Wednesday.
This 2-day network-building experience will explore the most cutting-edge and effective strategies, featuring real-world examples, case studies and research drawn from a decade of investment in new models of Jewish teen engagement.
Gather with fellow users to gain insights and share experiences around the BBCRM platform. Moderated by the JFNA BBCRM team, in partnership with our collective thought leaders, we'll dive into your most pressing questions, explore how Federations are using BBCRM in novel, innovative ways, troubleshoot common issues, and delve into how we can leverage our collective synergies to achieve greater success.
Register for this program here
Microsoft is one of our most common platforms, but few Federations are fully leveraging its full potential. If you are interested in learning more about the wealth of features and functionality that Microsoft has to offer, from Office 365 to the Power Platform, or if you have experiences to share on maximizing its capabilities, this session is for you!