More Jewish groups sign up for this year’s GiveNOLA Day, May 5

The second GiveNOLA Day will be on May 5, and will have much more participation by agencies in the Jewish community.

Hosted by the Greater New Orleans Foundation, GiveNOLA Day is a one-day, online giving event to inspire people to give generously to the nonprofit organizations that make the region a stronger and more thriving community for all.

Individuals can make online donations to participating nonprofits here from midnight to 11:59 p.m. on May 5. The minimum donation is $10. All donations made on that day give the nonprofits the opportunity to earn lagniappe dollars, awards and hourly prizes.

Awards include most money raised, most unique donors and randomly-drawn $1,000 hourly prizes. Donations to the Lagniappe Fund will be distributed to all agencies in proportion to what they raise on May 5, and the Foundation hopes to raise at least $250,000 in that fund, and many Jewish-owned businesses are already part of that effort.

Last year, the day raised $2.25 million from over 19,000 donors around the nation. This year, the goal is to raise $3 million from at least 25,000 donors.

Among the over 550 non-profits participating this year will be the Anti-Defamation League, AVODAH: The Jewish Service Corps, Hadassah, Jewish Children’s Regional Service, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Endowment Foundation of Louisiana, Jewish Family Service of Greater New Orleans, Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans, National Council of Jewish Women and Northshore Jewish Congregation.

Last year, six Jewish organizations participated.

In addition to regular contributions of $10 or more, Jewish Family Service notes that the agency will be moving offices later this spring, so GiveNOLA Day is an opportunity for a long-term gift. Contributors of $360 or more will have a mezuzah dedicated in the new office, with the donor’s name on a commemorative plaque. One mezuzah will also be raffled, with all who donate $36 or more receiving an entry.

The New Orleans Jewish Community Center said gifts to the agency through GiveNOLA Day “help us build for the future while allowing us to continue providing quality children’s education and camping experiences, free cultural programming, support for seniors, family fitness, and a welcoming Jewish home for our community.”

The Federation is doing several incentive programs in an effort to top $50,000. Incoming Federation President Eddie Soll is sponsoring a Power Hour from 10 to 11 a.m., matching all donations during that hour, up to $1,000. Current Federation President Morton Katz is sponsoring a similar match of up to $1,000 from 3 to 4 p.m.

Last year, Katz’s Power Hour raised $5,130, easily exceeding the match.

In addition, all new or increased gifts to Federation are matched with 25 percent extra by the Goldring and Woldenberg Family Foundations.

JNOLA will have a Cinco de Mayo GiveNOLA event at Cellar Door from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., with complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres. There will be a match of up to $750 in gifts from Joshua and Mara Force, Brian and Lisa Katz, and Shea and Michelle Soll.

Last year, the Federation raised the most among Jewish groups, coming in 24th in total donors with 151, and 19th in funds raised with $20,760, not counting matches and Lagniappe funds.

The Jewish Endowment Foundation of Louisiana came in second among Jewish groups in dollars raised with $10,451 despite being fifth among Jewish groups on the individual donors list with 40.

The JCC tied for 52nd overall in donors with 97, raising $4,020. JFS attracted 78 gifts totaling $3,544, while JCRS had 70 gifts for $5,814. NCJW raised $1,672 from 31 donors.

Team Gleason topped the overall donors list last year with 631 for $42,864, while the Ogden Museum of Southern Art topped the dollar amount with $101,285 from 147 donors.