Jewish New Orleans groups gear up for May 3 GiveNOLA Day

Once again, many Jewish organizations in the greater New Orleans area are preparing for GiveNOLA Day, which will be held on May 3.

Over 900 non-profits are signed up to take part in the annual online 24-hour fundraiser. Last year, over $8.1 million was raised from over 67,000 donations from across the country and around the world.

While the main campaign is from 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on May 3, gifts can also be pre-scheduled from April 18 to May 2.

Sponsors and donors contribute to the GiveNOLA Lagniappe Fund, which is divided proportionally among the participating non-profits based on how much they raise.

There are also hourly Rock Around the Clock bonuses of $500 all day, and any organization with a donation during that hour is eligible for the random drawing. Pre-scheduled gifts are not counted toward Rock Around the Clock.

The organizations with the most money raised gets a $7,500 bonus in the large, medium and small organization categories. Similar awards go to groups with the most individual donors. Bonuses are given through fifth place.

The Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans has consistently been one of the top fundraisers, coming in first among small organizations for five years in a row, until the categories were restructured two years ago, moving the Federation to the large organization category. Last year, the Federation ranked third among 910 organizations, raising almost $222,000 from 221 donors. They had set a goal of $150,000 and 250 donors.

The Louise McGehee School placed first overall, with $324,380 from 922 donors.

Each year, the Federation holds special programs in connection with GiveNOLA Day, including Power Hours where gifts are matched.

During Early Giving through May 2, $10,000 in contributions to the Federation will be matched by Annual Campaign Co-Chairs Nancy and Steve Timm.

The Federation, JNOLA, JNEXT, the Golding Family Foundation Center for Jewish-Multicultural Affairs and the Sherry and Alan Leventhal Center for Interfaith Families will have a GiveNOLA Celebration on May 3 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Zony Mash Beer Project. There will be live music by Big in the 90’s, and up to $5,000 in donations will be matched. Those who give to Federation through GiveNOLA will receive a free drink.

In all, the 17 participating Jewish community organizations raised over $336,000 last year, an increase of $100,000. In addition to the Federation, this year’s participating organizations are Jewish Children’s Regional Service, the Jewish Community Day School, Jewish Family Service, the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience, National Council of Jewish Women, Northshore Jewish Congregation, the Anti-Defamation League, Avodah, Beth Israel, Gates of Prayer, the New Orleans Jewish Community Center, Shir Chadash, Slater Torah Academy, Tulane Hillel, Hadassah New Orleans and Temple Sinai. Touro Infirmary Foundation is also participating.

The Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience has set a goal of $25,000, having raised $19,007 last year.

Hadassah New Orleans says GiveNOLA Day is a great way to pay an annual Keepers of the Gate, Chai Keepers or other gift, but those doing so should notify Treasurer Arlene Hines or Charisse Sands.

Gates of Prayer in Metairie has set a goal of $25,500 to provide new educational and outdoor toys for each of the classrooms in its preschool.

Donations can be made here, and can be made from anywhere around the world. The minimum donation is $10.