Aleph Bet Jewish Day School Fundraising Feasibility Study

United Jewish Council of Anne Arundel County

Executive Summary

The Fundraising Feasibility Study initiated by the Board of the Aleph Bet Jewish Day School (Aleph Bet) for strategic planning addressed the overall likelihood of raising significant funds for the expansion of the school’s physical space and program development. The study examined the community’s perception of the school, the proclivity to support the school’s expansion, potential campaign leadership, and the preparedness of Aleph Bet to undertake a Capital Campaign.

A statement of intent was prepared describing an optimistic proposed expansion of the school on the property of Congregation Kneseth Israel. It was distributed to about 80 individuals/families representing a broad spectrum of the Jewish Community. Between October 23 and December 6, 2002, a total of 37 highly structured interviews, involving 45 individuals, were conducted by an experienced Jewish day school consultant and objective listener, Ms. Donna Shakin.

Four major themes presented themselves repeatedly throughout the interview process.

1. Respondents expressed very strong positive opinions about the school and its academic program. Many noted that the students seem quite happy and that the graduates go on to good middle schools and do well there. Ms. Nan Jarashow, as Head of School, was frequently credited with setting a climate of excellence and raising the academic standards.

2. Several of those interviewed expressed a desire for more demographic information and a stronger explanation of the motivating factors behind the proposed capital campaign. The Statement of Intent described the urgent need to expand and upgrade the facilities, and the results of the 2001 Anne Arundel County Jewish Demographic Study indicated that the number of Jewish children of elementary school age far exceeds Aleph Bet’s enrollment capacity. Nevertheless, representatives of the school will need to continue to explain the need for the school’s expansion to members of the community.

3. Although Aleph Bet has always been a trans-denominational and independent school, many respondents thought it was an Orthodox institution formally affiliated with Congregation Kneseth Israel. Since the success of a Capital Campaign rests on engaging the entire Jewish community, Aleph Bet needs to actively define itself throughout the Jewish community in order to clarify its independence and inclusive philosophy.

4. The most prominent theme articulated by those interviewed regarded the quality of philanthropic giving to Jewish causes in the greater Annapolis area. Many respondents identified donors who have the potential to contribute significantly to a campaign but who have not yet established a record of generosity to local Jewish causes.

The Aleph Bet Board of Trustees recognizes that a compelling case for a larger and modernized facility must be made before launching a Capital Campaign. The Board has the challenge of educating the community about the value of a Jewish Day School education, and must galvanize the entire community in this endeavor. We must also refine the scope of the Campaign, based on identifying essential physical and program elements and must secure critical lead gifts. With these challenges in mind, please recognize that the Board of Trustees is dedicated to enhancing both the academic excellence and the physical environment of the Aleph Bet Jewish Day School.

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