How does JCRS impact youth in the Greater New Orleans Jewish community?
JCRS annually serves or fund more than 54% (550+) of the Greater New Orleans Jewish youth ages 17 and under through the PJ Library book subscription program, needs-based scholarship programs for Jewish summer camp, college, and special needs assistance, and through our outreach services. (See attached: Programs & Services/Accomplishments sheet)
Who is the typical JCRS client?
JCRS funds at-risk and vulnerable Jewish youth and families from seven (7) Mid-South states: Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, and Tennessee. All scholarship programs are needs-based, except for PJ Library and PJ Our Way which are open to all Jewish youth ages 6 months to pre-teen, regardless of need. Nearly 40% of our clients come from single-parent homes and many are being raised by someone other than their biological parents – grandparents, other family members, foster care. The typical family has 5 members within the household and the combined average gross income is less than $70,000 per year.
Where does JCRS funding come from?
JCRS receives the vast majority of its funding from private donations from individuals and foundations. This is achieved through annual direct mail appeals, special events, bequests and memorials. Less than 7% of the agency’s annual revenue comes from Jewish Federation allocations. As an exclusively Jewish organization, JCRS is not eligible for government grants or United Way funding and receives little funding from corporate foundations. The JCRS is designated by the IRS as a 501(c)3 tax-exempt charitable organization whose Federal Tax ID is 72-0408936.
How can Jewish foundations and donors help JCRS?
- Major gift or significant investment in one or all of the JCRS scholarship programs – Camp, College, and Special Needs.
- Establish a permanent endowed fund.
- An annual undesignated gift to benefit Jewish youth and support the operating expenses of the organization.