Thank You for Your Support
The Bender JCC is an all-inclusive community – from the people we serve to the programs we offer – rooted in Jewish values. The Bender JCC connects people through high-quality programs for all ages, backgrounds, abilities and interests.
Your Impact
Why We Need Your Support
Much of what we do is not fully supported by program or membership fees. We rely on donors to help make many of our programs and services possible and to help make all of our programs financially accessible through scholarships. 30% of the Bender JCC’s annual operating budget comes from contributed income including individual contributions, grants, endowment income, and an allocation from the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.
$2,500
Could help fund a one-on-one inclusion counselor for a camper with disabilities.
$1,000
Could help fund a film screening for 300 community members.
$750
Could help fund a scholarship for a teen to participate in JCC Maccabi Games.
$500
Could help fund 60 hot nutritious meals for seniors.
$180
Could help support a six month scholarship for a group home resident to be a member of The Bender JCC
$36
Could help fund supplies for a young family outreach program.
Fundraising Events
Every year, the Bender JCC hosts two signature fundraising events: Dinner of Champions and Voices of Leadership. Dinner of Champions, hosted in the fall, renews our community’s commitment to inclusion. Voices of Leadership, hosted in the spring, honors leadership.
Thousands of campers with disabilities, who make up 20% of our Lessans Camp JCC community each year, have received inclusion support thanks in large part to funds raised from the Dinner of Champions.
Voices of Leadership, a very special evening celebrating leadership, raises funds to support scholarships at the Bender JCC, reducing financial barriers and creating an inclusive community.
Funding Needs
Program: Bring shlichim (emissaries) from Israel to the Bender JCC to conduct Israel-related programming
Impact: Creates a deeper connection to the people, history, culture, and land of Israel within our community and on our staff
Funding Need: $34,000 for a year-round shaliach, $16,000 for four summer shlichim to staff Camp JCC
Program: Provide geographically-accessible low barrier Jewish-themed family programming
Impact: Connections and community are developed for Jewish and interfaith families
Funding Need: $25,000 annually
Program: Provide inclusion services to meet the growing need for after-school care for children with disabilities by providing a 1:1 counselor support
Impact: Children with disabilities are fully included in our after-school program, providing benefits for them, their families, peers and counselors, and the entire community
Funding Need: $40,000 for five inclusion participants each school year
Program: Provide transportation to and from the Bender JCC where seniors receive hot kosher lunches and participate in exercise, wellness and social programs
Impact: Frail and vulnerable seniors are happier, healthier, and better able to age in place by maintaining social interactions, improving nutrition, and building community with appropriate connections to support services
Funding Need: $15,000 annually
Our arts programming illuminates the human experience. Program fees alone do not cover the cost to provide these events. Therefore, we have created the Friends of the Arts giving society. We invite you to support the programs you love by becoming a member.
Your gift helps support outstanding and accessible programs, engaging the community through concerts, literary events, film, and visual arts. Help keep the Bender JCC the center of the Jewish arts community in the Greater Washington metro area, providing a home for you and so many others who depend on these community-building opportunities.
Consider Other Ways to Give
Stocks or other investments held for more than one year that have grown in value can provide a substantial gift to the Bender JCC at a low net cost to donors. The full value of the appreciated asset is deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Contact Rachel Ossman at 301-348-3727 or [email protected] to explore this donation option. Detailed stock transfer information can be found here.
Creating an endowment fund is a meaningful way to honor or memorialize a loved one while ensuring the future financial stability of the Bender JCC. An endowment fund may be established with a minimum gift of $30,000.
Does your employer offer a matching gift? Check with your human resources office and review your corporation’s matching gift guidelines before applying for a matching gift.
Celebrate a wedding, birthday, anniversary or birth. Wish congratulations on a graduation, promotion or new house. Honor the memory of a loved one or friend. Send wishes for a speedy recovery.
Partnered With
The Bender JCC is a nonsectarian 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 53-0205921) providing programs and services for all in our community. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.